Itinerary followed during this Interrail throughout Germany, Denmark and Switzerland

Cologne - Koblenz - Copenhagen - Helsingor - Hillerod - Roskilde - Berlin - Potsdam - Rhine cruise - Freiburg - Strasbourg - Black Forest - Rhine Waterfalls - Schaffhausen - Stein am Rhein - Konstanz - Zurich - Basel - Interlaken - Luzern - Zermatt - Brig - Bern - Geneva - Heidelberg - Munich - Dachau - Fussen - Nuremberg - Rothenburg (ODT) - Wurzburg - Jungfrau and Lauterbrunnen - Brienz - Geneva

Nice city under the sight of a formidable castle on the slope of a hill. The old part is very animated, full of terraces, as it is a university city . It possesses many interesting buildings and a river ( Neckar ), beautiful bridges and surrounding vineyards and hills everywhere. It is an harmonic whole where you can breath the calm and romanticism.
We were returning to Germany after our stay in Switzerland . When arriving to the train station we didn't feel like walking for long with the backpacks on our shoulders, so we headed towards a hotel near the station. We knew this hotels chain (Ibis), which is not very expensive if compared to other hotels. Ibis uses to have its hotels near train or bus stations. Perhaps we could have searched for something cheaper, but we had the experience of the many difficulties to find an accommodation for the same day of arrival in several cities. Besides, we didn't want to loose a minute on this task, because we preferred to see things. Thus, we moved at once towards the old part, not much far on foot.

The city acquired importance in 1386 with the foundation of the university by the Count of the Palatinate Ruprecht I. In 1618 there was a rebellion in this region ( Bohemia ) that leaded to the throne to the protestant Frederick V instead of the reigning king Fernando II Habsburg. This triggered the start of 30 Years War. The emperor Fernando II asked for help to his cousin the Spanish king Felipe II. The catholic troops of general Tilly conquered Heidelberg in 1620 and established the Catholicism. The impressive Palatine public library was confiscated and sent to the Pope.
The kings of Denmark and Sweden took part to help the German protestant princes. Felipe II took advantage of the troops sending to suppress the Dutch protestants, that asked for help to England . France entered the conflict later because they wanted to damage the Habsburgs dynasty. However, the cause of this war that shaked all Europe wasn't a unique fact. The fight was due to economic, political and religious differences. Two civilisations were trying to impose: the feudal and catholic Habsburgs or the bourgeois and protestant initiated in Netherlands and Germany . Finally no one won. The worst consequences were for Central Europe , that suffered from a brutal decrease in population.
Frederic V´s son, Charles Louis, attempted to recompose the city. To ensure peace he arranged a marriage between his daughter and the French king's (Louis XIV) brother, Duke of Orleans.

The problem is that Charles Louis son didn't have any successor and Louis XIV reclaimed the territory. This demand was rejected and the French plundered and set fire to the city in 1689. The city was reconstructed during the 18 th century in a Baroque style. The Palatine princes changed their residence to Manheim. In 1803 the city experienced a cultural renaissance with the foundation of a new university, that together with the beautiful situation of the city, made of Heidelberg one of the most romantic places in Germany.

To gain access to the imposing castle we had to defy hard slopes. The castle has overlooked the city for more than 600 years. It is an harmonious mixture of styles, as each Palatine prince living here left his own personal contribution.

The Louis XIV assault left it in ruins, and the castle was restored during the 19th century. The visit of the interior is compulsorily guided and they bring you across many interesting places such as chambers, towers, fortifications, Ruprecht´s and Frederick´s wings, etc. The sightseeing over the old part and the valley are incredible.

Once we returned to the old city , we enjoyed the pleasure of walking through it. The Market square is lovely, with the stone ground, authentic houses, terraces, a pretty city hall and the Saint Spirit church , from 15th century.
The university library still conserves part of the Palatine library in the Mannesse Hall, with manuscripts coming from the period between 14th and 16th centuries.
We got carried away through the pedestrian streets, admiring buildings on both sides and enjoying the warm atmosphere.

In my opinion, the rose colour of the buildings and monument stones help a lot to the romantic aspect of the city.
One of the most pleasant points in the city is the Karl Theodore's bridge . The views of the river Neckar, the castle, the old part and the slender entry gate to the city are marvellous.

Therefore I highly recommend a visit to Heidelberg . One day is enough to go through all the interesting places.