Jeannie's Travel Addiction

December 15, 2016

Heidelberg was another delightful  stop along the Rhine  River tour.   The Heidelberg Castle is a breath-taking sight  nestled 300 feet  in the hill above the city.  Built in 1386 and  over time it has been ravaged by wars, fires, and struck twice by lightening and captured by the French.

The castle has been somewhat restored but not open to the public.

The world’s  largest wine barrel sits in the castle.   With the capacity to hold 58,000 gallons, it stands almost 20 feet tall and has a dance floor on the top.

The courtyard stands in its ruin condition.

The view of the town and the Neckar River  below  the Castle grounds is spectacular !

The beautiful  view is referred to a landscape of roof tops.

Even the opposite side of the river is lovely, looking like a stately  miniature  display.

Walking the streets has  a  fantastic discovery in every step – such as Heidelberg’s Old Gate Bridge

The bridge statue of Prince Elector Carl Theodore who had the bridge built 250  years ago.

there are historic  buildings…..

eye-catching  Christmasy  decorated buildings and windows…..

tidy, colorful narrow streets….

.

and of course, Christmas Markets !

Each Market Hut holds a different delight!

Did i mention Gluhwein?   It is a mulled wine concoction  ( tasting similar to  cough syrup) that is sold at all of the Christmas Markets.  Each market also has it’s own distinctively decorated ceramic  mug  in which it is served.    While I was not a fan of the wine, I did love the cups !

The Christmas Pyramid resembles a windmill with rotating figurines.  Today they are driven by electricity but in the way past  the hot air rising from the candles provided the energy.

I just love the Christmas Markets along with everything that can be found there.

The Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas store can be found at most Christmas Markets and it is unbelievable!   It is everything Christmas and guaranteed to bring out the kid in you, no matter what the age.   If your holiday spirits need a lift, check out her web sight!

Kathe’s  windows displays  can be topped by none !

Each Kathe store is also decorated magnificently!

Thanks for reading and soak in the Christmas joy!!!