Took the long route of 23 km (14+ mi) on paved roads rather than through muddy, wet fields (rain was predicted earlier, but came with a downpour vengeance for the last hour). I stopped at a Gasthaus in Kieselbach and they served me the local specialty: Thüringische Klöße mit Schweinefilet (I'm in the state of Thüringen--and their big potato dumplings were a treat!!!)--I was the only one in the restaurant, but then it was only 11 AM.
On arrival at Vacha, I picked up the key to the hostel at the bookstore and was awarded a pin and a little certificate for completing the Ökumenischen Pilgerweg (the special German part of the Via Regia/Camino that ends here). The Via Regia/Camino continues on just not the "Ecumenical Part."
Vacha is precious, but few people seem to be out--the rain a while ago might explain that. I love the Fachbau style of houses and captured a pic of their city hall in that style. You can also see my tasty lunch and very modern room (in fact, the hostel is a remodel in a very old building).
