Heidelberg Germany

NATO headquarters, most famous university town and one of the most frequently visited places by tourists in Germany. Heidelberg is truly a highlight on any Germany vacation. One reason for that might be the famous Heidelberg Castle, which is one of the major cultural relics in Germany at all.

Another reason for the attention is the preserved Old Town, which was not destroyed during World War II. Fortunately, Heidelberg wasn't even bombarded. Great minds like Johann Wolfgang Goethe and Mark Twain fell in love with Heidelberg Germany in the 19th century and said to be inspired in their work by the town's wonderfu ambience.

The baroque Old Town of Heidelberg has a large pedestrian zone. Along there, almost all sights of this beautiful town can be viewed in one day.

Heidelberg also offers a large variety of pubs, restaurants and bars to spend the evening. Over 30,000 students living in Heidelberg cause for a lively atmosphere.

Heidelberg Castle

A must see for every visitor in Heidelberg., Germany. The world-famous Heidelberg Castle is one of the major cultural relics in Germany. From the 13th to 17th century, it was the residence of the electoral prince of palatinate.

In general, the castle is the achievement of seven rulers. The most significant buildings of the castle arised from the Renaissance. Today, the Heidelberg Castle attracts an international public of hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.

Like a guardian the red-sandstone Heidelberg Castle watches the town of Heidelberg from above the hill. From here, you have a superb view over the whole town and the Neckar river.

To see the interior of the castle you have to join a guided tour which is €4 for adults and only €2 for kids. Don't be shy to do so because it is really worth it. Anyway you will also see lots of remarkable things around the Heidelberg Ccastle. For instance there is the well decorated courtyard, the German Pharmacy Museum and the Great Vat, which is a giant wine barrel capable of holding over 220,000 liters.

To get up on the Heidelberg Castle you can either take the railway or just take a walk, which is about 10 minutes.

University of Heidelberg Germany

Germany's oldest university was founded by Count Palastine Ruprecht in 1386 to give his territory an intellectual center and attract foreign intellectuals coming to Heidelberg. Another motivation was to educate civil servants and other specialists in the own country. At the start, the Heidelberg University had only four faculties: philosophy, law, medicine and theology. The teachers came from Paris and Prague. Today it has 18 faculties and over 30,000 students including lots of foreigners. Nowadays the University of Heidelberg enjoys a worldwide reputation of high-level education.

From 1778 to 1914 male students who offend against the university regulation were tossed into a student jail. Offenses could be inappropriate behavior in public like singing, drinking or fooling around. Usually, the stundents were put into jail a couple of days on bread and water. A visit to this jail is very interesting because the prisoners covered the walls with paintings and writings during their time in jail. It is located at the Augustinerstrasse across from Heumarkt. Entry is €2.50.

Old Bridge Heidelberg Germany

From 1786 to 1788 the Old Bridge Heidelbgerg was built by order of elector Carl Theodor. It was the first stone bridge across the Neckar river and the people were very happy about it because it replaced a wooden bridge which fell an easy prey to the cold winter of 1784.

Originally the bridge was named after its constructor "Carl Theodor Bridge", but during the years the name Old Bridge took hold. To thank their ruler, the people of Heidelberg Germany raised a monument to Carl Theodor on the bridge. It shows the ruler wearing a crown and a lance. He is sourrounded by four river gods, symbolizing the rivers Neckar, Rhine, Main and Danube.

Another statue on the bridge is showing the greek god Athena. She is said to be the god of wisdom. In this connection the statue symbolizes the superior wisdom of Carl Theodor.

At the south end of the bridge is a bronze statue of a monkey. This statue has been made in 1979 by a famous German sculptor. The monkey is a tribute to the ancient bridge monkey. A wooden prequel of the Old Bridge was home to a statue of a monkey holding a mirror. The statue welcomed every visitor coming to Heidelberg with the following words to that effect:

What are you looking at? - Haven't you seen the old monkey?
In Heidelberg, now look around - You will find more of my kind.

An ancient prove the people of Heidelberg Germany had a good sense of humor. Sadly, the original statue was destroyed in 1689 during the Nine Years' War. But also the new statue became very popular fast. It is a famous tourist photo motif today in Heidelberg.

At the south end of the bridge are many restaurants and cafes. From here, you are in the middle of the Oldtown in less than five minutes. At the north end, you have access to the "Philosophenweg". A footpath with great views over the whole town of Heidelberg Germany.