TOURIST INFORMATION
by JessH
Even if you're like me and hate looking anything like a tourist, sometimes the most hardened traveller must momentarily admit defeat and ask for directions, help or advice.
Heidelberg is a tourist hot-spot so the city has ensured that visitors don't spend their days wandering around aimlessly, loosing time and money on their precious visit.
The Tourist Information Office is located exactly outside the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) and can give advice on guided tours, sights, hotels & more.
Opening hours (1st April - 31st October)
Monday - Saturday 09:00am - 07:00pm.
Sunday & Holidays 10:00am - 06:00pm.
(1st November - 31st March)
Monday - Saturday 09:00am - 06:00pm.
Closed Sundays & Holidays.
(check their website... changes are possible)
WEBSITE: http://www.heidelberg-marketing.de/content/index_eng.html The office can also give you advice on tram & bus lines to the various sights in Heidelberg. For extended travel outside the city please consult the DB (Deutsche Bahn) office within the train station.
TIP: This office also sells souvenirs... don't buy them here. It's (even more of) a rip off than at the tourist stands in at the Heilig Geist church.
The main tourist area in Heidelberg is the pedestrian precinct in the old town, near the Bismarksplatz, the Neckar river and of course the castle. All along the cobbled street you can find sign boards (see my photo) indicating where you are, and where everything else you want to visit can be found. So read them and use them - if all else fails ask one of the numerous young Heidelbergers for directions (most young people in Germany speak English).
Koenigstuhlbahn - train going up the mountaine
by chicabonita
The train goes up the Koenigstuhl on 30 April 2003 for the last time. Unfortunatly it has to closed due to savety reasons which I can't really understand. To learn more about the train visite: www.koenigstuhlbahn.de There you find press clipping and news about whats going on with it now. Sorry but the page is only in German.
I hope that it is reopened one day ...
I guess now there exists a bus shuttle which brings you to the top of Koenigstuhl. Last Sunday I was on the Koenigstuhl together with friends. The trip with the old train was real fun!!!
Getting to the top of Heidelberg Castle
by Gypsystravels
There are various ways of reaching Heidelberg Castle from Old Town. We choose to climb the steps to the top. You can also walk a longer path to reach the castle.
If you aren't inclinded to walking, you can take a funicular up to the castle as well. Which ever way you decide, make sure to get up here for some spectacular views.
Stammtisch - the "reserved" table in pubs
by JessH
Pubs all around the world have their regulars; those guys that sit at the bar every evening and order "the usual!" from the bartender. We Germans, in our ever-efficient ways however, have formalized our own way of drinking :-)
In most typical German restaurants and pubs, you'll notice one or more large inviting tables placed conveniently near the bar, usually with a standing or hanging sign on them with the word "Stammtisch". You'll also notice that even if the restaurant is completely packed with patrons, this table may well be empty.
The word "Stammtisch" is not easily translated into English but it means something like "regulars' table". Literally speaking, the Stammtisch is a table in a bar or restaurant which is reserved for the same guests at the same time every day or every week. Often, these are close friends of the management's family.
Belonging to the local Stammtisch used to carry status in German towns, where the mayor or some other local leader would often hold court in a smoke-filled pub. They were invitation-only, intensely territorial, and strictly male.
The modern Stammtisch tends to be more casual, involving beer and cigars, women as well as men, and maybe a game of cards.
There can be all kinds of Stammtisch. There are those simply for friends to drink together, or those for specific interest groups - say a "gardening discussion Stammtisch" or a "stamp collectors' Stammtisch". Even where I live (in Dubai) we have monthly "German business women's Stammtisch" where people can meet & get to know each other, all with a common interest.
While such a table may seem tempting, sitting at a Stammtisch is a privilege reserved for the pub's regulars: So don't attempt to sit here unless you're invited by "the regulars"!
Weinfest
by lifeisatrip
In autumn, the local vineyards have their weinfest. There are two such places going up Gaiberg from Leimen - Weingut Clauer and Weingut Bauer.
Going south on Rorhbacher straße, turn left at the light after the bahnstelle (straßenbahn station which is to your left , across is the Famila shopping center). Go up the hill and you'll see the sign for the first vineyard, Weingut Clauer. A few hundred yards more and the sign for Weingut Bauer will be visible. Both are on the left side of the road.
This year's Weingut Clauer's weinfest is on 13-14 September 2008.
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2. Historic distilling apparatus
Gatehouse, Heidelberg Castle - the Witch's Bite
One of the lovely chandeliers inside
Lovely tranquil streets.....
