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HEIDELBERG 

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German Cities   I   History   I   Sightseeing   I   Practical   I  Hotels in Heidelberg  

One of Germany's most beautiful cities, Heidelberg (pop. 132 000) is situated on the banks of the river Neckar surrounded by lovely bushed hills. It is here that the Neckar valley opens into the Rhine valley. In 1386 the oldest university of Germany was founded here by the Elector Ruprecht I. Heidelberg fulfils all expectations with its romantic setting on the banks of the Neckar, its Gothic and Renaissance castle  The picture-perfect town is boosted by numerous lively festivals and popular student taverns.

In the late 17th century, French troops totally destroyed Heidelberg, including the castle. The town was subsequently rebuilt in the 18th century in Baroque style. The magnificent ruins of the thirteenth century neo-gothic castle above the town add to the fairy-tale setting that has inspired composers, poets and painters over the centuries. Writers Goethe and Mark Twain, the painter Turner and composers Schumann and Brahms have been captivated by Heidelberg’s matchless landscape and culture.

The city is best viewed from the Karl-Theodor Bridge which citizens of Heidelberg just call "Alte Brücke" (Old Bridge). The nearby Philosophenweg gives a great overlook of the city, it is definetly worth walking up this steep path. For Roman artifacts and more the Kurpfälzisches Museum is a must.. Day trips can also be made to the castle and vineyards of the Neckar Valley.There are more than a dozen museums, five theatres, a Philharmonic and a Symphony Orchestra. The town has an excellent choice of fascinating shops with browsing made easy on Germany’s longest pedestrianized zone.

An overview of hotels in Heidelberg. Other German cities.

 

 

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