The Late Explorer: Heidelberg

Today, we took the nearby 33 bus which brought us directly to Heidelberg castle made famous in the film The Student Prince. Interestingly, the population of Heidelberg is 280,000 of which 28% are students. There is no single university campus but the faculties operate in impressive old, architecturally beautiful buildings dotting the city.

We arrived at noon, a good time I suggest as it’s after the early birds visit and before the tours descend. There are three levels- the first is the Schloss (Castle), next Molkenkur and finally a ride in the old funicular to take a panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside at Konigstuhl. Initially, at the box office, we were told that we couldn’t go to the highest level as there was in excess of 60 minute waiting time. We decided to take the modern funicular to level two and then descend to level one to see the Castle.

Arriving at level 2, many walks were available and some passengers set off fully equipped for a day in the mountains.

We walked a little way and returned only to find that the queue to the highest level had dissipated and on speaking to an agent, he upgraded our tickets to enable us to travel up.

Here was a most dramatic view over the landscape.

Here too was an inviting restaurant, where clients were dining on the balcony overlooking the stupendous view. A cafe was also available for more informal dining

Having absorbed the wondrous view, we returned to the Castle (Schloss).

It was spectacular. It is composed of many architectural styles, the castle having been added to over the centuries - most of it in a date of near collapse but a small part restored which houses a courtyard, a pharmacy and a wine barrel which is said to hold 100s liters of wine.

Here we lunched - traditionally !!

All food served at each level is traditional. One matter to note is that contrary to Ireland, everywhere required cash and if one presented a card - one was told that the machine was broken!!!

The gardens were expansive and spectacular.

They were completed in one night by Kurtfurst Friedrich V as present for his wife’s birthday.

The gardens included a grotto

and a well to provide water for the castle

Sculptures abound

and balconies where there is a view over the town, the Neckar and the Old Bridge.

We returned to base again by funicular.It is possible to cycle, walk or drive up to the various levels but parking is very restrictive.

We exited at Kornmarkt

A Covid centre in Kornmarkt

and into Fisch Square, where we visited the Church of the Holy Spirit famous for the fact that a dispute between Catholics and Protestants led to a wall being placed down the middle of the church to separate both communities.

The wall was not removed until 1936!!

A cruise on the Neckar appeared to be a pleasant way to complete the day - and so we cruised down the river in a solar powered ship, while sipping a Pinot Gris.