Heidelberg Hike
While staying with my friends in Heidelberg earlier this week, we went for a little hike on mount Königstuhl. Actually we only hiked down and took a bus to get up there - a tribute we paid to the unstable weather. We arrived atop the mountain to sunny weather and could enjoy a nice view down the river valley.
The walk down to the city leads through the forest via numerous walkways and paths. Every now and then openings provide a view over the green Neckar valley and scattered houses. Orientation in the area is easy (basically just walk downhill) and old-fashioned fingerposts help those in need for directions.
After 2.5 hours we reached the old castle that sits atop the city at the bottom of the mountain. Like most castles, it is a ruin nowadays, but still in pretty good shape. The powder tower suffered a bit when French soldiers played with explosives a few hundred years ago.
The area around the place is still a fair bit higher than the city and a good spot to have a cold drink and enjoy the views.
Heidelberg is one of the most touristy towns in Germany, thanks to its picturesque location and old quarter. It looks just like what people imagine Germany to look like.
Just for the record, this is NOT what your average German city looks like.