August 13, 2015

August 13, 2015

After making it through Passport Control at the Frankfurt International arrival terminal, we had to take a shuttle bus to the airport train station.  After almost an hour wait,  we boarded a train for the half hour ride to Mannheim, which sits at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers.  From there we took a suburban train a dozen miles up the Neckar River to the town of Heidelberg.  Our hotel is conveniently next door to the station.  Heidelberg is hot.  We change into more appropriate summer wear and head out on foot towards the Old Town. It is a little farther (and more humid) than I thought.

The Old Town is a large pedestrian zone of old German style buildings strung along the narrow, steep sided Neckar River valley.  At the opposite end from the train station is the remains of Heidelberg's Castle.  It is built of red sandstone and sits on a ledge high above the valley.

We make the sweaty climb up to it and pay a fee to enter the courtyard and a museum about the ancient history of pharmacists.  Aimee and I found both to be boring.

We walked back down to the Old Town and across an old stone bridge where we found a great view of the castle; the free ones are always the best.  By this time our feet are sore and we are overheating.  So we find a little outdoor plaza serving cold refreshments.  The beer is outstanding or we are just thirsty.  Rested we make the long walk back to our hotel, for an early dinner, and an even earlier bed time.  Our bodies need to catch up with the new time zone.  

Overall we found Heidelberg to be a snoozer.  We are not totally surprised.  Although it is a common stop on Germany tours, it is not on Rick Steves’ recommended list.  Still, it is a convenient nearby stop for arrivals into Frankfurt.