Top 10 things to see & do in Heidelberg
So last week me and my best buddy went to visit one of the most romantic cities in Germany i.e. Heidelberg.
Heidelberg, situated on the banks of the Neckar River is known to be one of the most romantic towns in Germany. It has sights that seems to have come out of a fairy tale. We had planned to spend a weekend there, and although it’s impossible to go through important things properly in Heidelberg in 1 day, I would suggest to dedicate at least a couple of days to this beautiful town.
Heidelberg has its own unique ambiance; it’s not surprising that so many famous intellectuals, philosophers and scientists found inspiration in this place. Even nowadays you can feel this classical intellectual atmosphere in town, where on each corner you find something picturesque. We take you on a romantic stroll and show you the Top 15 things to see and do in Heidelberg in 1 day or on a weekend.
1. Climb up to Heidelberg Castle
The principal monument to visit in Heidelberg is its castle. Heidelberg Castle (in ruins) is not only the major historical monument of the town, but it’s also an unusual and mystical castle that, in addition, offers some of the most exceptional views of Heidelberg.
2. Altstadt
Heidelberg’s glorious old town rests in the shadow of the ruins of Schloss Heidelberg. The Altstadt has many of the things people love about German old quarters; sociable squares with bar terraces at Kornmarkt and Marktplatz, cobblestone streets and a catalogue of historic landmarks. These can be Gothic or Baroque churches, or monuments like the statue of Mary on Kornmarkt from 1718, a symbol of Heidelberg’s complicated relationship with Catholicism.
One of the interesting features of the Altstadt is that it has a uniform Baroque appearance, a result of fires caused by a French assault in 1693 during the Nine Years’ War. The Town Hall was built in the aftermath and dates to 1701, still featuring the electoral coat of arms sculpted by Hungarian artist Heinrich Charrasky.
3. The Old Bridge of Heidelberg
The Karl Theodore Bridge is probably the most picturesque monument to visit in Heidelberg. This bridge that all people refer to as the Old Bridge was built during the reign of Karl Theodore who was one of the most successful princes of Bavaria.
The bridge is embellished with two sets of sculpture, one paying homage to Charles Theodore and another to the Roman goddess Minerva. These are replicas, and the originals were transferred to the Kurpfälzisches Museum for safekeeping. On the bank of the Altstadt is a pair of towers from Heidelberg’s Medieval fortifications.
It’s interesting to know that formerly there had been two other bridges where the actual one stands, but they were both destroyed by floods. That’s why they decided to build a strong stone bridge, which seems to have resisted ever since. The reddish color of the stone used in the bridge can be seen in many other buildings of the town. It’s worth stopping in the middle of the bridge to look up to the castle and also to gaze at the beautiful entrance gate of the Old Town with its white towers. You also can’t leave without finding the funny monkey statue on the bridge.
4. Marktplatz and its colorful houses
The most important square to visit in Heidelberg is the Market Square (Marktplatz), where the medieval market was held centuries ago. The Church of the Holy Spirit is the most impressive building there, but it’s worth checking out the Town Hall and the Fountain of Hercules at the center of the square. I especially loved the colorful houses around the cheerful atmosphere with a lot of people having a meal or a beer on the restaurant terraces.
5. Jesuitenkirche
Located in what was once Heidelburg’s jesuits’ quarter, this Baroque church was built in two phases between 1712 and 1759. Straight away you might sense something unusual about the Jesuitenkirche, because the building isn’t oriented towards the east like most churches, but to the south instead.
For a Baroque church the inside is relatively understated, save for the 18th-century altar painting.
In the northeast corner of the building is the simple tomb for the 15th-century Elector Palatine Frederick I (The Victorious).
6. Neckarwiese
The largest green space in the centre of Heidelberg has an idyllic position along the right bank of the river at Neuenheim. The Neckarwiese cuts inland for an average of 50 metres and between its large lawns are groves of alders, lime trees, poplars and willows, as well as avenues traced by chestnuts. This space was an ancient ford of Heidelberg’s Roman bridge, which collapsed in the 3rd century. One of the reasons the Neckarwiese has been left free of housing is because of the annual floods, which still occasionally inundate the park in spring. On sunny summer days the park is full of people out relaxing enjoying picnics and barbecues.
7. Haus zum Ritter (House of the Knight)
Any visit to Heidelberg’s Altstadt requires a stop at this marvellous building, the oldest burgher house in the city. The Haus zum Ritter was built in 1592 for the cloth merchants Franziska and Carolus Belier, protestants who had fled Habsburg-controlled Valenciennes. It is the only burgher house to have survived Heidelberg’s fire in 1693 during the Nine Years’ War and has only recently taken on its current role as a hotel, even if it served as a guest house for a time 300 years ago. The name of the house comes from the bust of St George in knight’s garb on the pediment.
8. Philosophenweg
The Philosophers Walk (Philosophenweg) might be the place most strongly associated with this intellectual richness. It’s a walking path on the hillside that offers fascinating views of Heidelberg and the whole Old Town. We also felt touched by the beauty of this place, and we didn’t find it surprising that so many people felt inspired there.
9. Königstuhl
On the opposite side of the Neckar Valley from the Heiligenberg is another tall hill, crested by communications masts. The hill is named the King’s Seat as Heidelberg Palace is on its lower reaches, presents another picturesque view of the city and rises to 567 metres. You can get up there by taking the Heidelberger Bergbahn, a two-leg funicular railway departing from Kornmarkt in the Altstadt and also serving the palace. But Königstuhl isn’t just about the views: There are forest walking trails, a small theme park for younger children known as “Märchenparadies” and a falconry. But maybe the most fascinating thing here is the observatory where the astronomer Karl Wilhelm Reinmuth made almost 400 significant discoveries between 1912 and 1957.
10. Finish your day with a night stroll
The romantic sentiment transmitted by Heidelberg that you can feel wherever you walk in the Old Town can be felt even more intensely at the night when the lights are on. Both the Old Bridge and Heidelberg Castle are nicely illuminated, and the best view you can get from the river bank opposite to the Old Town.
Hope you guys like this itinerary. Best of luck for your trips. Do share your experiences with me!
Very useful information guide for me
ReplyDeleteThank you