Exploring Heidelberg Castle and it's Wonderful Town

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Heidelberg castle is one of the (many) wonderous castle ruins in Germany. Nestled in the university town that bears the same, the castle is one of the top tourist destinations in the South Western region of the country. Exploring the castle (and the attached boondocks) was 1 of the highlights on my get-go always trip to Germany, which also included a stop over in Germany's oldest city, Trier!

Heidelberg Castle

We visited the small boondocks specifically for Heidelberg Castle, which sits upon a hill overlooking the city. As a lover of all things history, I told my friend I absolutely had to see at least once castle during my time in that location, and she chose Heidelberg because it's a top tourist attraction, and information technology was user-friendly to our route. Next time, I'll visit Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairy tale castle, inspiration for Disney castle, and 1 of the most famous castles in Germany.  But alas, on this trip, nosotros would not be traveling through Bavaria, where that castle is located.

A Brief History of the Castle

Heidelberg castle has far more history than Neuschwanstein castle, which is a baby equally far as castles are concerned. The medieval castle dates to the 11^th century. Unfortunately,  much of the original structure was destroyed and rebuilt over time. The upper castle was destroyed by lightening in the 16thcentury, and most of its original glory was lost to a fire in the 1700s. Afterwards the burn down, it was never completely rebuilt. Yet,  in the early 1900s, information technology was reconstructed and preserved due to its historical significance.

Who Lived in Heidelberg Castle

As the castle is nearly a thou years onetime, you can imagine that numerous people lived there throughout the ages. Unfortunately, a lot of the early history about the residents of the castle is unclear. It's reported that Conrad of Hohenstaufen was i of the earliest residents in the 12th century, but it isn't known for sure.

Some famous residents throughout the ages include Ludwig III in the 15th century, Louis Five in the 16th century, and Charles II in the 17th century. In the 18th century, the court of the Elector of Palatine moved to Manheim, and the castle was no longer lived in.

Touring Heidelberg Castle

Although y'all tin can walk upward the sloping hillside to the castle gardens for free, you demand to purchase a 2 Euro ticket to get inside the courtyard.

If you exercise not wish to walk upwards the hillside to the castle, you tin can accept the funicular-railway (train). It costs 8 euros to go up to the castle, and 12 to go all the way to the top of the colina. In that location is a gorgeous viewing expanse all the way at the superlative, worth the extra euros on a articulate twenty-four hours to meet the metropolis below. A train ticket includes the entrance fee to the castle courtyard, only does not include entrance into the castle itself.

Can You Get Inside Heidelberg Castle?

The merely way to get inside the castle is via guided tour, which is 4 euro per person.

Spending the iv Euro for the guided bout is definitely worthwhile! The  guide was extremely knowledgeable nigh the history of the castle. She explained in great detail the history of the castle, from who originally built it and why, how it was destroyed, and which important figures called it dwelling. She also described all of the improvements that were fabricated on it throughout history. Shockingly enough, the original fortress wasn't nearly as large and foreboding as the final structure!

All the Vino

Vino played an extremely vital function in the culture of early Heidelberg. In fact, the castle is home to the largest vino barrel in the world! If only the US had that as a roadside allure rather than twine – everyone would be sleeping in the machine!

 The tour guide explained how important wine was to the people of Heidelberg castle. Information technology was such a prominent good that the townsfolk paid a portion of their tax with it! All the vino from the people of the boondocks was collected and poured into the giant barrel. This "vino tax" was then issued back out to castle workers and even soldiers as function of their pay.  Free vino is definitely underused every bit part of a benefits parcel today!

Wine notwithstanding plays an of import role at Heidelberg castle today. The cellar was converted into a comfortable café, with a pocket-size coffee and wine store where you tin sample wines from local vineyards. Winetasting in a real castle brings a feeling of beingness at 1 with history in a way that is difficult to match. It makes you feel like more than a spectator, it gives the castle a existent quality unlike the museum-like quality that y'all go from the tours.

The City of Heidelberg – What is Heidelberg Famous for?

Although the castle is the main allure, the city of Heidelberg is great to visit for it'south ain sake. It's home to the prestigious Heidelberg University,  besides as Philosopher's Way.  In improver to the unique historical sites, information technology's also a wonderfully picturesque town, with stunning hills overlooking the Neckar river. Situated well-nigh one-half way between Frankfurt and Stuttgart, and fairly shut to the French edge, information technology's in the perfect location for a quick detour.

Although the city practical to become a Unesco Globe Heritage site in 2007, the application was denied. Perhaps the UN will revisit that conclusion in the time to come, every bit the beautiful town is full of history worth preserving.

Heidelberg University

Heidelberg University is the second near important selling point to the urban center, also the castle. Information technology'due south the oldest university in contempered Germany, dating to the 14th century. It's also ane of the most of import research universities in Europe.

Unfortunately, I didn't get the opportunity to study with the great minds of the academy during my short time in the city. However, I could easily feel the bear on of the higher town without having to step foot within a classroom. Their were a lot of young people there, and the atmosphere was what you would expect from a relaxed college town.

Philosopher's Way

Heidelberg is as well famous to German citizens for its "Philosophers' manner". It is a stunning pathway on the hillside opposite the river from the castle. From this location, you can look out on the castle positioned over the city below. The effort put into the strenuous climb is well worth the advantage of the view at the elevation. The name Philosopher's way originated because professors from the University on the other side of the river found it to be a relaxing retreat. They would make the difficult climb and employ the stunning view at the top to ponder life'southward mysteries.

Eating in Heidelberg

Heidelberg has plenty of restaurants and coffee shops, which is typical for a higher boondocks. Being from California, nosotros really enjoyed the California Bake Shop coffee house, which had delicious java and a supremely cozy petty reading room in the back. It was a perfect place for a short respite. All the same, as a small locally owned business, they did not cater to vegans.  At that place were no options for soy or almond milk in their java drinks. The other coffee shop across the style, Republic of malta, did take vegan options and my vegan friend profoundly enjoyed their brews likewise.

All in all, I really enjoyed my stay in Heidelberg. I would recommend a curt side trip to come across the castle to anyone traveling through Federal republic of germany. Click hither to book your stay!

More things to practise in Heidelberg

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