Beautiful and ancient town (Heidelberg)

Member Name: llamass

Product:	Heidelberg
Date:	27/05/09 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots of history and pretty setting

Disadvantages: A little small to spend more than a few days

Heidelberg is an ancient university town nestled in the hills on the Neckar. A peaceful, even idyllic setting yet the small city is only one hour by train from the international centre (and airport) of Frankfurt.

Living up to the stereotype, German transport generally is reasonably efficient and there are bus and train connections across Germany and further afield. Watch out for Happy-Weekend tickets where 5 people can travel anywhere in Germany using local services for only 35 euros. Similarly there are deals where connections to France, Hungary, Italy and other destinations are available for as low as 29 euros-making heidelberg extremely cheap to reach and travel on from. The closets airport with a ryanair service is frankfurt hahn where it is a two hour busride to the centre of Heidelberg.

Once in Heidelberg the old city can be navigated by food but the rest of the city has an excellent tram system. Grab a map from tourist information and this is a cheap and easy way to get around.

The old town of Heidelberg can be comfortably walked around and holds most of the tourist sights. The principle attraction towering above the city is, of course, the castle. Now a ruin but in renaissance style the castle is perched up on the hillside above the old town. 3 times every summer to commemorate the 3 times it has burnt down a light show immitating the burning castle is shown. The exact dates change every year so check online.

The Old bridge (Karl-Theodor Bridge) is the second symbol of the city and has a medieval gate on the town side. the bridge was reconstructed after WWII in keeping with it's previous design. This is a good place to take photos of the castle.

Heidelberg is known mainly as a university town and one of the oldest in Europe at that. The buildings are scattered across the old town but some in particular are worth taking an extra look at. One is the library, an ornate and beautiful building on Ploeck street and the second is the old university jail.

The Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit) is a fantastic building started in the 14th century in late-gothic style (although not completed until the 16th century). An architectural wonder and working church it is a calm and fascinating place to see.

Heidelberg bursts at the seams with famous names who have been born, lived, studied and died here particularly in the philosophy area. On the opposite side of the Neckar banks from the town is an area where groups of philosophers used to walk to relax and think and so has become known as the Philosophenweg or Philosopher's Walk. A nice stroll up the hill incorporating gardens and parks this also leads up to viewpoint of the castle which is perfect for phototaking.

The old town is scattered with restaurants and pubs many in 'ye olde' German style where you can try endless beers, sauerkraut and sausage (and some very good German dishes!) but if this doesn't appeal then there are Thai, japanese and Indian and other international restuarants. Prices may be a little higher here than in an average German town but 10 euros would get a main dish and drink in all but the most expensive places.

Summary: Great place to sightsee and relax