Situated high above the River Neckar, Heidelberg Castle is one of Germany’s most romantic locations. It has had a long and turbulent history since it was first constructed in the early 15th century as a residence for the Palatine princes, the powerful secular rulers who presided over this part of southern Germany during the Holy Roman Empire. Having been totally destroyed during the Thirty Years War, and later by the French in 1689 and 1693, the red sandstone building was struck by lightning in 1764 and even its stones were taken for use in other building projects. All this rebuilding has led to a variety of architectural styles and yet the castle’s delapidated air adds to its charm. The best way to reach the site is by cable car. There are excellent views over the university city of Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley from the summit.
Air: Frankfurt Airport (a coach service runs directly from the airport to Heidelberg). Rail: Train: Direct services from across Europe or via Mannheim to Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof. Funicular: Services up to the castle. Road: Coach: Heidelberg Busbahnhof. Bus: Public services.

Schloss Heidelberg, Schlossverwaltung, Im Schlosshof 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
Tel: (06221) 538 431
Website: www.cvb-heidelberg.de

Germany