Stop #4: Heidelberg, Germany

Special, Valentine's Day post:
 
Ich hab' mein Herz in Heidelberg verloren! <3 

For those of you who do not speak German, the translation goes "I lost my heart in Heidelberg!". This, my friends, is quite true. The first place I've ever lived besides home and school, Heidelberg is the largest playground I've ever encountered! In 2007, I got to spend 6+ glorious months living in a small 1-room apartment, walking all over the place/Europe, exploring new and wonderful things on mere pennies, or rather Euro-cents! I wouldn't trade those memories for the world! Now, onto the actual post! 


Heidelberg, located about 45 minutes south from Frankfurt, sits on the Neckar River and is host to Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, or the University of Heidelberg. Founded in 1386, this was the reason for my stay. Besides the college, Heidelberg is a great historic city with a wonderful castle, or what most people would call ruins! Built though the centuries, it houses a rather large wine barrel that can hold over 200,000 liters of whatever someone has that much of!

Sadly, there was a strong Nazi presence in Heidelberg in the 1930's, which resulted in a huge amphitheatre, called the "Thingstätte". Nazi presence lasted until March 1945, when they destroyed 2 bridges and left. Needless to say, US Military entered the next day. Since then, the US military has been present in HD! (PS: that's the only way I know how to get Taco Bell in Europe!) 

Heidelberg is located on the Castle Road and close to the Romantic Road. In fact, HD is the 3rd most visited city in Germany, behind Berlin and Munich. Another fun fact: General George Patton died in a HD hospital, after a car accident in the neighboring city of Mannheim.  

On another note, here are some things to see and do in Heidelberg:

• Altstadt: The old city. From Bizmarkplatz to the Schloss, this part of the city is charming and unique. Walking down the Hauptstraße, one can shop, snack or enjoy the pedestrian-only zone. 
• Alte Brücke: The old bridge. This bridge over the Neckar River is a must see for any tourist. As someone who had to cross this bridge every day to go to school, I can attest for the walking around of and dodging pictures from the tourists that flocked to see this old symbol of the city.  
• Universität Heidelberg: One of the oldest universities in Europe, this university is a series of old buildings including the old town hall, library and the old student jail. Yes, I said jail! 
• Philosophenweg: Philosopher's Path. This walking path up and down the north side of the Neckar is called after professors, philosophers, students and any other person used this path to walk and talk. 
• Heidelberg Castle: Somewhere around 1400, the first part of the castle was built. Over time, parts/sections on the castle were added on, destroyed and now preserved. The best part of the summer is the nights where the castle is lit with colored lights and proudly displayed with fireworks. 
• And more. Just ask! :) 

 Photos: 
1. View from the Heidelberg Castle, March 4, 2007 on my first tour of Heidelberg from Dr. Tracy.
2. Picture of the Heidelberg Castle taken from the Philosophenweg on the first day of Spring, 2007. (Yes, it snowed on the first day of Spring!)