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Heidelberg
A university town since 1386, Heidelberg still maintains its colourful atmosphere due to the high number of students who still make up much of the population. One of the few German cities that avoided bombing during the Second World War, Heidelberg retains its buildings from the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, while the modern city can be found around Bismarckplatz. Here, also, are the best restaurants in the city. The main shopping street is the pedestrianised Hauptstrasse, and it is here that the evenings start in the bars along the street; while Marktplatz is the venue for a wonderful market offering fresh flowers, vegetables and fish during the day and "clubland" by night. Heidelberg Castle is set high on a hill amid terraced gardens and woodlands, and can be reached by cable-car, driving or walking. The latter is probably the best way to approach the castle, as you will find extremely stunning and changing views of the area. The Palace of Friedrich IV is included in the castle, as is the Wine Vat Building, built in the late 16th century and housing the Great Cask, a huge barrel holding over 208,000 litres of wine! The Studentenkarzer (Student Jail) on Augustinergasse, was where the unruly and drunken students were thrown to sober up! The walls and ceilings of the cells are covered with graffiti and drawings made by the residents. Heidelberg is the ideal starting place for boating trips along the river into the romantic Neckar Valley.