Visiting Heidelberg
Heidelberg sits along the hillsides of the Neckar Valley, reaching back to its days as a major Protestant power during the Middle Ages. The town is defined by the imposing ruins of Heidelberg Castle, which still command the skyline today. As the primary residence of the Electors Palatine, the castle became a hallmark of the Romantic era, famously captured in travel writing like The Rhine by Victor Hugo.
A political and intellectual hub from the 13th to the 18th century
For five centuries, Heidelberg served as the capital of the Palatinate of the Rhine, one of seven electorates responsible for choosing the Holy Roman Emperor. Don't miss the Palatinate Museum of Heidelberg, located on the Hauptstrasse, a 1.5-kilometer pedestrian street that also features the oldest house in town, the gabled House of the Knight Saint George.
Spend time at the Marktplatz, the main square lined with traditional red sandstone townhouses. Nearby, the Church of the Holy Spirit, built from the same stone, is known for once housing one of the largest libraries of the Renaissance. The city has been an intellectual powerhouse since its university was founded in 1386, making it the oldest in Germany. Today, nearly one in four residents is a student. For a glimpse into the university's colorful past, step inside the Student Prison, where unruly students were held during the 16th century.
Life in the Neckar Valley
For the best views of the city and its castle, walk across the Old Bridge, or Alte Brücke. The bridge's ancient southern gate is a survivor, one of the few structures that escaped destruction during the wars with France in the 17th century. On the other side of the Neckar, the Philosopher's Walk is a path that offers quiet reflection and the most famous panoramas of the Heidelberg skyline, much like the scenic overlooks found in the hills of Berkeley or Portland.
If you want to get higher up, take the funicular to the Königstuhl summit, which sits at an elevation of 550 meters (1,804 feet). From the top, you can hike the Neckarsteig trail, hit local mountain biking paths, or even try paragliding.
When to visit
Heidelberg is a year-round destination, with a steady calendar of events and festivals throughout the seasons.
How to get there
From Paris, you can reach Heidelberg by train with one or two connections. If you are already in the region, cities like Besançon, Belfort, Mulhouse, and Strasbourg offer direct train connections to Heidelberg in under 4 hours. By car, you will reach the city via the German A5 or A6 autobahns.
Heidelberg is a really adorable city. The city center is charming and easy to walk around. I loved the Philosopher's Walk, which offers a superb view of the city. You will find it easy to grab a bite to eat and park your car. Don't miss the old student prison turned into a museum. I recommend this city for a weekend trip.