Heidelberg

A train journey from Cologne to Heidelberg starting at daybreak, the scenery along was nothing exceptional though. Anyway, nothing could go wrong by visiting a city with a world famous medieval castle, a rather old university, an old bridge(Alte Brücke) with Baroque towers over the River Neckar, the old town(Altstadt) and more.

We got off the train and noticed that the tourist information centre was just right in front of the station. From there we got a tourist map for Heidelberg and booked a room for a night in an inexpensive hotel.

After a short rest, we got something for breakfast from nearby a supermarket and soon we were ready for sightseeing.

First, we went to the castle and were just on time to join the English guided tour. I found it very interesting and particularly enjoyed the view of the riverbanks from the castle. The castle served as the residence of the Prince Electors in Heidelberg from the 14th to the 18th century. We later visited the castle gardens, a very nice place to walk around with grottos, terraces, a pond with a sculpture of a resting "Father Rhine” and a wonderful view of the east front of the castle.

Leaving the castle, we leisurely walked around the old part of the city seeing the Old University, University Library, Church of the Holy Spirit, Jesuit Church and other main sights around. We then strolled around the shopping area in Der Hauptstraße and picked up a very late lunch. After all that, we decided to take a look at the Old Bridge and wandering along the riverbanks.

Too much of walking for a day, we decided to then head back to our budget hotel and had an early night considering that we would have more travelling to do the next morning.