Cruise Day 4

Today we go to Heidelberg.  Lying in the steep valley where the Olderwald mountains meet the Rhine and Neckar Rivers, Heidelberg has long been considered the jewel of Germany.  It is often considered Germany's intellectual capital.  It is the home of the country's oldest university, established in 1936.  It is also the epicenter of the country's Romantic period, with artists, writers, and poets from all over the world.  Heidelberg was not destroyed by bombs in WWII.  As a result, it has retained its baroque charm with narrow streets,  helmet-shaped towers, stone bridges, historic churches and ivy covered castle ruins. 

The most defining feature of Heidelberg is the castle, considered the most magnificent castle ruin in Germany.  It took 400 years to build.  It suffered sever damage during the 30 year war and the war of  Succession.  Rebuilding was started but when lightening struck in 1764, attempts at restoration stopped. 

We also visited Rudesheim. Resting at the foot of Niederwald forest, this pretty riverside town has 9600 inhabitants.  The town has enjoyed a huge commercial success.  There were several castles built there.  It is known for it's wines and delightful landscape.  Dani and I went on a "walking" tour of the town, looking at the homes, gardens, and landscape.  It was beautiful. It is a lively tourism center with its narrow cobblestone streets, cafes and lively brass bands.