Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a picturesque German city situated on the Neckar River. With quaint red tile-roofed buildings nestled between the river and densely-forested hills dotted with old castles, the city is a marvel in itself. The city is home to the renowned Heidelberg University, and manages to convey a bit of the college town feel.

Heidelberg is known for its famous castle, which overlooks the city's Old Town. A trip up to the castle affords a good view of the city and its photogenic bridge over the Neckar, whose form, with its multi-arch support structure, is reminiscent of a Roman aqueduct, and whose tower-flanked entrance was said to have inspired Walt Disney in his design of the Magic Kingdom. The Philosophenweg (Philosophers' Walk), across the river from the Old Town section, is another way to view the city and some of the older castles upriver.



Sights at Heidelberg

Heidelberg Castle
The castle endorse a destructive past, the castle has been a ruin for more than 200 years.The palace boost itself as a romantic place. Litterally lighting up this image does the Castle Lighting, which takes place three times every summer: As it is getting dark, the castle is filled with a glow of fire and a lot of smoke coming from many burning pots placed in and around the castle.

Castle Garden
Designed by the famous garden architect Salomon de Caus, who built several terraces around the castle, giving a panoramic view onto the castle, the Old Town and even into the Rhine Valley.

Old Bridge
A delight for photographers! Well preserved is the medieval bridge gate on the town side, originally part of the town wall, the bridge itself was reconstructed after World War II.

University Library
The university building endorse a magnificient sculptures and ornaments and then visit the busts of famous scientists and the nice basement construction.

Church of the Holy Spirit
The church construction began in 1398 in the late Gothic style, but it took until the 16th century to complete the church tower. The Church is located at Marktzplaz It contains a collection of manuscripts and is located at the Marktplatz.



Getting There
Heidelberg is a well connected city boosting a good railway connections to major German and European Cities. There is a good public transportation system in Heidelberg. Just in front of the Hauptbahnhof (central train station) there is a stop for buses and trams. Take any bus or tram that goes by the "Bismarckplatz".

By Air
Frankfurt International Airport(FRA). It is Germany's biggest airport and is situated 80km north of Heidelberg.

By Road
Coming on A5, switch to A656 at Autobahnkreuz Heidelberg, direction Heidelberg. You can also enter Heidelberg on B3 (Bergstraße) or B37.

By Rail
Heidelberg can easily be reached by ICE and IC/EC trains (express trains) from all over Germany as well as local trains for trips to and from surrounding cities like Karlsruhe.Heidelberg Hbf means Hauptbahnhof and that means central station.

Getting Around

You will face no problem in traveling across Heidelberg as it is a small city with small distances.You might get the chance to easily walk between most sights in Old Town.

By Rails
There are two major railway stations at Hauptbahnhof (railway station) and Bismarckplatz. The one-way fare is 3,40 DM everywhere inside Heidelberg. For extensive use there are a 24h ticket (10 DM) and a 3-days ticket (20 DM).

By Taxis
Taxis are the easiest mode of transportations throughout the city. To call a taxi, dial 06221/302030.

By Car
Be careful while driving a car, especially in Old Town, as there are many driving and parking restrictions, which are eagerly supervised by the local administration.