German Castles: The Heidelberg

Did you know as of January 2009, couples can get married in this stunning German castle that looks out over the city of Heidelberg?

This unusual structure consists of a number of buildings that surrounds the castle's inner courtyard. Each of the building's depicts a different time in German architecture. In 1300, the castle's first section's were constructed but it wasn't considered a regal residence until Prince Elector Ruprecht III first began to live in it.

In 1764, the Heidelberg Castle was completely destroyed by lightening. Then in 1800, Count Charles de Graimberg started renovating the castle's ruins. The citizens living in the area had been using the stones from the castle ruins to build homes until renovations began. Looking out from the castle's great terrace and garden, stunning views of the city can be seen as well as the Neckar River.

Architect, Salomon de Caus designed the gardens between 1616 and 1619 and was hired for the task by Prince Elector Friedrich and wife, Elizabeth. The gardens were considered to be masterpieces before being destroyed in 1693 during the War of the Palatine Succession. The gardens included many mazes, beds full of flowers, numerous sculptures, several fish ponds, water features, a heated greenhouse and a grotto for musical water arts.

In 1751, the worlds largest wine barrel was built by Prince Elector Karl Theodor which was used to store wine by makers of the Palatine that were paid as taxes. The barrel measures seven meters high and eight and half meters wide. It can hold up to 220,000 liters of wine. A dance floor was also built on top of the barrel.

A Tyrolean dwarf named Perkeo, worked as a court jester and stood guard at the cask during the reign of Prince Elector Carl Philip. Perkeo was best known for being able to consume large amounts of wine. According to Legend, he died after he drank a cup of water.

Many artist's and poet's have been inspired by this Romantic period castle. During the tour of the castle you will experience an audio guide where you are in control of the pace you desire. The audio guide describes the history of the castle and what it was like to live during the time the Electors’ were in power. You will also hear and learn about the great love between the Winter King and the Winter Queen. During the tour you will see the world's largest wine barrel, experience the historical charm of the buildings ruin's above the Neckar River and the many other areas within and outside of the castle.

There are actors that also accompany you on your tour making it that much more exciting and realistic of that time period. A fun history quiz is also part of the tour. The answers to the questions can be heard as you tour the castle. When the tour group is large, people have divided up into teams to make it a game and to add an interesting twist.

* Marriott Heidelberg

Telephone: 1-866-539-8117
Address: Vangerowstr. 16, Heidelberg, 69115 Germany
Cost of an average night's stay: $144

The Marriott Hotel is situated on the banks of the Neckar River. It is very close to the Heidelberg Castle. The atmosphere is a rustic one and features an indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room and a full service spa. There are a total of 248 suites, each with a flat screen TV and cable service.

Features include: Bar and lounge, lift/elevator, gift store, wireless Internet service and several restaurants.

Suite amenities include: Air conditioning, cable television, complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, minibar, private bathroom, complimentary newspaper, concierge desk, fitness facilities and laundry facilities.

*Hotel Bayrischer Hof

Telephone: 1-866-539-0036 Address: Rohrbacherstr. 2 Heidelberg, 69115 Germany Cost of an average's night stay: $122

Located in the heart of Heidelberg, the Hotel Bayrischer Hof is close the Heidelberg Castle and Thingplatz.

Suites include: Flat screen televisions with cable, wireless Internet access, handheld shower heads, designer toiletries, hair dryers, minibars, irons/ironing boards and windows that open.

* Crowne Plaza Heidelberg City Centre

Telephone: 1-866-539-0036 Address: Kurfuersten-Anlage 1Heidelberg, 69115 Germany Cost of an average night's stay: $183

Located in the heart of Heidelberg, Crowne Plaza Heidelberg City Centre is close to the Heidelberg Castle. The Crowne Plaza offers 232 guest suites each equipped with flat screen TV's and cable service, fully equipped health club facility, indoor swimming pool and steam room, bar/lounge, restaurants within as well as a fitness facility and laundry area.

* Leonardo Mannheimladenburg

Telephone:1-800-246-8357 Address: Benzstrasse 21, Ladenburg, 68526 Germany Cost of an average night's stay: $70

The Leonardo Mannheimladenburg offers 128 guest suites and is located in Ladenburg, Germany.The hotel offers a wellness center with a sauna and fitness facility

* Zum Ritter St. George

Telephone: 1-866-539-0036 Address: 178 Hauptstrasse Heidelberg, 69117 Germany Cost of an average nights stay: $241

This 4-star hotel is one of the most well preserved and elegant hotels in the city.

* Holiday Inn City Centre

Telephone: 1-800-246-8357
Address: N 6 3, Mannheim, 68161 Germany
Cost of an average nights stay: $118

Situated in the heart of Mannheim, Holiday Inn City Centre is close to the Heidelberg Castle and Hockenheimring Baden-Wurttemberg. The hotel features an indoor swimming pool, sauna and a fitness facility. Wireless Internet access is available.

The 146 guest suites features flat screen TV's with cable service, wireless Internet access, air conditoing, bar/lounge, gift store and restaurant within.

You should not ask where the "bathroom" is if you need to use one and can't find it. Instead you should use the word "toilet" as in, "Can you please tell me where the toilet is?"

The bathroom or toilet is usually located at the back of German restaurants or downstairs.

In general, "gestures" that are usually offensive in North America are also considered offensive in Germany.

Referring to someone by their first "name" is usually reserved for close friends and family members since Germany is a more formal society than it is in North America.

You shouldn't take someone making "eye contact" with you as a form of aggression since this is acknowledgement that the person is paying attention.

You are being asked for your "last" name as a rule, instead of your first name when someone inquires who you are. Also, you should shake hands with everyone when meeting as well as when leaving.