AmyHuang
Germany: Storybook Heidelberg
It is overly touristy, slightly pricy but still extremely charming. Heidelberg comes with many stories and boy do I love stories. Easily reached from major cities like Stuttgart and Frankfurt on the train, it's one of my favourite travel spots in Germany.
When you arrive at the main train station, you have actually arrived in Heidelberg new town. What you need to do is keep walking and walking and eventually you'll enter Heidelberg old town where all the sights are.
The main part of Heidelberg is small and pleasant enough to get around on foot (my favourite transport) and there are places to explore on both sides of the Neckar river. Two well known landmarks -- the Alte Bruecke (Old Bridge) and the Heidelberg Schloss (The Castle) -- are the icon of Heidelberg. While around the bridge, make sure to check out the little brass sculptures with unusually polished areas. A bronze monkey holding a mirror in one hand, the other hand is pointing out and on the side of the monkey are 2 mice. Rubbing on the mirror will give you wealth; rubbing on the finger pointing out will make sure that you return to Heidelberg; and rubbing on the mice will ensure you have lots of children. While avoiding the mice at all costs, my wish to return to Heidelberg was granted by a second visit three years later.
The Castle is a must to visit. It's a good idea to purchase a information booklet that explains the stories behind the castles but a local fruit merchant told me there was a princess from this castle married a French prince. While they were very much in love with each other, the princess demanded to leave the prince because in France they wouldn't let her drink beer for breakfast.
Whether the story was true or not, the German's love for a drink is evident through the barrels on display at the castle. Tho original barrels that was used by its King are preserved in the castle cellars and the large one, built in 1750, holds exactly 221,726 litres of wine - that is A LOT to drink. Even Homer Simpson would need to stop for a break with this barrel! You can walk up to the platform on the top of the barrel to gawk at its size.
The cellar now also hold wine tasting of wines produced in the Heidelberg region. You can have a couple of glasses before deciding on a favourite.
When it comes to more stories, you could catch the cable car up to Königstuhl, a fairy tale theme park with lots of wood crafted mechanic figures telling stories from kings, queens, princesses and donkeys. Perhaps something better for children to visit but don't let that stop you getting the cable car up. Once you get up there, you do have a wonderful view of the city and you can walk your way down slowly and eventually end up in the Castle Gardens. It's a beautiful forest walk and will do your legs good from all those long train/bus rides!
Alternatively, cross the river and stroll through the Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Way) - it is unfortunately a steep climb but the gardens and the view is worth the effort once you get up there. Many students and teachers of Heidelberg University apparently walked here while discussing the world and its many philosophies. Having sat on a chair surrounded by roses I myself doze into philosophical thoughts in the tranquil surroundings.
Another option for a good view is to climb up the tower of the church - but that's a different kind of energy you'll require for the steep spiral stairs!
Other than sight seeing, I took a whole day just exploring Heidelberg's cobbled streets and many cafes and restaurants. There is nothing better than sitting in the square having a nice coffee and slice of pastry while watching the world go by around you. Those up for a bit more adventure can hire a bike and ride along the river and around Heidelberg streets - even worth to venture out of the touristy Old Town and check out the surroundings.
You'll like it
Visit e-Heidelberg for more tourist and accommodation information.
When you arrive at the main train station, you have actually arrived in Heidelberg new town. What you need to do is keep walking and walking and eventually you'll enter Heidelberg old town where all the sights are.
The Alte Bruecke on the Neckar
The main part of Heidelberg is small and pleasant enough to get around on foot (my favourite transport) and there are places to explore on both sides of the Neckar river. Two well known landmarks -- the Alte Bruecke (Old Bridge) and the Heidelberg Schloss (The Castle) -- are the icon of Heidelberg. While around the bridge, make sure to check out the little brass sculptures with unusually polished areas. A bronze monkey holding a mirror in one hand, the other hand is pointing out and on the side of the monkey are 2 mice. Rubbing on the mirror will give you wealth; rubbing on the finger pointing out will make sure that you return to Heidelberg; and rubbing on the mice will ensure you have lots of children. While avoiding the mice at all costs, my wish to return to Heidelberg was granted by a second visit three years later.
Street scence in old Heidelberg
The Castle is a must to visit. It's a good idea to purchase a information booklet that explains the stories behind the castles but a local fruit merchant told me there was a princess from this castle married a French prince. While they were very much in love with each other, the princess demanded to leave the prince because in France they wouldn't let her drink beer for breakfast.
Schloss Heidelberg - Heidelberg Castle
Whether the story was true or not, the German's love for a drink is evident through the barrels on display at the castle. Tho original barrels that was used by its King are preserved in the castle cellars and the large one, built in 1750, holds exactly 221,726 litres of wine - that is A LOT to drink. Even Homer Simpson would need to stop for a break with this barrel! You can walk up to the platform on the top of the barrel to gawk at its size.
The cellar now also hold wine tasting of wines produced in the Heidelberg region. You can have a couple of glasses before deciding on a favourite.
When it comes to more stories, you could catch the cable car up to Königstuhl, a fairy tale theme park with lots of wood crafted mechanic figures telling stories from kings, queens, princesses and donkeys. Perhaps something better for children to visit but don't let that stop you getting the cable car up. Once you get up there, you do have a wonderful view of the city and you can walk your way down slowly and eventually end up in the Castle Gardens. It's a beautiful forest walk and will do your legs good from all those long train/bus rides!
Up the cable car on the hills of Heidelberg
Alternatively, cross the river and stroll through the Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Way) - it is unfortunately a steep climb but the gardens and the view is worth the effort once you get up there. Many students and teachers of Heidelberg University apparently walked here while discussing the world and its many philosophies. Having sat on a chair surrounded by roses I myself doze into philosophical thoughts in the tranquil surroundings.
Another option for a good view is to climb up the tower of the church - but that's a different kind of energy you'll require for the steep spiral stairs!
Other than sight seeing, I took a whole day just exploring Heidelberg's cobbled streets and many cafes and restaurants. There is nothing better than sitting in the square having a nice coffee and slice of pastry while watching the world go by around you. Those up for a bit more adventure can hire a bike and ride along the river and around Heidelberg streets - even worth to venture out of the touristy Old Town and check out the surroundings.
You'll like it
Visit e-Heidelberg for more tourist and accommodation information.
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I loved Heidelberg. It's a beautiful, charismatic town isn't it?
Tracy
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You write so brilliantly, I'd love to join you.
Crystal.
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Tracy
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Heidelberg is a lovely place. I used to live not far away from there, and I always enjoyed it when we went there. And I enjoyed reading your post
Sonya
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Tracy - Let's all go together!!!
Sonya - lucky you got to live near there, I lived in Germany for a year but in Saarbruecken, which is not bad either but not as charming as Heidelberg