Romantic Splendour of Germany's Heidelberg

Heidelberg: A City of Love, Literature, and Junk Food

Heidelberg, Germany, is a place that seems to have been plucked straight from the pages of a Romantic novel. No, not the kind with shirtless men on the cover, but rather the 18th century, William Wordsworth, and Samuel Coleridge variety. The city boasts an impressive castle, picturesque old-town, and the oldest university in Germany. It is a place where love, literature, and copious amounts of junk food collide, creating a heady experience for visitors and locals alike.

Heidelberg Castle: A Romantic Wreck

Heidelberg Castle, or Heidelberger Schloss as the locals call it, is a sprawling Gothic-Renaissance ruin perched on a hill overlooking the city. Built in the 13th century, it has seen better days, having been struck by lightning, burned down, and blown up with gunpowder. You might think this would make it a rather depressing sight, but the castle's seemingly endless state of destruction only adds to its romantic charm. Wandering through its tumbledown corridors and courtyards, you can almost feel the ghost of a lovesick student, pining for his unrequited love while penning melancholy poetry by candlelight. Or perhaps that's just the scent of the currywurst stand wafting in from the city below.

Heidelberg University: Birthplace of "The Student Prince"

Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is the oldest in Germany, and one of the oldest in Europe. The university has played host to a veritable who's who of literary greats, including Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, and Mark Twain. It is also the setting for the 1924 operetta "The Student Prince", a tale of love, heartbreak, and excessive beer consumption. Twain himself once said, "A university is just a collection of buildings gathered around a library." In Heidelberg's case, the library in question is an architectural marvel, with a gorgeous Baroque facade that would make any bibliophile swoon. Time your visit right and you might just catch a glimpse of a bespectacled student, furiously scribbling away at his latest thesis on the mating habits of the South American three-toed sloth.

Heidelberg's Old Town: Where the Magic Happens

Heidelberg's Altstadt, or Old Town, is a picturesque collection of winding cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and quaint cafes. It's the kind of place where you can imagine a young Goethe, swooning over the charms of a local barmaid while scribbling down lines of verse on a discarded napkin. Or perhaps that's just the effect of the pungent cheese being served at the nearby market stand.

• Marktplatz: Heidelberg's Market Square is the bustling heart of the city. Here, you can find a plethora of knick-knack shops, food stalls, and roving bands of American tourists, wondering out loud where to buy a stein (it's Germany, after all).
• Alte Brücke: The Old Bridge, or Karl Theodor Bridge, is an 18th-century stone bridge that spans the Neckar River. Stroll across its expanse and take in the view of the castle, or join the throngs of students and tourists trying their luck at the famous "Brückenaffe", a bronze monkey statue believed to bring good luck to those who touch its mirror.
• Heiliggeistkirche: The Church of the Holy Spirit is a towering Gothic structure that dominates the Old Town. Inside, you can find the tombs of several notable Heidelbergers, as well as an impressive collection of medieval stained glass windows that could give Notre-Dame a run for its money.

A Gastronomic Adventure: Heidelberg's Culinary Delights

No visit to Heidelberg would be complete without indulging in the local culinary delights. While Germany may not be known for its haute cuisine, Heidelberg offers a smorgasbord of guilty pleasures that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning junk food aficionado.

• Currywurst: A German classic, currywurst is a delectable combination of grilled sausage, curry sauce, and fries. Perfect for a midnight snack after a night of carousing in local beer halls.
• Döner Kebab: Originally hailing from Turkey, the döner kebab has become a staple of German street food. Packed with spicy meat, crisp lettuce, and tangy sauce, it's the ideal lunchtime pick-me-up.
• Apfelwein (Apple Wine): While not technically a food, no visit to Heidelberg would be complete without sampling the local apfelwein, a deliciously tart apple wine that pairs perfectly with a plate of currywurst and fries.

So, if you find yourself wandering the streets of Heidelberg, take a moment to soak in the romantic atmosphere, ponder the great literary minds that once roamed these cobbled streets, and perhaps indulge in a greasy treat or two. After all, nothing says love and literature like a steaming plate of currywurst washed down with a glass of crisp apple wine.

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