A Brief History of Heidelberg

The best stop on Heidelberg's Funicular Railway is Heidelberg
Castle, also known as the Red Walled Castle.

International Living Postcards--your daily escape

Thursday, June 29, 2006
Heidelberg, Germany

Dear International Living Reader,

Heidelberg Castle has taken a knock or two in its time, damaged over the centuries by war, fire, and opportunistic villagers.

Also known as the Red Walled Castle, in its younger days (from the 13th to the 18th century) it was a residence for Palatinate electors. Destroyed during the 30 Years War in the 17th century, it was then rebuilt…but destroyed again by French troops before that century was through. The castle was struck by lightening in 1764. There was peace for a time…but then the villagers of Heidelberg used the castle's stones to build their new homes. Count Charles de Graimberg put a stop to this in 1800. Though much of the castle is in ruins today, it is still a beautiful sight inside and out.

Inside the Castle is the enormous Heidelberg Tun, a massive wine vat with a 60,000-gallon capacity (maybe that explains why the villagers thought the castle walls was a quarry…). The original great vat was built in the 1500's, but the one on display was built in 1751 and is larger than the original--130 oak trees were felled for its construction.

A walk through the castle garden can't be missed. There are great views of the city and hundreds of beautiful flowers throughout the garden.

The best way to get here is the Funicular Railway, which goes from the Kornmarkt in Heidelberg to the castle, Molkenkur, and Königstuhl. A round-trip takes all day, and trains leave from the Kornmarkt every 10 minutes. The views on the ride up to the castle are fantastic.

From other stops on the railway, you can see magnificent views of the Rhine Valley, hike the Königstuhl, visit a theme park for children called Märchenparadies, and see a falcon breeding station.

Entrance to the castle is $4, and round-trip tickets on the funicular are $10. But both are free with the Heidelberg Card ($14 for two days, also includes use of the city trams and busses, and entrance into several museums).

Eroica Fedder
For International Living