If you are planning a romantic getaway, read the post and get inspired by the attractions of Heidelberg at the foot of the Neckar River.
“Ich hab 'mein Herz in Heidelberg verolren”, or “I lost my heart ad Heidelberg". Thus recites an old German song, which has become the soundtrack of anyone who has been to the romantic city that I will tell you about in this article.
Heidelberg is indeed the destination of romanticism and city that makes you fall in love with yourself.
In the Southern Germany, located precisely in Baden-Württermberg at the foot of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is an important university center. It hosts in fact the oldest university in Germany, founded in 1386 and numerous research centers.
You discover it by walking on the main street, the Main road, which runs through the entire historic center of Heidelberg. Along the ancient street there are several university buildings and student accommodation.
1. Hauptstrasse
Along this pedestrian street, one of the longest in Europe, in addition to the university centers, there are ancient breweries, restaurants and numerous shops.
2. The Market Square
The main square of the old town is Marketplace or precisely Piazza del Mercato, famous above all for the Christmas markets. A luminous scenario warms the cold months of November and December, surrounded by stately buildings, under the majesty of the Church of the Holy Spirit, built in 1400 where important organ and classical music concerts are held. In the center of the square the fountain of Hercules recalls the effort in reconstruction at the end of the 30 years war.
3. Alte Brücke
Ancient and imposing, the Heidelberg old bridge, the Karl-Theodor-Brücke, a pedestrian bridge that connects the city from one side of the Neckar river to the other. Built in stone, the bridge features nine sandstone arches. At the entrance to the bridge there is an access gate, which in ancient times was part of the medieval fortification walls of the city. Particular is the bronze sculpture of a monkey positioned on one side of the door. Depicted with a mirror in her hand, with the other she chases away bad luck. Many tourists touch the monkey in the hopes of getting a dose of good luck.
4. Philosophenweg
After the bridge and on the other side of the city you reach the Path of the Philosophers, a 2 km long route crossed in antiquity by artists and great thinkers, who lived and studied in Heidelberg. We can remember Hegel who taught here and Max Weber, who lived in a house overlooking the Neckar.
From the top of the Philosopheweg you can see a magnificent view of theOld town (the old city), on the bridge and on the ancient Castle.
This is where Heidelberg's romanticism begins: sitting on a bench among ruins and towers and admiring the view, even better if in the company of love.
From here you have one magnificent view of Heidelberg Castle, but better find out how to get there to see it up close and take a tour inside.
5. Heidelberg Castle
Old symbol of the city in Baroque style, it is located on the northern slope of the Königsstuhl, the hill called "King's Chair".
It can be reached on foot by climbing three hundred steps or, for the lazy, with the funicular that leaves from the Kornmarkt square. Access is allowed with a guided tour that I absolutely recommend.
Inside the castle you will discover the oldest and largest wine barrel in the world. Built with 130 oak logs, it has a capacity of more than 220.000 liters. It is said that to protect this and the other barrels there was a court dwarf of Italian origin named Perkeo, so called because every time he was offered a glass of wine he replied "Why not?".
Outside the castle walls, the gardens that surround it are wonderful: at sunset many photographers stand with their equipment to immortalize the colors of the sunset that envelop the panorama of the city. A romantic and breathtaking scenery.
It is true that those who visit Heidelberg leave their hearts behind.
