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 Heidelberg
is the very image of romantic Germany. This beautiful German
city is the home of one of Germany's most visited castles.
While it may not be the biggest, nor best preserved castle, this
tourist favorite is certainly one of the most magnificent ruins in
all of Germany.
This red sandstone
castle is perched high atop a hill overlooking the cobbled streets
of downtown Heidelberg. From the castle, you can see the city
below spread out in a panorama of red tiled roofs, cathedrals, and
plazas. The city is perfectly situated on the banks of the
Neckar River with an accompanying pedestrian bridge over the waters
below the castle.
There are several
ways to ascend the hill to reach the castle. The most popular
of which is to climb up the 315 stairs from the base of the hill up
to the lower castle entrance.
You may explore the
garden outside the castle walls, but to enter the castle you must
pay 3 Euros. The castle garden wraps around the castle and
provides a spectacular view of Heidelberg castle hanging on the edge
of the hill above downtown Heidelberg.
From the inner
courtyard of the castle you can see most of the remains of the old
castle halls. Each wall is dotted with equisitely carved
statues and stone facades. In addition, a grandiose balcony
overlooking the city below is a short walk away.
Heidelberg castle
also houses the world's largest wine vat. This monstrosity
takes up an entire room in the castle cellar and has a capacity of
55,000 gallons.
TOURS:
Tours are available at the castle in both English and German. The castle is open
year round from 8:00-5:30, except on Christmas Eve and New Year's
Eve, when it is open from 8:00-1:00.
Tickets can be booked in advance by calling (0 62 21) 53 84 14.
FOR ADDITIONAL HEIDELBERG PICS, CLICK
HERE
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