|
CLICK HERE FOR A PANORAMA OF
HEIDELBERG
 Heidelberg Castle is one of the most photogenic sites is all of
Europe. You will not be able to stop taking pictures.
Every which way you look, you will be able to take postcard-like
scenes.
I have been to Heidelberg many times. It is a definite
must-see sight for any tourist in Germany, and there is a certain
allure to this old university town on the banks of the Neckar.
The 13th Century castle is a delight to visit, and the town is
simply magnificent (but crowded) in the summertime.
CLICK
FOR A MAP OF THE CASTLE AREA
If you
are arriving during the crowded summer months, you will want to
park in
Parking Lot 13,
which is in the downtown area immediately under the castle.
When you exit from the parking garage, you will be able to look up
over the downtown shops and see the castle on the hill above you.
It certainly gets your pulse going seeing it high on hill above.
You can follow the signs toward the castle and the many steps
leading up the hill along the outer castle walls. Remember to
bring comfortable shoes and a sturdy constitution for this veritable
stairway to heaven. At the top of the stairs, you will have to
pay to enter the castle grounds.
The grounds are quite extensive, and include an outer garden along
the lower walls, a higher garden around the upper portion of the
castle, the courtyard, and the wine vat area. The courtyard
holds a restaurant, and there is also a smaller snack-type
restaurant across from the main gate right outside the castle.
If you visit when it isn't crowded (read: dead winter), the road
coming up above the castle may be open and you can drive up above
the castle and park in one of the small (20-30 spaces) parking lots
on the side of the road. This will allow you to skip the trek
up the castle steps and let you start from the top!
Take some time to explore the Heidelberg downtown area as well.
The bridge across the Neckar is a great place to take pictures of
the castle skyline. Heidelberg is still at its heart a
university town, and features numerous cafes, shops, and restaurants
along its long pedestrian thoroughfare.
 
|
