Heidelberg has always been a haven for Romantics and romantics. The old town by the Neckar, coated in sunlight with its castle sinking into the forest above, hypnotizes thousands of tourists per day and seduced the likes of Goethe and Schumann. Perhaps the river hugging the forested hills of the city served as the poets muse. Between the trees, they strolled along the Philosophenweg (philosopher’s path) to ponder the panorama of Heidelberg’s castle across the river. Already crumbling by the 18th century after two wars and one lightning bolt severely damaged it, the regal ruins today crown the city as a testament to its history.
About 20km east of the Neckar’s confluence with the Rhine, Heidelberg stretches along the river’s shores for several kilometers. In the Altstadt (the old town), Hauptstrab e (Main Street) is the city?s heart where tourists and locals explore historic squares, churches and (very successful) shops. The tourist office located directly in front of the train station is the ideal place to stop off first for information. They reserve rooms and have a lot of valuable pamphlets on the city. Also, make sure to inquire about the Heidelberg Card (around $9) valid for two days that includes use of all public transport and admission to the Castle, and a tour of most other major sights.
