Schwetzingen
Tompkins Barracks is a 20 minute walk from Schwetzingen. Since World War II, thousands of Americans have spent time at Tompkins. I was stationed there in late 1970's and found Schwetzingen a very pleasant place to spend my free time.
Transportation
By train, Schwetzingen is about 10 minutes away from Mannheim or Heidelberg and 60 minutes from Frankfurt. There is a bus stop, with service to Heidelberg or Mannheim, directly across from the castle at the marketplace.Depending on the number in you party it might be economical to use taxi service to and from Heidelberg or Mannheim.
Schwetzingen is a small city. Walking is the best way to see it. Public transportation to get around the city is available if you need it.
Schwetzingen - Asparagus Capital of the World
Schwetzingen is a busy little town during late spring, the height of the asparagus harvesting season. Asparagus is served more than forty different ways between all the restaurants in town. Asparagus sellers stack it high in the market square, just outside the gates of the castle.
The first weekend in May is Spargelfest (Asparagus Festival) - parades, banquets, and the crowning of an Asparagus King and Queen are the highlights.
Sculpture in the market square of a young girl helping her mother stack asparagus.
The Castle
The castle was destroyed during the Thirty Years War and the Palatinatian succession war.
Construction on the building that stands today began in 1697. Aristocrats used the castle as a fishing retreat.
In 1720, Karl Philipp began using the castle as a second home.
Over time the gardens became very elaborate, filled with ponds, fountains, sculptures, temples, pavilions, bridges, and even a mosque. The gardens are among the world's most beautiful.
Pictures describe the gardens better than words. These are from my photo albums.
See my links to Flickr for more photos of the castle and gardens.
Tompkins Barracks
Tompkins was originally a headquarters for one of Nazi Field Marshall Rommel's panzer divisions. After the war it became an U.S. Army, Europe military installation. Tens of thousands of members of the U.S military have called it home. I was there from October 1975 until May 1978.
Link to Tompkins Barracks Photos
- Tompkins Barracks
- Maps, sketches and photos of U.S. Army installations near Heidelberg, including Tompkins Barracks.
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New Flickr Photos - Schwetzingen
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New Flickr Photos of the Schwetzingen Castle
Schlossgarten
Green experiment
Idyll
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Moschee
Corner
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Schloss Schwetzingen
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Weather Forecast for Schwetzingen and Heidelberg
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Aladdins-Cave wrote...
Love it. Must visit next time. Thank you for this Lens. I'm a newbie and now I can see
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Posted August 12, 2009
alghaz01 wrote...
Like this lens.. The culture of German is very attractive and I wish I can visit
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Posted August 04, 2009
alghaz01 wrote...
Like this lens.. The culture of German is very attractive and I wish I can visit
thanks for the nice info
5 stars and fave it!!!
don;t forget to discover an eczema remedies, please Click here to visit my lens
Posted August 04, 2009
michael1313 wrote...
I was stationed at Tompkins 3 times during the '60's and 70's - Schwetzing is trully a lovely and charming place and I love Heidelburg!
Posted July 29, 2009
dc64 wrote...
I love Germany, though I've never been to Schwetzingen. Great photos of the castle, wish I could have visited, but there were so many castles and so little time!
Posted July 15, 2009
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