Three Things to Explore in Heidelberg, Germany

On our Rhine River cruise, we toured the city of Heidelberg. Heidelberg is located along the Neckar River in south-west Germany. It is approximately 50 miles south of Frankfurt. It is a college town and home to Heidelberg University, one of Germany’s oldest universities. It dates back to 1386. It is a hub for the arts and attracts many poets, writers, and other artists. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network has as designated it the “City of Literature.”

Fun Fact #1 – US Army General George Patton had a car accident in the nearby city of Mannheim. He later died in Heidelberg, US Army Hospital. He is buried in Luxembourg.

Heidelberg Palace

During the 13th century, the palace was once the residence of the Prince of Electors of Palatinate. Though due to war and natural disasters, it saw much destruction. In the 17th century, the Palatinates were involved in the Thirty Years and the Nine Year Wars. The Prince no longer had any interest in the destroyed palace and moved his residence to Mannheim. The castle continued to fall to ruins from neglect and two lightning strikes.

Taken from Wikipedia, here is a timeline of events at the castle.

Timeline of events for Heidelberg Castle:

• 1225: first documented mention as “Castrum”.
• 1303: mention of two castles.
• 1537: the destruction of the upper castle by a lightning bolt.
• 1610: the creation of the palace garden
• 1622: Tilly conquers city and castle in the Thirty Years War
• 1642: renewal of the Castle plants.
• 1688/1689: destruction by French troops.
• 1693: renewed destruction in the Palatinate succession war.
• 1697: (start) reconstruction.
• 1720: transfer of the residence to Mannheim.
• 1742: (start) reconstruction.
• 1764: destruction by a lightning bolt.
• 1810: Charles de Graimberg dedicates himself to the preservation of the Castle ruins.
• 1860: first Castle lighting.
• 1883: the establishment of the “office of building of castles of Baden.”
• 1890: stocktaking by Julius Koch and Fritz Seitz.
• 1900: (circa) restorations and historical development.

We were fortunate enough to have a guided tour. The guides dress from different historical periods. There are 150 guides and tours are offered in 20 languages. It is quite a process to become a guide. There is a 3-month training program with an exam at the end. Our guide was funny and never broke out of character.

Though you can tour both the interior and exterior of the palace, we only had time for the exterior. Just another reason to go back, right?

The tour was interesting and just long enough that it held our interest. Though we did not tour the inside, we were able to go into one building, the Fassbau (wine cellar), from 1590, which houses the largest wine barrel in the world, Heidelberg Tun, which holds 58,124 gallons of wine.

Fun Fact #2- Mark Twain, who visited the castle and later, on a boat trip, he wrote a chapter to his famous book, Huckleberry Finn.

Old Town Heidelberg

Altstadt is the oldest part of the city and sits right below the palace. The Hauptstraße is the main road through the Altstadt and is where most of the shopping is centered. Other points of interest that can be found in the Altstadt include the Marktplatz, the Kornmarkt, the Church of the Holy Ghost, the Palatinate Museum, Synagogue Square, The University, Marstall, Heuscheuer, the Friedrich Memorial, and the Old Bridge.

Philosopher’s Walk

Philosopher’s Walk is a path located along the banks of the Nectar River across the bridge from Old Town and Heidelberg Castle. The walk was a couple of miles and quite hilly. It was a great work out, and the view was worth it. There are beautiful gardens at the top, along with a monastery. The path itself winds through woods, vineyards, and gardens. It is named after the philosophers and poets who came here to think and ponder.

Heidelberg is beautiful and I would have loved to have seen more. Another place I want to return to someday.

Fun Fact #3 – College is free in Germany and open to anyone, regardless if a citizen or not.