Heidelberg

Heidelberg lies about 85 km south of Frankfurt, just across the Hesse border in Baden-Württemberg, and is reached in around 55 minutes by direct ICE or 1h 15min by regional train to Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof. A morning arrival works well, since the castle grounds and Altstadt get crowded by midday, especially on weekends. From the station, a bus or the Bergbahn funicular climbs to Heidelberg Castle, the red-sandstone ruin overlooking the Neckar river, where the Great Barrel and the castle terrace views are the main draws. The afternoon suits a walk down into the old town along Hauptstraße, one of Europe's longest pedestrian streets, past the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Alte Brücke (Old Bridge), with its stone gate towers over the Neckar. Climbing the Philosophers' Walk on the opposite riverbank offers a classic view back across the water to the castle and rooftops, best attempted in dry weather given the uneven path. Food stops include traditional Studentenkuss chocolate shops and riverside beer gardens along the Neckar, with student-town taverns near the university serving Baden-style regional dishes. Spring through autumn is the best season, when the castle gardens are in bloom and the riverside walks are most pleasant; winter visits are workable but the Bergbahn and outdoor terraces are less rewarding in the cold.