ANP Travel

The Heidelberg Castle is a well-known ruin that is located in Germany and is considered as the landmark of Heidelberg. The Heidelberg Castle is one of the most significant Renaissance structures found at the north of the Alps. The Castle has been demolished during the 17th and 18th century, but then only few parts have been rebuilt. The Heidelberg Castle lies at a distance of 80 metres up the northern part of the Konigstuhl hillside, and from there it dominates the outlook of the old downtown.

You can reach to this site through the Heidelberger Bergbahn funicular railway. The railway operates its services from the Kornmarkt to the summit of the Konigstuhl in Heidelberg. The original structure of the castle was built before 1214 AD and later has been enlarged into two different castles circa 1294. Unfortunately, in the year 1537, a lightening bolt has destroyed the upper castle.

The present structures were built with an expansion project in the year 1650, before the destruction through the wars and fires. All depends on the fate that some of the rebuilt sections were again destroyed by one more lightening bolt. Until the beginning of the 19th century, the Heidelberg Castle was not considered as the tourist destination. After building up the railway network in the year 1840, tourism has received a big boost in this area. At the beginning of the 21st century, over 3 million people visits this place a year, and nearly 1,000,000 people enjoyed overnight stays.

To get some wonderful views of Heidelberg, head to the Neckar River and the Neckar valley that is located far into the Rhine plain. If you are lucky enough to experience something beautiful with a clear day then the Mannheim is a better option that could be visible on the horizon.

Some of the other attractions at the site that will lure you entirely are:
The Gardens:
The castle gardens were built between the years 1616 and 1619 by Salomon de Caus who was the garden architect. Prince Elector Friedrich V commissioned him for his beloved wife Elizabeth. During that time, the gardens were considered as the masterpiece. The gardens are built upon many terraces with many flowers beds, mazes and arbors. With various sculptures, a heated greenhouse along with the orange trees, waterfalls, huge fish ponds, and a man-made grotto for the musical water arts.

Heidelberg Tun:
The Heidelberg Tun is also called as the World’s Largest Wine Barrel that was built by Prince Elector Karl Theodor in the year 1751. The structure stands at a height of seven metres and its breadth is of eight and a half metres. The Heidelberg Tun holds some 220,000 litres of wine and also boasts a dance floor that was built on the top of it.

Apothecary Museum:
Below the oto Heinrich Building, you will get the unique Apothecary Museum. Visitors get an opportunity to learn the history of pharmacy and dispensaries. There is a huge compilation of such things.

Castle lighting:
You can see the renowned fireworks display that lights three times during every summer. The three times occur on the months of June and September - first Saturday, and the second Saturday in the month of July. The lighting is done to remember the past event and history of the castle.

So if you love to explore the historic places then head to the Heidelberg Castle and spend a memorable time in your life.