Baden-Wurttemberg Region What to Expect

Heidelberg, Germany, was and is a famous university town ever since the Protestant Reformation in Germany. But facts like these only give you a background. More fun are the sights and sounds of the town. I came from Strasbourg, France and had to transfer trains at Karlsruhe. Upon arriving at the town, you will exit and see the ultra modern side of the city, including this strange statute that looks like it had been assembled from giant pieces of children's toys. To see the old town and where most tourist sites, take a bus eastwards. The cost was negligable and it takes 20-25 minutes. You will go through the heart of the city before reaching the old town. The first stop is the marketplace with the golden statue of the madonna. Just around the corner is the street leading to the Altebrucke (old bridge) and the gate. Just before the gate is the golden moneky with a mirror. From the bridge, you can see most of the city since the river under the Altebrucke divides the city into two. Up on one hill is the castle that once protected the city. On the other side are terraced hills. Be sure to go to the top of the hill called Konigstuhl via cable car. From the top of this hill, you can see the entire river valley, the city, and the bridges below. The total time was about 4 hours. Still, it is a beautiful city with plenty of modern and renaissance German architecture.

The first time I was in Germany on my own for business, I met my old roommates ex-boyfriend who happened to be German and lived outside of Heidelberg. I was in Mainz/Wiesbaden and did not speak German. I took the train but missed the one Marcus had expected me to be on. As I had never met Marcus before I didn't know what he'd look like. He picked me out of a crowd, (must have looked very American in my shorts - - it was a warm day of 80 and being Californian that means SHORTS.) We drove into the little area of Heidelberg and I was just amazed at the old castle which had been bombed by the allies during WWII and was never repaired and the bridges across the river. We had coffee at some little cafe in town and walked around. There were young college kids everywhere, which was nice. Three young musicians from Riga, Latvia were playing saxophone and violin and clarinet just off the bridge - which was lovely. Really added to the atmosphere. Of course, being a marketing manager it was cool to see where the first King James version of the bible was printed too! It's a must see. If I only had more time, we could have done a short river cruise.

I live here fro 3 years when I was a kid - it's mostly a farming community nestled in a small valley with lots of vineyards around.

Make sure you see the castle and the graden . A good place for kids.

Going to the castle is a must, so is going to The Cave just for a look at least.

in my opinion one of the most beautiful cities in germany!

you really have to see and visit the "saftlädele" where you can buy the best fresh fruit-drinks ever!

FEG Ettlingen, Interacting with Locals,

There's a great view on the lake. You should definitely take your camera with you!

Going to the castle is a must, so is going to The Cave just for a look at least.

in my opinion one of the most beautiful cities in germany!

you really have to see and visit the "saftlädele" where you can buy the best fresh fruit-drinks ever!

FEG Ettlingen, Interacting with Locals,

There's a great view on the lake. You should definitely take your camera with you!

This place is great if you go to the Baths. Careful on the back "massage" which actually takes off all your dead skin. It can hurt, but boy does it feel good after. Really worth the money. You feel great afterwards and in this city, you feel like the rich and famous!

Blankenloch is a small town north of the main center Karlsruhe. It is possible to use the trams to get there or using bikes or even run. Its only about 10-15 km away. Once you arrive there are a few restaurants which are typical of most places, Italian, kebabs, a couple of pubs with German food and bakeries. I visited friends who lived there and passed through when on cycle tours. There are also nearby lakes which are free access for swimming in summer.

Rheinfelden is a really nice little town, great to relax in solöe uno, a salt spa!

Fantastico el balneario!

Eine wunderschöne Altstadt direkt am Rhein. Leider keine besonderen Events oder Anlässse, die Sehenswert wären.