Preface: Welcome to one of my Short City Adventures. These are shorter not due to any lack of affection for the featured locations, but because the visits were either brief, offering just a glimpse of the city, or because the cities only have a handful of attractions. Join me and discover whether these cities might interest you.
With its picturesque old town and the iconic ruins of Heidelberger Schloss (Heidelberg Castle) overlooking the Neckar River, Heidelberg charmed me with its romantic, historic beauty. Like so many European cities, including München, Tübingen, and Paris, the river , Neckar, runs through its center. My knowledge of Heidelberg was limited, but our primary draw was the Heidelberger Schloss, a cornerstone of Heidelberger Romantik (Heidelberg Romanticism).
Perched on a hill at the city’s edge, Heidelberg Castle is notable for its red façade, a striking feature of this historic structure. Visitors can ascend to the castle either by train or on foot. Despite its status as a ruin, the size of the castle complex is still impressive – you need hours to fully explore. The vantage point from the castle offers a panoramic view of most of the entire city. 
I wouldn’t say I’m particularly fond of this castle, but two features stood out: Das Große Fass (The Great Barrel), which could hold up to 221,726 liters of wine, and Das Deutsche Apotheken-Museum (The Pharmacy Museum). Before my stay in Europe, I naively thought that only Chinese medicine used herbs and animal parts for healing. Seeing the German apothecaries’ jars and drawers filled with various natural medications was fascinating.
Below the castle, Heidelberg’s old town radiates old-world charm. Largely spared bombing during the war, most original buildings remain intact. I loved wandering the winding lanes and soaking up the atmosphere. Cafes, shops, and restaurants fill restored Medieval architecture. Around every corner awaits a photo-worthy scene. With time, you could fully experience the city’s romantic beauty by joining a walking tour or relaxing on a Neckar River cruise. Heidelberg’s mix of history, culture, and stunning scenery make it the perfect destination for romantics and travelers seeking Europe’s past.
Discovering Heidelberg's Old Town Charm and Castle Ruins
Preface: Welcome to one of my Short City Adventures. These are shorter not due to any lack of affection for the featured locations, but because the visits were either brief, offering just a glimpse of the city, or because the cities only have a handful of attractions. Join me and discover whether these cities might interest you.
With its picturesque old town and the iconic ruins of Heidelberger Schloss (Heidelberg Castle) overlooking the Neckar River, Heidelberg charmed me with its romantic, historic beauty. Like so many European cities, including München, Tübingen, and Paris, the river , Neckar, runs through its center. My knowledge of Heidelberg was limited, but our primary draw was the Heidelberger Schloss, a cornerstone of Heidelberger Romantik (Heidelberg Romanticism).
Perched on a hill at the city’s edge, Heidelberg Castle is notable for its red façade, a striking feature of this historic structure. Visitors can ascend to the castle either by train or on foot. Despite its status as a ruin, the size of the castle complex is still impressive – you need hours to fully explore. The vantage point from the castle offers a panoramic view of most of the entire city. I wouldn’t say I’m particularly fond of this castle, but two features stood out: Das Große Fass (The Great Barrel), which could hold up to 221,726 liters of wine.
And Das Deutsche Apotheken-Museum (The Pharmacy Museum).
Before my stay in Europe, I naively thought that only Chinese medicine used herbs and animal parts for healing. Seeing the German apothecaries’ jars and drawers filled with various natural medications was fascinating.
Below the castle, Heidelberg’s old town radiates old-world charm. Largely spared bombing during the war, most original buildings remain intact. I loved wandering the winding lanes and soaking up the atmosphere. Cafes, shops, and restaurants fill restored Medieval architecture. Around every corner awaits a photo-worthy scene. With time, you could fully experience the city’s romantic beauty by joining a walking tour or relaxing on a Neckar River cruise. Heidelberg’s mix of history, culture, and stunning scenery make it the perfect destination for romantics and travelers seeking Europe’s past.