Heidelberg Suggestions

Consider staying at the Hoellander Hof, directly opposite the gate of the old bridge, spanning the Neckar River. A short block to the market place, Heiliggeistkirche (Holy Ghost Church) and city hall. The hotel offers nicely appointed rooms with private bath, lift, and extensive buffet breakfast including organic/healthy items. The castle illumination and fireworks take place several times each summer: a spectacular sight! Also concerts, ballet and productions of the operetta, "The Student Prince," take place in the castle courtyard evenings in July and August. Consider a boat trip on the River. Short trips of 1 hour all the way up to full day with views of many castles along the Neckar valley are available.

Quick Tips:

A day trip accessible by streetcar and bus is to the palace at Schwetzingen, located southwest of Heidelberg. The park features flowers, fountains and statues. A tour of the refurbished palace is well worth the time. Schwetzingen hosts a Spargel (white asparagus) festival in the spring. URL: http://www.markt-schwetzingen.de/schloss/english/garten1_e.htm

Best Way To Get Around:

The Hauptstrasse (main street) is a pedestrian zone, the buses run on parallel streets. A 24 hour public transport pass includes buses and street car lines is good for up to five people, valid after 9 a.m. weekdays and all day on weekends. The old town is compact and those with cars will find it difficult to navigate the narrow alleys, one-way streets and considerable traffic; park and walk or use public transit.

E-Mail: hollaender-hof.heidelberg@deutsche-staedte.de

URL: http://www.hollaender-hof.de

website has photos and rate information.

Rate includes breakfast and taxes. This hotel is located in the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town) section of Heidelberg. Rooms in front face the Neckar River and Alte Bruecke (old bridge). Rooms are spotless and well furnished with cable tv, mini-bar, small sitting area and private baths, most with showers. Beds have down comforters. Noise from the streets especially on weekend nights can be loud so request a room facing the inside courtyard if that is a concern. Staff speaks English. They can arrange a van shuttle to Frankfurt Airport. Bountiful breakfast buffet with fruit, juices, carafe of hot beverage of choice, eggs cooked to order, cold cuts, cheeses, etc., even an organic selection. Seperate non-smoking room in breakfast area. Easy walking distance to public transportation and attractions (Holy Ghost Church, funicular to Castle, farmers market (Wed.&Sat.) in square next to church, town hall). Untererstrasse is one block from the hotel with a variety of small pubs and boutiques appealing to young travelers. Many restaurants/pubs within one block of hotel. Parking garage nearby has arrangements with hotel for guests.

The market place in the Neuenheim section of Heidelberg is located across the Theodor Heuss bridge from Bismarckplatz (square). Take a left off Bruekenstr. to Ladenburgerstr. It is on the corner of Ladenburgerstr. and Lutherstr. The market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fresh produce, flower stands with beautiful bouquets at reasonable prices, baked goods, try the Bienenstich (cake with whipped cream filling), a stall featuring marinated olives, dried tomatoes, feta cheese are among the many offerings. There are several trailers from which dairy products including dozens of cheese varieties, also a seafood stand, and honey and organic items are sold. You can find all the items to make a gourmet picnic. Between Bruekenstr and the market are several small shops that feature gourmet delicacies, wines, a French patisserie, etc. It is only a short walk of less than two blocks from the market to the banks of the Neckar River where you can sit, relax and enjoy your purchases at an al fresco picnic!

The movie, "I was a Male Warbride," starring Cary Grant and Ann Sheridan was filmed in Heidelberg in 1948. In the opening the market place next to the Holy Ghost church is shown and also city hall (Rathaus). You can go inside the Rathaus and see where civil marriage ceremonies are conducted. In Germany you have to have a civil ceremony, religious ones are optional although many couples do get married in church but receptions are smaller and more low key than in the United States.