Heidelberg and Neckarsteinach

After departing Cologne, I took a train down to the hip college town of Heidelberg, where I hung out for the day. After touring Heidelberg, I took a short train ride over to the tiny village of Neckarsteinach, where I hiked to some castle ruins and stayed for the night. English was not very popular in Neckarsteinach, and it was fun trying to use my limited knowledge of German to get a room for the night. (I guess I should have paid more attention in German class!)

As usual, click on an image to see a larger, higher quality version.

March 23, 2004 10:49:48

Riding down the Rhine river on the train, you see a lot of castles.

March 23, 2004 10:49:58

March 23, 2004 11:12:37

Mainz Hauptbahnhof (central train station). I had to switch trains here to continue onward to Heidelberg.

March 23, 2004 12:22:49

Heidelberg, near the Hauptbahnhof.

March 23, 2004 12:47:06

March 23, 2004 12:47:22

March 23, 2004 12:50:43

If you look closely, you'll see a Hard Rock Cafe.

March 23, 2004 13:24:53

March 23, 2004 13:35:38

The Heidelberger Schloß sits on a hill above the city.

March 23, 2004 13:38:42

March 23, 2004 13:38:50

March 23, 2004 13:53:12

A closer look at the Schloß.

March 23, 2004 13:53:32

March 23, 2004 13:54:42

March 23, 2004 13:55:03

March 23, 2004 13:55:24

March 23, 2004 13:58:31

March 23, 2004 16:36:47

Arriving at the village of Neckarsteinach.

March 23, 2004 16:37:22

The hotel I stayed at.

March 23, 2004 16:53:31

March 23, 2004 16:55:26

One of the four castles along the Burgenweg, or "castle trail". Two of the castles (including this one) are occupied by residents, and the two others are in ruins.