Heidelberg

Travel times from Augsburg:
Train – 2 hours, 30 mins.
Car – 2 hours, 30 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 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. See the indelible marks of the imperial Prince Electors Palatine who ruled Heidelberg for so many centuries, and keep your eyes open for lions emblazoned upon various public spaces, the traditional symbol of the "Kurpfalz" (Palatinate).

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. The construction lasted over 400 years and consists of ramparts, outbuildings and palaces in all styles from Gothic to High Renaissance. The two dominant buildings at the eastern and northern side of the courtyard were erected the 16th century, and today they are considered to be two of the most important buildings in German architectural history.

Another point of interest regarding Heidelberg’s Electors Palatine is the triumphal arch in honor of the Prince Elector Karl Theodor, located at the far eastern edge of town. When the foundation-stone was laid on October 2, 1775, the Prince Elector personally attended the celebration. He took a personal interest in the construction work, and the final result was a neo-classical building following the tradition of Roman triumphal arches, crowned by four lions. Portraits of the Prince Elector and his wife can be seen under the princely hat towards the top of the structure. You can also visit the tombs of the Prince Electors in the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Ghost).

Take a half-day excursion to visit the sumptuous residence of the Palatinate Electors Karl Philipp and Carl Theodor, Schwetzingen Castle and its gardens. Often referred to as the "German Versailles," the palace was built from 1698, and its famous gardens grew from 1742, inspired by both French and English estates. Explore the castle’s varied architectural elements, including the luxurious bathhouses of the Electors, the mosque and the 1752 Rococo theatre.

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 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.