Heidelberg Vacations, Heidelberg Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide

Heidelberg Vacation Guide

The striking, red roofed landscapes of Heidelberg attract a whopping 3.5 million tourists a year to this sumptuous university town, overshadowed by its castle, and home to picture-postcard bridges and an almost fairytale-like landscape. Once a favorite spot of artist William Turner (and not quite so loved by Mark Twain), the romantic city is still heavily tinged with its notable history, and an essential stop on any trip to this corner of Germany.

Walking through the altstadt (old town), across the flimsy, red brick Neckar River Bridge and up the steep steps to the Castle of Heidelberg gives a stunning overview of the town, and will have new arrivals drooling over the sense of unaltered history. Head on up through the trees to the forested peak overlooking the castle and you’ll come to the Thingstatte, an old Nazi propaganda open-air theatre where you can take in some truly striking views across those rooftops, enjoying styles that were largely destroyed by allied bombing in larger German cities. There’s even a deep well with an unknown past, a city engraving and dozens of stunning old churches to track down.

Plenty draw comparisons with British city’s like Cambridge (Heidelberg’s twin), and Heidelberg doesn’t sit too far behind academically as well as in its alluring looks. Home to Max Planck institutes, and a university with over 30,000 students as well as an eclectic, international population, Heidelberg’s lively nightlife and flamboyant outlook is in stark contrast to its traditional image, but a lot of fun to get drawn into.

The small things in Heidelberg are difficult to ignore. The fantastic record stores, cathedral souvenir stalls and lively markets might draw you in just as much as all the enticing history, and snacking on pretzels whilst exploring the hidden corners is an essential touristy pastime. It can feel like you’re living in a folk tale, and while Heidelberg’s imagery is difficult to ignore, the modern pubs and manic nightlife quickly whisk you into the 21st century. It makes for a great combination: live it up at night, than in the morning, brush aside your hangover with a stroll back in time around the striking city streets. Perfect.