Heidelberg

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Although this blog post will be discussing Heidelberg and its own castle, I thought it was fitting to mention that I am currently on a train to the Rhine region to view more castles. In addition, it seems quite appropriate coming off of the last posting on the language barrier and travel problems, that my original train that I had booked a reservation for was canceled for its first stretch, and although they must have announced it over the loudspeaker system, I was only able to understand when one of the station workers came up and told me. I have simply had to change my perspective to enjoy the adventure in it all.

Alright, I apologize for the tangent, back to the main theme of the post. In my next couple of days in Heidelberg I was able to check out the old town (altstadt) and castle (schloss). As you can see in the pictures, this blows away all that I had seen so far. The old town is set up around a main cobblestone walking path called the Hauptstraβe (β = ss).The Hauptstraβe is off limit to cars, but it certainly didn't stop the devoted. I suppose that this would also be a proper place to bring up the inordinate amount of bicycles that are used in the city. I cannot say for the rest of Germany (or Europe) but it was incredible to see how many people use bicycles as their favorite mode of transportation. Half of the sidewalk is devoted to bikes and there were literally hundreds locked up at the train station. We see some of this occurring in the United States, but not nearly to the same extent.

*Wow, this train moves quickly (and quietly)*

At the end of the Hauptstraβe is where the old markets were held. Nowadays, this ½ mile (estimate) stretch is littered with stores, restaurants, pubs, and of course tourist stands. The main square is now filled with many tables for eating and drinking, in the shadow of the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit) as well as the rathaus (town hall). I could have spent the whole day walking through this area and admiring the architecture. There were numerous side streets with cafes and restaurants as well. It was on one of these that I was able to grab a milchkaffee (coffee) and croissant at a store that had a table along the path, in order to watch the day-to-day activities and interactions of the people (volk).

*Time to switch trains*

*Okay, I hope I got on the right train, because the number on the sign and the number on the train don't match. We shall find out!*

Alright, now on to the highlight of Heidelberg, the schloss (castle). After using the fenicular to get to the top of the hill and following signs to the castle, I was met with a panoramic view of Heidelberg's old town. Even after seeing the gorgeous old town from the ground level, this put that experience to shame. The uniformed architecture and churches are even more visible from this new vantage point. As you turn around from this point the castle looms over the entire city.

*Yes, finally some pretty wine countryside, too many buildings thus far!*

As you can see from the pictures, the castle has been demolished in many sections. As I later found out, this was due to two major wars (one being the 30 years war) and a fire (from a lightning strike) that took three days to burn out and gutted most of the interior since it was ornamented with decorative woodwork. In the two pictures that show models of the castle, you can see what it looked like before and after these events.

I was able to take an english speaking tour through the castle and I am incredibly glad that I did. To add to this, I was so glad that I thought ahead and brought my student I.D. Card from UNH, which allowed me to get in for two euro, instead of five! The tour allowed you to go through the interior of the castle, which also included various recreated rooms with time period furniture. After the castle tour, I was able to take my packed lunch that I made at the hostel a delicious meal of an apple and some bread with jam and eat it in the castle gardens. Maybe not the heartiest meal, but I saved some money and you couldn't beat the view!

*Okay, I know you were worried, but I made it successfully to my destination. Stay tuned for the latest update (with more castles!)*

Video of Heidelberg Castle Courtyard:

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Photos

Heiliggeistkirche
Church of the Holy Spirit

Kornmarkt
Where markets used to be held

Castle Model
Before Destruction

Castle Model
After Destruction

Elizabeth Gate
Said to have been built in a day as a present

Comments

[Anton and Lex-a-dex]

Vantage points
Why did you have to get a better vantage point? Couldn't you just see it if you stood up???? Reine region. Amazing! You would think the schlosses get boring, but they just don't. Make sure you check out the castle from the Disney logo.

[anonymous]

You're surely picking up some of the language. Time to move to a different country with a new challenge. Jean