Heidelberg

Travel times from Freiburg:
Train – 1 hour, 45 mins.
Car – 1 hour, 40 mins.

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.”

Take in the magic of the Castle, the Old Bridge and the Old Town panorama; wander through the picturesque medieval 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. Originally begun in the late 14th century, the complex reflects most of the great stylistic epochs due to the many phases in which it was built.

The Heiliggeistkirche (Holy Ghost Church) is a testament to medieval architecture. The late Romanesque basilica was first mentioned in 1239. In 1398, it was replaced by a large church building with a nave constructed in the typical style of the late Gothic period. The chancel was completed by 1410, and the building of the nave took until 1441. There was also a delay in the construction of the church tower, which was started again in 1508. The chancel contained the tombs of the Prince Electors of the Palatinate.

The Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church), located opposite of the University Library's entrance, is the oldest one preserved in Heidelberg's Old Town. It is believed that the church was erected during the 12th century. Note the oak-tree east of the chancel that was planted in 1883 in memory of Martin Luther's 400th birthday.

The Heuscheuer, a medieval communal granary, was built in the 18th century from the ruins of a former corner tower of the city wall. In 1963, the building was reconstructed and renovated. Today, the Heuscheuer houses modern university lecture halls. During renovation, the staircases leading to former defense towers were rediscovered. One of them is still preserved and open to the public.

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, you can take a leisurely amble 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 concluding your tour of the medieval masterpieces of Germany.

This is just a sampling of sights and cities in the Historic Highlights of Germany. Find out more at www.historicgermany.com. For planning assistance, contact your travel professional.