Heidelberg

The River Neckar

Heidelberg, home of Germany's most famous university, lies on the banks of the River Neckar. The fairy-tale appearance of the city can be attributed to the picturesque ruins of thirteenth-century Heidelberg Castle that sits in the midst of the forest, overlooking the town. Heidelberg and its beautiful landscape has been the muse for countless poets, writers and painters over the centuries. It was the inspiration for the foundation of Germany's Romantic Movement. The Alte Brücke (Old Bridge) traverses the River Neckar and provides spectacular views of the castle ruins, the Altstadt (Old Town) and the Heilig-Geist-Kirche (Holy Ghost Church). By crossing the Old Bridge and climbing the Schlangenweg steps, visitors can enjoy additional spectacular views from the Philosiphenweg (Philosophers' Walk). For several hundred years, the presence of Heidelberg University has given the city a youthful demeanour. Inscriptions on the walls of the Studentenkarzer (student jail) serve as a reminder that many of its former occupants considered incarceration here to be a notable episode in their scholastic careers!

The River Neckar

Culture is rich and diverse in this city. There are many museums, theatres and a philharmonic and symphony orchestra. The Kürfälzisches Museum (Museum of the Palatinate) contains a cast of the jaw of prehistoric 'Heidelberg Man', along with collections from the Romantic period.

Click on the links below for a city map of Heidelberg and a five-day weather forecast.