GERMANY - Heidelberg is wonderful

I can't believe that I haven't posted anything on here since December 2022. 

Well I have now started my one month adventure to Sofia and my first stop is the German city of Heidelberg. Lying on the banks of the River Neckar, it's home to Germany's oldest university and has many historic buildings including a semi ruined castle.

Gatehouse on the old bridge

Ever wondered how all those Germans managed to infiltrate the British royal family? Well apparently it all started here in Heidelberg. Elizabeth Stuart - daughter of James VI of Scotland / James I of England - was married off to Frederick V - Elector of the Palatinate of the Rhine in 1613. Frederick was the local bigwig, very powerful, due to the fact he controlled the Rhine valley and the trade that flowed along the river. They resided here at Heidelberg Castle which was rebuilt and enlarged so as to be an acceptable residence for the daughter of a King.

Running low on possible Protestant sucessors for the British throne, in 1701 a scout round Europe for a suitable relative came up with Sofia of Hanover - one of Elizabeth and Frederick's daughters. However, Sofia died and with British Queen Anne childless the next inline was Sofia's son George, who became George I and the first of the Hanovarian Kings and the rest as they say is history. So there you have it, come to Germany and learn about the British royals!

There was also some very important advice imparted by the guide and ignoring it contributed inpart to the building being a partly ruin. 

Be careful where you store your gunpower. Lightening + Gunpowder = VERY BIG BANG!

Now you all know I like a funicular and Heidelberg has two. A very modern one that shuttles up and down the hill connecting the Old Town, the Castle and the lower station of a second one, a bit more rickety affair, dating from 1907, that takes visitors up to the Koenigstuhl, 549 metres above sea level and 437 metres above the town.

View from the top