Sign in with Facebook"Germany's most romantic city: HEIDELBERG" Top 5 Page for this destination Heidelberg by JessH
Heidelberg Travel Guide: 1,257 reviews and 2,675 photos
... the guide by a homesick German...
I step out of the train, walk past an eccentric, hippy-like street musician and a group of nattering Japanese tourists. In the station's main lobby a couple is kissing; the boy is wearing a large rucksack; the girl is crying. A history teacher is yelling at the top of her voice, trying to control her school class. A familiar, longed-for smell grabs my nostrils' attention: the doors to the bakery are open & lure me inside. I exit with a bag of warm goodness, and hand one of the Brezeln to the homeless man by the bicycle stands outside the train station.
I wait and within a few minutes, I hear the nostalgic clattering & creaking of the approaching old tram. The man next to me is wearing John-Lennon-glasses and carries an old-looking leather briefcase. He helps the smiling Turkish mother to lift her baby stroller up the steps.
A few minutes later, I disembark the tram at the Bismarktplatz. A student with blue hair runs past me, shoving a flyer into my hand saying "our voice counts! Together we can save the world!" Before I can ask what she's campaigning for this week, she's gone. Suddenly 4 orange-robe-clad Hare Krishna sing & prance past me, and hand me a flower.
I briefly stand still, look up towards the green hills rising behind the red sand-stone buildings. I inhale deeply: a mix of perfumes wafts out of the shopping mall's open doors; car fumes; another bakery tempts those who pass-by; the sweet smell of fresh flowers being sold nearby. I open my eyes and the group of Japanese tourists loudly pushes past me. Just as I'm about to feel slightly aggravated, the 2 elderly ladies walk past me, they've hooked arms & support each other. One says: "You know, Gertrude, I really love our trips into the city. Every single time feels special."
The cobbles under my feet feel so authentic (& slightly uncomfortable).
The red sandstone buildings frame the city much like a painting on canvas.
Of course, it's crowded. Much here is overpriced. There are many tourists, and the few hippies that still sit around the fountain aren't as "cool" as they were in the 70s. But that doesn't matter:
I exhale slowly, smile to myself and enter the pedestrian precinct.
I step into a landscape painting that seems to have come alive.
I'm home.
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This is John and I sitting near the old bridge down by the Neckar river on a gorgeous July day in 2004...
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A reason, or two, to visit this city
(Commemorative stamp of Heidelberg)
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Don't forget to take a peek into my Hotel & Accomodations Page... insider ***HOTEL TIP*** for the centre of the Old Town! ;-)
I actually come from a small village near Heidelberg (Muehlhausen), but I was born in Heidelberg & spent a lot of time there as it is the next nearest city, and a bit more "buzzing" than our quiet village life...
Heidelberg is mostly known for its University & castle, of course, but it has much more to offer. The surrounding areas around the river Neckar are beautiful in any season, and a walk along the vineyards or a train-ride along the river is a must.
(there are a lot of young people here because they're *students*.. but Heidelberg is still a city for all ages ;-) Have a look at my "Things to do" to find out about the famous & delicious *Student's Kiss*...
COME & VISIT AGAIN SOON!
I'M ALWAYS ADDING NEW TIPS & PHOTOS!
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"Walking in a winter wonderland..." dum-deedle-dum
I believe that not only Heidelberg - but the whole of Germany - is beautiful during any season and any weather.
I would never advise anyone not to travel in autumn, or to only visit during summer. Any time of the year has its own beautiful face.
And if you're lucky enough to get snow & a white Christmas whilst your sipping a cup of mulled wine (Gluehwein) & browsing through the Xmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt) on the "Universitaetsplatz"... yiipiiih!
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Have a look at the travelogue below, to see the guided tour of the old town during VT's EuroMeet 2008!
Pros and Cons
- Pros:So much history, so much life, so much beauty (and I'm still trying to be unbiased!)
- Cons:So much beauty comes with a price: hoards of tourists!!!
- In a nutshell:A great place with easy connections to the surrounding areas
Reviews (54)
Recipe for soft German Gingerbread...
Local Customs
(12)
There are two types of gingerbread in Germany: the type that is cut into shapes, i.e. the famous Gingerbread Men, and... more travel advice
Recipe for Zimtschnecken (Cinnamon...
Local Customs
(12)
Zimtschnecken literally translated means "cinnamon snails", and are a regular feature in the sweet section of any German... more travel advice
Facts & Figures about Heidelberg - Part...
Favorites
(6)
The first evidence of human life in Europe was found in Heidelberg: In 1907 a jaw-bone was discovered in a gravel pit... more travel advice
Facts & Figures about Heidelberg - Part...
Favorites
(6)
Undoubtedly one of Germany's most picturesque cities, Heidelberg is one of the most visited places in the country.... more travel advice
JessH's Related Pages
Heidelberg Travel Guide
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- "Germany's most romantic city: HEIDELBERG"
- "This is not Heidelberg Castle, is it???"
- "Heidelberg – a constant inspiration"
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Comments (54)
Loved the Weinachtsmarkt tip Jess - now follow this link to find out what happens when it all goes wrong: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/21bb7c/
Regards
Cathy
Yep, I definitely love Spaetzle :-) Very different roughish texture!
very informative!! enjoyed reading your tips.. thanks! :) we are going to visit Heidelberg next month.. learned a lot from your page.. cheers!
Beautiful intro
It has been 5+ years since I went through here and coming back soon, but probably in warmer months. Thank you for the memories and tips
I liked Heidelberg very very much. From your page I see there is more to see there. I will return to Germany soon. Omg, where is my Heidelberg page? I didn't make it .. such a shame :/
Ny favourite Heidelberg song is from "The Student Prince" - "When it's Summertime in Heidelberg". Can't wait to get there in August. VTer christinej. has kindly offered to show me around.
I have to go back there. I liked Heidelberg very much. Gruesse aus Italien!
Your nickname reminds me of a great guided tour in Germany - I miss the nice sunny day we had in Heidelberg with a big VT crowd ;) - hope you dont mind that I add you as a VT friend.
Great tips here Black Forest cake yum yum I do hope to visit here again last time was only a few hours pre vt or indeed the travel bug hit
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