Heidelberg

Travel times from Erfurt:
Train – 3 hours, 30 mins.
Car – 3 hours

Heidelberg is renowned for its romantic ambiance. Joseph von Eichendorff, the German Romantic poet who studied in Heidelberg in 1807, could be speaking today: “Heidelberg itself is a magnificent romantic city; there the spring entwines the houses and courtyards and everything ordinary with vines and flowers, and castles and forests tell a wonderful fairytale of times past.” The charming city was also the site of an important event during the Reformation.

After presenting his Theses at Wittenberg, Luther traveled to Heidelberg in April 1518. He attended a meeting of the local Augustinian Order to defend his views in debate, and during this so-called “Heidelberg Disputation” he defined his positions in greater detail. Several young theologians in attendance took notice of his teachings and helped develop their city into a stronghold of German Protestantism by mid-century.

In the following century, the city also fostered the creation of the Heidelberg Catechism, the handbook of Calvinists throughout Europe. Visit St. Peter’s Church to see the oak tree planted outside in honor of Luther’s 400th birthday in 1883, a memorial to a man that played such a large role in the city’s history.

Beyond its significance to the Reformation, though, Heidelberg is home to a host of romantic and intriguing sites. Take in the magic of the Castle, the Old Bridge and the Old Town panorama; wander through the picturesque side streets full of enticing opportunities to look, poke around and shop; enjoy the varied year-round program of cultural activities and the flair of historic student pubs.

Heidelberg is an endlessly walkable little city. Stroll the Old Town for traditional markets on the squares and cosmopolitan shopping on the bustling Hauptstrasse. The restaurant selection is plentiful, and some of the best people-watching is to be done from outdoor dining on this main pedestrian way.

The ruins of the Heidelberg Castle are a steep but short hike, or one stop up on the funicular rail, from the Old Town. Majestically perched high above the narrow lanes and picturesque roofs of town, the magnificent red sandstone structure crowns the city. For five centuries it was the glamorous residence of the Electors Palatine.

No city was as beloved by the Romantic poets as Heidelberg, due in great part to her enchanting location on the Neckar River amidst mountains, woods and sloping vineyards. The city has drawn and inspired great writers and thinkers for many centuries, leading its popular walking path to become known as the Philosopher’s Walk.  Recognized as one of Europe’s most beautiful trails, it offers a leisurely ramble to see the panorama of the city and river below that moved the likes of Goethe, Mark Twain, Carl Maria von Weber, Alan Ginsburg and many more.

As Germany’s oldest university town, Heidelberg flaunts her distinguished history while retaining a youthful atmosphere. One in five residents is a student, and the many bistros, bars, boutiques, music and dance clubs, coffeehouses and theaters catering to this group are to be enjoyed by the visitor as well. And be sure to treat yourself to a “Student’s Kiss,” Heidelberg’s mouth-wateringly sweet specialty, before moving on to the final leg of your tour.