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Heiligenberg, Heidelberg Hike on Sunday, May 22

Link: Protected content

Enchanted by Heidelberg's enthralling beauty, the world's most famous poets since Protected content ago like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Mark Twain, Robert Schumann, William Turner, Clemens Bretano, Jose Rizal and more, wrote of its beguiling charm and fascinating character.

“I lost my heart in HEIDELBERG.”, so the famous German song goes...
But, on Sunday, May 22, let Germany's city of sunshine and romance, capture your hearts instead, as we traverse through the Heiligenberg (Holy Mountain) with captivating vistas of the alluring Neckar river, the historic Old Bridge and Heidelberg Castle.

What :
1) Hike from Heidelberg Kornmarkt – Snake Path – St. Stephen's Basilica ruins, Nazi Thingstatte – St. Stephen's Monastery ruins – back to the Kornmarkt
2) Hike (or cable car) up the Heidelberg Castle and back down

When :
May 22, Protected content , Wiesbaden main train station at 8:30am

Transportation :
By train
56-euros for 5 persons excluding IC, ICE and EC trains
50-euros per person approx. including IC, ICE and EC trains

By car
If there are friends willing to drive to Heidelberg at 8:30am and back, passengers will chip in for gas and parking at the Heidelberg Kornmarkt. Protected content per person perhaps?

Trail :
Good level of fitness is required to walk the steep uphills for 5 kms. followed by around 6kms. gradual downhill. After a late lunch, we walk up (or ride) to the glorious Heidelberg castle through the Protected content or the steep winding path.

Heiligenberg's
Distance : 11.7 km
Duration : 4 hours with stops (picture-taking and snack)
Highest point : Protected content

Trail website:
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From the Heidelberg corn market where we will park, we walk past the picturesque market square then cross the Neckar river through the historic Old Bridge. From here, we gaily trudge up the Snake Path's very steep uphill to reach the Philosopher's Way garden where we will be rewarded with the most glorious views of this marvelous city.

We continue uphill to the viewing tower and ruins of St. Stephen's monastery. Further up, prepare to be amazed by the ampitheater built by the Nazis on ancient Celtic ruins, the Thingstatte. We climb the long flight of stairs of the Thingstatte to arrive at the ruins of St. Michael's Basilica built in the year 890.

One has the option to climb up the towers to savor the spectacular scenery. Then we head down on a partly different trail and cross the bridge again toward the castle.

After a late lunch, the Heidelberg castle visit is a must! If we have time and energy left, we can walk along the picturesque old town and along the Neckar river.

What to bring :
- Plenty of food and drink to take during the hike
- Proper hiking attire. Be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions.
- Money for fare, food and other purchases
- Your pretty smiles!

Pictures of some of my hikes up these trails:

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See you soon!

Angela Perez
Activity Host

Heidelberg Forum

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