Heidelberg, a unitary authority city in Baden-Württemberg, Germany has a population of over 145,000 in the city's 109 sq km area, enclosed in the Rhein-Neckar-Kreis rural zone.
Heidelberg lies on the river Neckar where it leaves its valley in the Odenwald to join the Rhine, 20 kilometres northwest of Heidelberg at Mannheim.
How to Get There:
Frankfurt airport is the closest major airport to Heidelberg. A shuttle bus runs between Frankfurt airport and Heidelberg (hourly, €35 round trip of 60 min). Frankfurt Hahn, Mannheim, Baden-Baden and Stuttgart also provide air service.
Heidelberg is connected directly by rail to Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Mannheim and Frankfurt. Road links are plentiful. Within the city,
a small but effective system of trams and busses meet everyone’s needs.
What to See:
The HeidelbergCard is a must have for the Heidelberg visitor. It is offered by the Heidelberg Convention and Visitors Bureau and grants the visitor access to the castle, twelve museums, public transport, a walking tour of the old town, a city guide and magazine and additional discounts.
Prices start from € 10 for a two day card for one adult. Some of the sites you should check out are Universitätsplatz and the old university, baroque style building; Student prison in Augustinergasse, Jesuitenkiche (Jesuit's church), Kornmarkt (corn market), Markplatz - great for an alfresco coffee or meal in the summer, Heiliggeistkirche (Holy Ghost church), Haus zum Ritter (Knight's house), Alte Brücke (old bridge) and Brückentor (Bridge gate).
The Castle & Königstuhl: These are what Heidelberg is really famous for. The beautiful old castle totally dominates the Heidelberg skyline. Any visitor to Heidelberg must visit the castle, but you have to walk up to the castle. The castle gardens are always open and there is no entry charge. A night visit to see the old town and castle is very rewarding. The Philosophenweg, the Heiligenberg mountain, the Thingstätte on top of Heiligenberg and the old university on Universitätsplatz are also worth a visit.
Where to Eat:
Snacks: Along the Hauptstrasse, through the centre of town, you will find several bakeries that serve local specialities including “Brezeln” (pretzels). Meals: The Haupstrasse is always abuzz with an astonishing variety of restaurants. Dishes are served without holding back, are generally inexpensive and of excellent quality, to suit every palate. Zum Goldenen Anker, Turmstube, Kashmir, Rizo, Eatery, Nabucco, Perazza, Roter Ochs, Die Eselin and Bierhelder Hof are good and inexpensive.
Hotels:
Heidelberg has over 80 hotels and 10 B&Bs. Hotel Garni Kurpfalzhof, Hotel Nassauer Hof and hotelo Heidelberg are recommended in the low-price band. Hotel Villa Marstall, Qube Hotel Heidelberg and Hotel Die Hirschgasse Heidelberg are all in the expensive range. The Dubliner Hotel and Irish Pub, Hotel Neu Heidelberg, Ibis Heidelberg and Hotel DenRiKo are in the mid-cost range. Steffi's Hostel Heidelberg, Youth Hostel Heidelberg, Hotel ISG and Hotel Restaurant Scheid are budget class.
