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Picture-postcard Heidelberg is guarded by its famous castle halfway up a hill. If you don’t fancy walking, a funicular railway goes there and continues to Königstuhl Mountain whose views are fit for the king it is named after. Dating to the 13th century, the ruined castle has peaceful gardens to wander, and the Heidelberg Tun, the world’s biggest wine barrel. And big it is!

At the foot of the hill is cobbled Hauptstrasse, supposedly Germany’s longest pedestrian shopping street selling traditional German beer mugs amongst other things. Also here are pavement cafes, the odd bierkeller and several Heidelberg hotels.

A short walk west is the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit), towering above the Baroque old town. Its square is the site of the Heidelberg Christmas markets, while to the north the beautiful Old Bridge crosses the Neckar River and ends at a twin-towered city gate.

Further west is Heidelberg University, the oldest in Germany and with a national reputation to rival Cambridge, its twin city. Over the river, Neckarwiese is a riverside park popular with students for a barbecue and beer, while by night the city’s many bars stay open until the early hours (and beyond!).

The nearest airports – Frankfurt and Stuttgart – both offer quick access by train to the Heidelberg accommodation on Booking.com