Dimitris’ Diary: The Charms of Heidelberg

Hello everybody! My adventure starts today in the beautiful Heidelberg. Located in the northwest of Baden-Württemberg, it is the fifth largest city in this region. The first mention attested about Heidelberg date the late twelfth century, it’s a special place and rich in history.

I arrived in the city at the end of the day and already headed toward the imposing castle built from 1544 on. The sun was setting and the light was perfect to admire the whole scene: the abundant vegetation of the region, the elegant houses and the local life. On the banks of the river Neckar, I walked slowly admiring the beautiful constructions and approached to the old center and its splendid Heidelberg Castle.

The city also has a reputation for hosting the first university in Germany, founded in 1386 by Ruprecht I and refounded in 1803 by Karl-Friedrich, Duke of Baden. The local population is quite young and moves the various cafes and bars in the area. After arriving in the old center, I went straight to Marstallstraße, which was taking place a university event to attend an European Championship football match.

Game over, time to go home. I was staying in the modern area of the city, close to the new university campus. Interestingly, the city had to grow along the banks of the Neckar, once Heidelberg was built in a valley. To support the growth of the city, it was necessary to expand it in a linear manner and not in radial, as in most cities.

I started my journey in the morning by the Hauptstraße, the largest shopping street of Europe, so if you think about buying something or just to know it, be sure to just pass by. On the same street there are also several restaurants, bars and ice cream parlors. At the end of the street, you’re almost at the castle, which was in fact what I was most curious to know there. As the castle is located on top of the north hill of Königstuhl, there are two options to achieve it: on foot or by touristic train. I suggest to take train, as the ticket price to the castle (€ 6) already includes its use. At the top, I was fascinated by so much beauty, the details in the Renaissance style, the panoramic view of the city, all very exciting.

The medieval castle was the residence for the Electors Princes, members of the electoral college of the Holy Roman Empire until the war of succession in the Palatinate, when it was destroyed by the soldiers of Louis XIV of France, between 1689 and 1693. After that it would be restored only partially.

The castle houses nowadays presentations and events related mainly to music, being an excellent option for leisure during the warmer months of the year. Every day, thousands of people visit the garden and its large courtyard, surrounded by the imposing walls of reddish color, from where you can have a panoramic view of the beautiful and well-preserved old town of Heidelberg.

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Back in town, I crossed the old bridge (Alte Brücke) and followed the trail “Philosophenweg”, a place that ensures the most spectacular view of Heidelberg. I had a great time admiring the scenery until it has time to continue my journey!

The next destination will be Trier, the oldest city in Germany. See you then, everyone! 🙂

Dimitris.