Year Visited: Multiple times between 1998 and 2011
I visited Germany multiple times between 1998 and 2011 for business trips. During all my trips I made Heidelberg area as my base and travelled around Germany and Western Europe during evenings and weekends.
Heidelberg, situated on the river Neckar in south-west Germany, is a university town. Heidelberg University, founded in 1386, is Germany’s oldest and one of Europe‘s most reputable universities.
During WWII, the city was almost completely spared allied bombings which destroyed many of Germany’s larger inner cities. As a result, Heidelberg has retained its baroque charm of narrow streets, picturesque houses and of course the world-famous Schloss (castle ruins).
Pictures below are from my visit to Heidelberg in 2011. I also have couple of pictures from 1998, me driving around River Neckar.
Welcome to Heidelberg! Beautiful coat of Arms, will consider this as Manhole Cover. The Heidelberg Castle and the Karl Theodor Bridge, commonly known as the Old Bridge, an arch bridge that crosses the Neckar river. The earliest castle structure was built before 1214 and later expanded into two castles during circa 1294; the current bridge, the ninth built on the site, was constructed in 1788.The Heidelberg Castle.A street artist performing on the Old Bridge.River Boat cruise on the Neckar River, a major right tributary of the Rhine. Hotel Zum Ritter, the most beautiful historic town house built in 1592 by a cloth merchant, serving as an inn for more than 300 years. The hotel has survived many fires over the years.Exploring the old town of Heidelberg on Sunday morning. Street performers in the old town of Heidelberg.One of many restaurants in the market plaza, ready to serve Lunch.Side streets around the Church of the Holy Spirit, the largest and most notable church in Heidelberg, constructed between 1398 and 1515.The Heidelberg Castle, the old Bridge, and the Church of the Holy Spirit.The bridge gate at the south end of the old bridge, dates from the Middle Ages.Hotel Zum Ritter after dark.A simple manhole cover in the old town of Heidelberg.My home in Heidelberg during most visits to Walldorf.Head Quarter of my employer, picture taken during my first visit to Germany in 1998.Rettigheim, a small village 10 km from Walldorf, where I spent seven weeks during first visit to Germany in 1998.My home away from home for seven weeks during first visit to Germany in 1998.Riding along river Neckar. Mittelburg, a castle in NeckarsteinachRiding along river Neckar.I got a sticker shock, simple canvas shoes from USA will cost 65 Euro!!Noticed Few love locks looking over the old bridge of Heidelberg. Wheat beer from Heidelberger, the oldest brewery in the town. They have been around since 1753 under the sign of Heidelberg Castle.Wheat beer from Klosterhof Brewery founded in 2009, brewing organic craft beers and ales on grounds of a monastery dated 1130.Kulturbrauerei, a brewery in old town, serving good beer and food.Enjoying locally brewed beer from Kulturbrauerei.Vetter, a traditional beer hall serving draft beers alongside sausages, schnitzels & pretzels.Vetter 33, accordioning to the Guinness book of World Records 1994, this was world’s strongest beer.Enjoying craft beer at Vetter Brew house.Refreshing dark wheat beer from Sanwald brewery in Stuttgart . Jägermeister, most popular German digestif made with 56 herbs and spices.A local bar serving chilled Jägermeister at -18 C.
After spending up to eight weeks and visiting many cities and countries during few visits, my final destination was always Dallas, my home at that time.
In May 2017, 23 days before I was going to complete 50 years, grabbed an opportunity and took an early retirement.. Picked up a backpack and traveling ever since.. Love to travel around the world, experience different culture, local cuisine & drinks .. and take pictures.. so far been to 108 countries and still counting...
Window on the World 