Romantic city of Heidelberg
- Maya del Aire
- Dec 14, 2018
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 20, 2019
This is day nine of your nine day vacation itinerary. If you choose to follow this itinerary on your vacation, you will explore three regions, Bavaria, Saxony and Brandenburg, in Germany which include eight different spots. This particular day focuses on favorite spots in magical city of Heidelberg. The itinerary includes all relevant information that you need to have a smooth vacation, so just get ready and follow my lead.
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Day 9 Romatic city of Heidelberg
About the city
Heidelberg is renowned to be a city that combines romanticism and 21st century reality. Its Old City characteristics are vibrant University population, colorful cobblestone streets and beautiful mansions nested by the River Neckar. Heidelberg is a scientific hub of Germany, and also home of the German oldest and one of the most reputable Universities in Europe. It is a city full of history and since very close to Frankfurt, business hub; it is quite often visited by tourists. The Heidelberg Castle and The bridge gate are the most visited site in Heidelberg, and this is why they will be include in my day itinerary.
How to get there from Frankfurt
a) By car it takes just over an hour with good traffic via A5,
b) If you are taking a train, as I did, book Quer Durch land ticket, which can take up to 4 person additionally, with €8. Price for one person is €44 price at the moment. You can use the train from Monday –Friday from 09:00-03:00 the following day. All regional trains (RB, IRE, RE) and rapid transit trains (S-Bahn) operated by DB and other cooperating railway undertakings can be used with on ticket. There are options for slightly cheaper price €19.90 one way, but if you miss your specific train that you booked, you will loose the ticket. you don’t have to book your ticket in advance which is another advantage of this option.
c) Taking a bus is the most affordable option. The only thing is that you will have to book it in advance and it will be valid for that specific time that you’ve chosen. You can use few websites that will help you starting from www.busradar.com
d) Combination of boat and bus, which is usually arranged by tour operators. There are cruises that go only through the Heidelberg, along Nectar river and that might not be as imposing as Bingen- Kobletz stretch, but it is still an interesting way to see Heidelberg.
I have not used any of these cruises therefore; I won’t be able to help much with details.
For more info about how to choose your transport in Germany, click here.
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Itinerary
Map link: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/embed?mid=1TkoYjvHNzxbEAXAS7WFCJ87kcN9i-9_Q
Philosophers’ way
09:00-10:00
Stroll down the scenic north banks of the Neckar River along Philosophers' Way (Philosophenweg). Named for its solitary and romantic charm, the riverside path is as one of Heidelberg's iconic landmarks. Here, you'll find views of the city's historic old town and the Heidelberg Castle. Meander through the surrounding gardens, or venture farther up the path: On the mountain, you can visit an 11th-century monastery and remains of a Celtic fort. If you time it right, you can sit outside at the hilltop cafe to enjoy the sun setting over the old city skyline.
Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to do this walk, but after reading numerous blogs and reviews, I can wholeheartedly recommend it.
Old Bridge
10:00-11:00
Slide down towards the Old Bridge. Named in honor of the man who constructed it, Carl Theodor Old Bridge (Alte Brucke) stands as one of Heidelberg's most iconic landmarks. Admire the bridge's nine giant sandstone arches and its massive ornate gate. Wander from bank to bank of the Necker River, for camera-ready views of the old city's churches, spires, and fortress. Keep an eye out for the statues--one is Carl Theodor--along the bridge. Don't miss the tribute to the former resident "bridge monkey" on the south bank. The bridge was partially destroyed by the retreating German Army in 1945. Extensive efforts to repair it included original materials.[i]
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Vetters Brauhaus, lunch in local brewery
11:00-11:45 100 m, 1 min walk via Steingasse
Stop at Vetters Brauhaus for a drink and a bite to eat. Try Heidelberg Beer. The brewery is about 100 meters from the bridge-gate. Vetters brews Heidelberg beer according to the German purity law. The brewery is also one of the most popular Heidelberg Germany restaurants. This traditional restaurant served a sausage platter with locally made wurst.[ii]
Opening hours: 11.30-00:00 daily
Address: Steingasse 9, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
https://www.brauhaus-vetter.de/en
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Altstadt magic
11.45-13.00 400 m, 5 min walk from Vetter Brauhaus
Start off your visit to Heidelberg in the Hauptstrasse, or main street, in the Altstadt (Old Town). The main street is the world’s longest continuous shopping street and you’ll find tons of chain stores, boutiques, restaurants, galleries and cafes along this stretch. Parallel to the large shopping street is the river. Don’t miss a visit to the Rathaus, or Town Hall; the Marktplatz to spot the Hercules fountain where petty criminals were chained during medieval times; or the University
Prison, where unruly students were locked on campus. In later years, it became something of a party center![iii]
Heidelberg Castle
13:00-15:00 16 min, 1 km walk from Rathaus
Among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps, the ruins of Heidelberg Castle (Schloss Heidelberg) offer sweeping views of the surrounding area. The castle has been partially rebuilt since it was burned by French army in 17th century, and struck by lightning bolts later on. Also, there were many kings passing through the castle, who wanted to change its design according to their taste. The castle consists of various buildings surrounding a courtyard, built in different styles of German architecture. Be sure to pick up an audio guide near the entrance into the castle. To access interior areas which are not available otherwise, join a guided tour as this will be a great opportunity to hear interesting and long history of this castle. The castle also accommodates the world’s largest wine barrel, that holds 220 000 liters (over 58 000 gallons) of wine, and has a dance floor built on top of it which you can also visit.
One of my favorite parts of the Castle is Apothecary Museum. It displays over 1000 drugs, and discovers history of medicine since its beginnings till 19th century.
Tips and tricks***
The castle can be easily reached by a funicular railway, which will shorten the beautiful walk which you have to do if you choose to walk up, however I strongly recommend you to not use the funicular. Funicular ride takes less than a minute and there is no view for you to enjoy, as you will be in a tunnel the whole time of the ride. The funicular takes as many people as it can and there is no AC inside, it can get pretty uncomfortable.
Kindly check online for tour schedules before you make the trip, as they are timed and the interior of the castle can be visited only with guided tour.
Opening hours: 08:00-18:00 daily,last admission 17:30
Admission fee: 8€
Address: Schlosshof 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
More about: https://www.schloss-heidelberg.de/en/visitor-information/
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Foodie break
15:00-17:00 1km, 16min walk away from Heidelberg Castle
The Heidelberg Castle visit, may take longer as you would imagine, the tour will last around an hour, and to see all the other places that are part of it, you will need another hour for sure. This is why you will need to treat yourself with some German food to round off the day. There are a few traditional gastro pubs scattered across the old town Zum Roten Ochsen has a history of 315-year- serving special guests such as Mark Twain and Marilyn Monroe in the past. You will have the opportunity to dine in a rustic and cozy atmosphere, and the menu lists will offer variety of traditional food such as bratwurst, roast ox and sauerkraut or spätzle.
Zum Roten Ochsen
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 05:00-23:00
Address: Hauptstraße 217, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
More info: www.roterochesen.de
#foodiegermany #travelheidelberg #eatinheidelberg #eatlocal #foodlover #heidelberggastro #spätzle #roastox #germanfood
References:
[i]https://www.inspirock.com/trip/1-day-in-heidelberg-itinerary-in-august-3630af0e-5746-47d3-8a6e-ccc732d607a7/itinerary/list
[ii] https://wyldfamilytravel.com/things-to-do-in-heidelberg/
[iii] https://shershegoes.com/things-to-do-in-heidelberg-germany/
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