Tag: Hotel zum Ritter

A Guide to ‘Losing Your Heart’ in Heidelberg, Germany, My Home for a Decade

Tricia A. Mitchell91 Comments

I lost my heart in Heidelberg…so goes a line from a famous German song of the same name (Ich hab’ mein Herz in Heidelberg verloren).

Heidelberg has romantic castle ruins, cobbled riverside walkways, and a gorgeous setting nestled between two leafy mountains. With these charming attributes, it’s no wonder why visitors often “lose their hearts” in this southwestern German city.

I called this fairy tale community home for ten years, so I’m often asked for advice about things to do in Heidelberg. In response, I created this guide for first-timers who want to best enjoy this graceful city on the Neckar River. I’ve covered everything from historic tidbits and tasty eateries to shopping spots and places to soak up the best views.

All recommendations are within walking distance of Heidelberg’s Old Town (Altstadt). The Hauptstrasse (Main Street) is the Old Town’s epicenter.

Continue reading “A Guide to ‘Losing Your Heart’ in Heidelberg, Germany, My Home for a Decade” →

Above the Rooftops of Heidelberg: Views from the Church of the Holy Spirit

Tricia A. Mitchell13 Comments

With a golden sun overhead yesterday, Shawn and I ascended to the Heiliggeistkirche’s platform. I hadn’t made the climb up the 600 year-old Gothic church’s curvy staircase since 2002 so I was pleasantly surprised by the splendid panorama!

On the sandstone perch overlooking the Altstadt or Old Town, ladybugs congregated. Swallows soared. The Church of the Holy Spirit’s bells tolled, as if to summon Old Man Winter, who was eagerly waiting in the wings so late into the crimson and gold season.

Autumn was in all her glory yesterday, though – the trees of the hillsides cradling the Altstadt were painted in vibrant fall hues. Crispy leaves danced on the cobblestoned streets below. People soaked up the sun’s warmth at outdoor cafés.

We left the roost feeling very lucky – not only for having mingled with so many ladybugs (they are considered to be a good luck symbol in Germany) but also for having chosen the perfect day for an ascent over such a glorious city!



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Photography & text © Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.