Heidelberg, Bavaria
April 2006
When working in Frankfurt and looking for something to do on the weekend, the medieval town of Heidleberg is always the first suggestion.
Heidleberg is only 80Km from Frankfurt and is easily reached by train. Its not such a big place with a population of about 200,000, though the 3.5 million visitors that mill through its streets every year certainly create a busy feel.
The picturesque old town that hosts many squares, cafes and churches.
The wide River Neckar and its equally large houses apparently owned by professors of Heidleberg University.
Some of the many spires that poke out of the Heidelberg skyline.
Apparently there is a funicular railway to take people to the lofty viewpoints of Heidleberg castle. Unfortunately we didn't find it and so hiked our way up there.
The Castle entrance is large and airy with spectacular views across Heidleberg and the river Neckar.
Deep in the cellars of Heidleberg castle lies 'the Heidleberg Tun', a huge wine vat with a dance floor perched on top.
Getting around is not so hard, though these tourists seem to be making a hard time of reading the map.
A typical park, many of which can be found dotted around Heidelberg.
Liliana drinking from one of the large fountains in the main square near the castle.
Heidelberg is one of those pretty towns where photographers try to find inspiration amongst the medieval buildings and ... other photographers!
The architecture of Heidleberg castle is mixed and seems to have been added to over the years with no real plan in mind.
The castle is pretty much in ruins, though in a more impressive way than other castles. Here you can see how a tower is cleft into two pieces exposing the internal chambers.
At the end of the day, these three tourists were still struggling with the winding streets of Heidelberg and their German Map!
Getting There - Directions from Frankfurt
It's funny how things are in Germany, but when we bought our train tickets from a machine, we were offered a choice of prices, either 108 euros or 30 euros for our group of 4
Maybe someone somewhere would choose the higher price but not us! Germany has a great deal on weekends, that a group (not sure how many) can travel anywhere on normal (not high speed) trains for 30 euro as long as they come back the same day!
From Frankfurt Main station, there is a direct train that takes about an hour and a half to get to Heidelberg. From the train station to get to the castle though takes a little more effort and though not so far, its still worth talking to the tourist information office outside the station.
