Heidelberg Germany

Heidelberg , Germany sits on the Neckar River in Southwestern Germany. The romantic city was one of the few cities in Germany that was not significantly damaged during WWII. It offers many attractions: the Heidelberg Castle, Heidelberg University, Philosophenweg (Philosopher’s Walk), Old town bridge, and the unmatched German Markets.

Old Town Heidelberg

The Old Bridge was the first stone bridge to be constructed on the river in 1786. The two towers on the bridges city side were original part of the city wall, but also served as dungeons that were used to hold criminals. In the center of the towers is a plaque acknowledging the Austrian troops who defend the bridge against an attack in 1799 form french troops.

One of the features of the Old Bridge is a famous bronze Bridge Monkey. Dating as far back as the 15th century, the monkey holds a mirror as a reminder to Heidelberg’s citizens that neither the city-dwellers, nor the people who lived outside the city, were better than the other. They should look over their shoulder as they cross the bridge to remember this.

Today’s more modern story says if you touch the fingers of the Bridge Monkey it would ensure your return to Heidelberg, touch the mirror for wealth, and touch the mice for fertility.

A bit further into the city revealed the original narrow streets that survived the burning of the city by the French. The Churches, the Hotel zum Ritter St. Georg and the stables are some of the only buildings that survived. Many great restaurants and shops now occupy these cobblestone streets.

The Hotel zum Ritter St. Georg stands on the walkplats. In 1592 Carolus Belier had the gabled house, with its Renaissance facade, built to honor his wife Francina. It is one of the most frequently photographed sight of Heidelberg.

Heidelberg Castle

The Heidelberg Castle has a rich history and has been destroyed several times. Originally constructed around 1300, it became a regal residence in 1398. It was damaged during the Thirty Years War (1618-1648), and only the inter was restored due to financial constraints. Then in 1689 the French burned the castle, and most of the town, during the War of Succession. Restoration again was started only to again be destroyed by the French in 1693. In 1764, still in the rebuilding phase, it was struck by lightning, causing a major fire. The palace decayed from here, and not until 1810 was the conservation of the castle ruins started. Only the Friedrichsbau, which was not completely destroyed, was restored fully. Today the castle hosts wine tasting, weddings, and festivals. The castle is also home to a few astounding attractions, like The Heidelberg Tun, which is the world’s biggest wine barrel, able to hold up to 220,000 liters, The Pharmacy Museum, and the beautiful gardens and grounds.

Although the walk up to the castle is a hike, the views on the way are worth the work.

Once at the castle you are again are rewarded with spectacular views and sites.

The views looking across the Neckar River from the castle.

One of the many theater performances held at the castle.

The Pharmacy Museum in the castle.

The Famous wine barrel is 9 meters (30 feet) long, 8 meters (26 feet)high and 7 meters (23 feet) in diameter. It holds around 220,000 liters (58000 gallons) of wine.

The Philosophenweg

The Philosophers Walk, or the Philosophenweg, is located on the northern banks of the Neckar River. Just a simple path through the vineyards admired for its solitude, natural beauty, and great views of the town. It would later be renamed Philosophenweg during the Romantic Period because of the many professors and philosophers of Heidelberg who enjoyed the path. Views of Heidelberg from along this path are said to have inspired the famous German poets Joseph von Eichendorff and Friedrich Hölderlin in their writings.

Stunning views of the castle and the old Bridge from Philosophers way.

The hidden gardens along the way offer a place to rest and enjoy the views.

Neckar River

The Neckar is 367 km long, mainly flowing through the south-western state of Baden-Württemberg. It is a major tributary of the River Rhine, which it joins in Mannheim, just a few kilometres from Heidelberg. The river starts at the Black Forrest at over 2000 ft above sea level, and with the aid of 27 locks, ends at the Rhine River in Mannheim at just over 300 ft above sea level.

American writer Mark Twain spent time in Heidelberg. His time traveling on the Neckar was inspiration for his novel Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.

One of the locks along the river.

Markets

Bismarckplatz is a transit station in Heidelberg. It leads to the Marketplatz, the heart of the Alstadt. On one side is the town hall and the other stands the Church of the Holy Ghost. In the middle ages, witches and heretics were burned at the stake here, and citizens charged with petty crimes served their time hanging in a cage for all to see and torment. Today, the market is much more hospitable. Restaurants and shops dominate the area and, of course, the Christmas market is the prize of Alstadt.

Church of the Holy Ghost

Kornmarkt (Corn Market) is located at the end of the walkplatz. from here you can walk or take a tram up the the castle. The statue in the center of the market is Madonna. It was meant to remind the townspeople back to their Catholic roots.

Studenternkarzer (Student Prison)

As far back as the 16th Century, students attending the University were causing problems for citizens.The mischief led to the opening of a Studentenkarzer, or Student Prison where students could be kept off the streets for up to four weeks depending of the severity of their crimes. Often the crimes included disturbing the peace, womanising, unruly drunkenness, and setting the townspeople’s pigs free. The students were permitted to attend classes despite being locked up. The Prison was moved several times, and it finally closed down in 1914. Today, that prison can be toured and the original graffiti offers a glimpse into student life at the University of Heidelberg before World War I.

“All work and no play makes Hans a dull boy.”

After visiting all the wonderful sites Heidelberg has to offer, a nice stroll along the river is a great way to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature that the city tries to keep preserved.