European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - October 17, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                A amps Dave Casey Burg Shadeck a also known As swallows nest a emerges from the Hills and Woods near Necka Steinach. Below left local tourist offices Are Standard sights along Germany s Castle Road. Neckar River Talley Long on castles Short on tourists by Anita Gosch staff writer history books say that Britain s Queen Victoria was born in London in 1819. But they re wrong says Heinrich Strohauer master Baker and owner of the Viktoria cafe in Eberbach a town along the Neckar River in Germany. The accepted tale is that Victoria s parents were living in the German town of Morbach when her Mother found herself late in the family Way. They made a mad dash by horse and buggy to England so that the future Queen might rightfully be born in Britain. The truth according to Strohauer is that Victoria was born on a boat docked on the Neckar at Eberbach. Her parents had lived in Eberbach they had merely married in Morbach says Strohauer and when Victoria s Mother discovered that it was too late to get to England she sold All her belongings overnight and bought a boat. Since thu boat was thus under British ownership Victoria s Birthplace could Ott scially be registered As i Ondon. I he Ai count does t appear anywhere in print says Strohauer. But has been passed Down through generations of Eberbach townsfolk. The master Baker decided to take advantage of the legend and in 1962, he created the Victoria torte a Rich Orange wine cake. He sent the first one to Queen Elizabeth. Quot i wanted to make Eberbach famous in Honor of Victoria says Strohauer. Quot Queen Elizabeth wrote Back and said she got the cake and really liked  if the legend were True Victoria s parents chose the Ideal place for their Royal love Story. Eberbach sits in the Neckar River Valley along what is probably the most romantic stretch of the Burge Strasse Germany s Castle Road that begins in Heidelberg and winds its Way to Nurnberg. The Valley itself is Rife with tales of knights and robber Barons who made their Home and did their evil deeds along the River no less than 12 castles Rise from the dense forests on either Side of the Neckar in the 55-mile stretch Between Heidelberg and Heilbronn. Most of the castles Are now in ruins some have been restored and turned into hotels and others Are private residences. But All of them recall the glory and splendor of times Long gone by. And with just a Little imagination \ visitors can step Back to those times while climbing Steep 4 stripes Magazine october 17, 1991