Last Updated on November 10, 2022
In Germany, the old town in Heidelberg is über popular with travelers. Absolutely! And consider that this city on Germany’s Nectar River has a population of only 120,000 – but more than 11 million people visit it every year. And that includes 3 million day-trippers, a record in Germany. Many of them, I’m sure, have discovered that old town in Heidelberg is a good, and short, day trip by train from Frankfurt.
Moreover, in annual tourism polls, overseas visitors continue to vote Heidelberg’s Castle as the best destination in Germany.
If you wonder why the old town in Heidelberg is über popular with travelers…enjoy this video. And if you haven’t yet visited this charming and vibrant city, you may want to include it in your future travel plans. (see below)
Editor’s Note: you may also enjoy Heidelberg Castle…and Other Things To See, Popular Places in Germany – Voted By Travelers, and Germany’s Fairytale Fussen in Winter – a Great Experience
One of Germany’s most Picturesque Cities
Hands down, you’ll find that Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most picturesque cities. It sits on a riverbank surrounded by forest, with a beautiful old bridge crossing the river to its city gate. In addition, above it looms a romantic-looking Gothic/Renaissance castle, the symbolic heart of the city. From there you can look down on a sea of red roofs of the old town below.
Heidelberg Castle is one of Germany’s most famous landmarks and is the symbol of German Romanticism. Although mostly in ruins, it is still occupied and continues to impart a fairy-tale look to the scene.
To reach the castle you walk up a steep trail that’s apparently for the physically fit. The rest of us, however, should opt for the Bergbahn (cogwheel train) from Kornmarkt station near the Marktplatz down below.
While the castle dominates the skyline when viewed from below, the view from its terrace down over the Old Town is even better. You reach the terrace the castle’s central courtyard, after showing your ticket at the gate. The entrance fee is €7, which also includes the fare for the Bergbahn.
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