Germany Part II – Walldorf & Heidelberg

There was a series of meetings from November 29 to December 2. I stayed in Heidelberg but attended meetings in Walldorf. Before the trip I was wondering why I am staying in Heidelberg, which is 20 minutes away from Walldorf. Now I understood the reason behind the arrangements - Walldorf is the home of a multinational software company SAP and there is hardly anything else around there. A lot of SAP employees stay in Heidelberg or other cities near Walldorf.

SAP campus @ Walldorf, Germany

Heidelberg is known as the “twin city” of Cambridge in UK. It is located beside the Neckar River and surrounded by mountains. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, home to the oldest university in Germany and famous for its castle. The buildings in Heidelberg Old Town are very interesting as each of them has a unique design. Due to the limited land, property in Heidelberg is one of the most expensive in Germany. The unemployment rate is 0%.

The Neckar River on a gloomy day

The trip was also a good meeting with my team members and other people whom I closely work with - a fellowship of food, beers and wine. I also met my mentor, Axel and his family on a Sunday.

There are many nice restaurants in Heidelberg Old Town (Altstadt) with beautiful interiors and home-made beer. You will be surprised that a lot of restaurants require booking in advance! To avoid disappointments, better do some proper planning upfront.

Recommended attractions in Heidelberg around November/December are the Heidelberg Castle, Philosopher’s Path (Philosophenweg), the Old Bridge and Christmas Markets.

The Old Bridge

The famous monkey at the Old Bridge

Christmas Markets are only available around November and December in Germany. It is a German tradition. The ones in Heidelberg Old Town is the best I came across due to a number of reasons – each stall is well decorated, it is surrounded by historical buildings and it is not too crowded. After a meal or shopping you can take a stroll around Old Town or along the Neckar River.

With colleagues at Heidelberg's Christmas Market

For the Heidelberg Castle, you can either take a 10 mins walk from Corn Market (Kornmarkt) or take the funicular train. Note: The entrance fee of Heidelberg Castle also includes entrance to the Pharmacy Museum. From the Heidelberg Castle you can have a very nice view of the Old Town, the Church, the Christmas Market and the Old Bridge. There is a Christmas Market at the Heidelberg’s Castle Garden on December 1-4, the perfect place to enjoy a splendid night view of Heidelberg Old Town and Castle from the Castle Garden with a cup of mulled/ hot wine!

The famous Heidelberg Castle

Inside Heidelberg Castle

Snapshots of the Pharmacy Museum

Night view of Heidelberg from Heidelberg Castle's garden.

If you want to have a nice view of Heidelberg Old Town, the Old Bridge and Heidelberg Castle across the Neckar River, then Philosopher’s Path (Philosophenweg) is the place. Walk across the Old Bridge from the Old Town and you will see a traffic light with some huge bungalows. Cross the road and you will see a small signboard to the Philosopher’s Path. It’s kind of hidden and it seems to be very quiet most of the time. Nonetheless a good place to get a nice view of Heidelberg.

At the beginning of the Philosopher's Path

View from the Philosopher's Path