When a very good friend of ours informed us that he would be in Frankfurt over the weekend, we were more than delighted. Making new friends in a new country takes time. So when old friends pop in even for a very short time, it brightens our day and lifts up our spirits.
We headed over the weekend to Frankfurt to pick him up, already prepared with the sights we would be showing him around. And that would be the romantic city of Heidelberg. For the first time I wasn't keen on looking out the window during our drive. There was too much to catch up on and very little time.
Heidelberg is famous for its University, Museums and the Schloss or castle which are now world famous ruins. After a meal at the kids favorite joint MAC Donalds, it was a pretty long walk over a steep mountain all the way to the Schloss.
The castle is nestled on hills 300 feet above the city. It is a combination of several buildings, each building highlighting a different period of German architecture. It is over 600 years old and had three destructions which brought it to its current state. The first two being due to wars and the third was a lightning strike.
From the castle and its gardens, you have amazing views over the city of Heidelberg and the Neckar river.
Weddings at the castle are allowed. You have got to book a spot in advance. I think it is one of the most romantic places to say I do.
After a guided tour of around the castle, we were told that the castle also houses the World's largest wine Barrel built in 1751 by the Prince Elector to house the wine paid as taxes by the wine growers. Made out of 110 oak trees, it holds 220,000 liters of wine (58,124 gallons) and has a dance floor built on top of it. Look how tiny we are in comparison with the barrel!!!
After a guided tour of around the castle, we were told that the castle also houses the World's largest wine Barrel built in 1751 by the Prince Elector to house the wine paid as taxes by the wine growers. Made out of 110 oak trees, it holds 220,000 liters of wine (58,124 gallons) and has a dance floor built on top of it. Look how tiny we are in comparison with the barrel!!!
The day ended with a long walk on the old bridge and through the old town, walking, taking in sights and simply enjoying each other's company.
My gosh these are breathtaking photos. I love every one of them.
ReplyDeleteAll the pictures are superb. I can't believe how big that wine barrel is. I think it's bigger than where I live.
ReplyDeleteTruly a most wonderful day documented with fantastic photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I enjoyed them immensely.
What a beautiful series! *sigh* How I'd love to see some of those sights. One day I'll make it over there.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous set!
ReplyDeleteThis is a good example of why I love SIMC so much-- Heidelberg is somewhere I would have otherwise never seen and it's glorious.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got to spend time with your friend and share the tour with us.
Happy SIMC, jj
I saw no snow and no ice. That place looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photos! Makes me miss Germany!!
ReplyDeleteThese are post card pretty! Simply gorgeous shots of Heidelberg.
ReplyDeleteMay it's absolutely gorgeous! And yes you are making me miss Germany shhhh don't tell anyone I said that! lol! How nice to have an old friend visit.....fun to show your beautiful city to others. Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely photos! We visited Germany last January and it was beautiful. The castles....oh my! I loved the villages in Bavaria and those pastry shops are the best. We drove to Rothenburg and I loved every minute of it. Thanks so much for sharing these photos!
ReplyDeleteHoly crap that is a huge wine barrel!!!!
ReplyDeleteLoving the castle shots - keep them coming!
Those are lovely. We lived and worked in Germany many years ago and Heidelberg was one of our favorite places. Thanks for bringing back good memories.
ReplyDeleteI think that would be a pretty spectacular place to get married. How wonderfully unique! : )
ReplyDeleteWhat GORGEOUS photos! Wow!
ReplyDeleteYour photo taking skills are top knotch my friend! I hope to be getting out more to take some new pics. My husband took two weeks off starting the end of February and the weather better be nice by then! lol
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sonya for the compliments on the pictures!! I am elated..:D
ReplyDeleteSimply stunning!
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous shots... looks like a fabulous time!
I loved Heidelberg as shown on your photos, May. It goes to my list of places to visit in Germany!
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