Heidelberg
While a member of the U.S. military, I lived near the city for a little over two and a half years. Since then, I have visited most of the major cities in Europe, but Heidelberg remains my favorite.
All of the photos are from my photo albums.
How to Get There
If you are unfamiliar with the German transportation system and don't want to go through the small learning curve, while possibly feeling the affects of jet lag, a shuttle service could be best bet. Depending on the number of members in your party, this might even make economic sense. Check out some of my links for businesses who provide this service.
After arriving at the Heidelberg train station, the easiest way to get to your hotel is by taxi. Certainly, public transportation is available, but, especially if there are several travelers in your party, taxi fare to Old Town (Altstadt), where your hotel should be, isn't going to cost much.
Where To Stay in Heidelberg

Personally, I like staying in one of the older, smaller hotels near the castle. Many of these hotels are owner operated, so the people behind the check-in desk are often the owners. These smaller hotels are usually cheaper than the chains.
Transportation Once You Are in Heidelberg
You can see most of Heidelberg by walking. Trams run the length of the Hauptstrasse, but since you will be checking out all of the things from one side to the other, you probably won't need it.
Ask at your hotel about purchasing transporation tickets to get you to neigboring cities and outlying areas. They will point you in the right direction.
Dining in Heidelberg
Tipping is not expected in Germany. It is customary to round the ticket out to the next Euro.
Don't worry about being understood. All restaurants are accustomed to having English speaking customers.
Many of the hotels have restaurants on the premises, and most of those serve complementary breakfasts - some of them, especially the chains, serve an American style breakfast in addition to the standard "Continental."
Nowadays, American fast food is easy to find in Heidelberg. That's a good thing and a bad thing. It's nice to have something familiar, but it would also be nice to have a few places in the world where the "golden arches" hasn't found a warm welcome. That wouldn't be Heidelberg. I was living near Heidelberg when the first McDonald's opened, and it was overrun with customers on the first day of business. Still is.
A nice alternative to fast food if you want a good, quick reasonably priced meal is Nordsee, a chain of German seafood shops. One is located on the Hauptstrasse.
Another alternative is Weinerwald, a chain of restaurants specializing in chicken. I am not 100% sure that the Weinerwald in Heidelberg is still in business; the chain expanded a little too quickly and was forced to close a lot of their locations. It certainly wasn't because of the quality of the food. The fried chicken was among the best that I have ever eaten.
The Castle

Visiting the castle grounds is free, but nominal fees are charged for some sections within the castle. Most who pay to see the inside of the castle are impressed with the wooden barrel, which is supposedly the history's largest wooden barrel to have once held wine.

The castle is lit at night and the grounds remain open. Try to make at one visit to the castle at night. Looking down from the castle terrace, the city lights are beautiful.
The Old Bridge (Alte Brucke)

Capturing the bridge and the castle in the same photo is very popular with tourists.
Heidelberg Zoo
Heidelberger Bergbahn
I recommend going all the way to the top and staying awhile. The views of Heidelberg and the river are spectacular.

Our kids were with us on our last trip. They found a small amusement park at the summit and had a great time.
The River
Fisherman on the Necker

Castle & Homes on Necker River
Nearby Cities Worth Visiting
Schwetzingen (approximately 8 miles from Heidelberg). The Schwetzingen Castle and Gardens are well worth the trip.
Speyer(approximately 28 mils from Heidelberg). The most visited attraction is the Speyer Cathedral.
Mannheim (approximately 13 miles from Heidelberg). Mannheim is a large city popular with shoppers.
Karlsruhe (approximately 37 miles from Heidelberg. Several world class museums are located in Karlsruhe.
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Link to My Schwetzingen Lens

- Schwetzingen, Germany
- Photos and information about visiting Schwetzingen.
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New Flickr Photos of the Heidelberg Castle
Reader Feedback
LaraineRose wrote...
What a beautiful lens. I'd just love to go to see it in person, but this is the next best thing. Thank you for Squidooing. All the best and 5*s.
JustBon-Crochet-Designs wrote...
Great travel lens! Have not yet made it to Germany, but this looks beautiful and well worth a visit. Loved all the pictures, and a very nice read too. 5*s
dc64 wrote...
Very nice. I really miss Germany. I lived in a small Bavarian village called Ostermünchen, and it was the most beautiful place I've ever lived. Thanks for the memories.
WritingforYourWealth wrote...
Yay, I've been here, thanks to a Rick Steves tour. :)
AndyPo wrote...
Excellent lens. I haven't been there for almost 20 years. In fact I haven't even been to that part of Germany for a long time. I hope to go on a driving holiday in that general area soon.
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