• ThistledomeThistledomeHalf a World Away
    Ouzo toasting ("yamas ")
    2View of the Neckar River from the Castle, with the old bridge (1788) in viewViews over Heidelberg and the plains from the castleRuins of Schloss HeidelbergerObservation turret in Schloss HeidelbergerObservation turret in Schloss Heidelberger, and that guy again!The Powder Tower which was blown up by French troops in 1693Kate in the courtyard of Schloss Heidelberger (Friedich's Wing)The castle from the garden terraces2Kate at entrance to the Old Bridge (Karl-Theodor-Brucke) at Heidelberg

    Heidelberg Castle

    July 5, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Today we visited Heidelberger Schloss, we took the tram to Heidelberg and met Daniel for lunch near his workplace, we then walked through the town and took the funicular (cable car) up the steep hill to the castle. The castle really is the jewel in Heidelbergs crown, it looks amazing up on the hill above the town and river. We enjoyed the castle especially the views from the terraces and the sprawling gardens.
    Most of the castle is in ruins, it was built before 1214 and had bits added afterwards, it has also been hit by lightning a couple of times, and blown up and burnt a couple of times by the French in about 1689.
    There are massive Park like garden with beautiful old trees, huge lawns and high terraces, with views of the Neckar River and the old bridge below. It was supposed to be landscaped in the formal Italian style but was never finished.
    It is used these days as a concert venue, tourist attraction, and also as a public park for anyone who walks up the hill.    Read more