Perched atop the city, Heidelberg Castle is a symbol of German Romanticism with its famous ruins, telling stories of wars and a marriage that marked European history.
For travelers staying in Frankfurt, a visit to this beautiful city is well worth it. The journey takes about 1 hour, and you can use either a car or a train.
Heidelberg Castle or Heidelberg Palace?? Both!!
Heidelberg Castle is now referred to as a palace, but it was originally indeed a fortified castle. After the marriage of Frederick V, Elector Palatine, to Elizabeth Stuart of England in 1613, the castle was transformed into a palace to accommodate his beloved and her entire entourage from London, with all the refinement she was accustomed to.
How Heidelberg Castle Became a Ruin
Heidelberg Castle went through various upheavals: it was destroyed in the Thirty Years’ War and later, at the end of the 17th century, the French invaded the city, destroying it again during the War of the Grand Alliance or Nine Years’ War. However, it wasn’t “just” these events that partially destroyed the building. In 1537 and 1764, lightning struck the castle, causing a fire, which led to its ruin in the second incident.
A Brief History of Heidelberg Castle
Its earliest constructions date back to around the year 1300, and the castle was used as the residence of most of the Elector Palatines. Heidelberg Castle is composed of various buildings, each from a different period, surrounding an inner courtyard. From the terrace, you can have a view of the city of Heidelberg to the horizon, the Neckar River, and the Karl-Theodor Bridge, one of the symbols of the city.
For example, the Friedrichsbau is one of the prominent buildings within the castle complex. Restored between 1897 and 1900 by Carl Schäfer, the Friedrichsbau, despite having its interiors devastated by fire, has never been in ruins and remains a testament to the brilliant architecture of a past era.
Adjacent to the castle is the renowned Hortus Palatinus, or the Garden of the Palatinate (Learn more about it below). This garden, once considered the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” was never fully realized due to the outbreak of the Thirty Years’ War. Designed by Salomon de Caus, the garden was intended to be a masterpiece of Renaissance landscape design. Discussions and debates about its reconstruction have arisen over the years.
With a private guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, you will explore the interior of the restored 19th-century buildings and see how life and history in Heidelberg were in days gone by. Outside the castle, you will find the palace garden, the “Hortus Palatinus,” which was once considered by some as the eighth wonder of the world in the past before being destroyed by the French.
The Largest Wine Barrel in the World is at Heidelberg Castle!
The “Heidelberg Tun” boasts impressive numbers! It is 7 meters tall, 8.5 meters wide, and has a capacity of 220,000 liters of wine. There’s also an intriguing curiosity – the staircase that provides access to the top of the barrel was intended to lead to a dance floor on top of this giant!
Many wonder why such a large barrel, were the castle residents such voracious consumers of the wine from this region? While wine consumption was significant, it wasn’t so much as to justify such a large barrel. In reality, they were used to store the tithe of wines paid by producers in the Palatinate region.
But the large barrel that we can visit today wasn’t always there. In 1591, the original, smaller one was built, with a capacity of “only” 130,000 liters. Unfortunately, like much of the castle, it was also destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War. In 1664, another large barrel was erected, this time with a larger capacity, able to hold up to 200,000 liters. However, it was only after about 100 years that the current barrel was finally constructed, by Elector Carl Theodor, and it is available for visitation during the guided tour of the castle.
German Pharmacy Museum (Deutsche Apotheken-Museum)
During a visit to this museum, travelers will encounter various topics on display and interesting environments, such as the Baroque pharmacy of the former Benedictine abbey at the beginning of the tour and the “Children’s Pharmacy,” which includes, among other exhibits, the “Fragrance Station,” a fully interactive area for children.
With our guided tour to Heidelberg, travelers will explore all these places and experience all the charming experiences that await them. They will also discover more curiosities and mysteries of this fantastic place. With our private guided tours, travelers are taken behind the scenes of the palace, areas not open to the general public.
Hortus Palatinus, or Palatinate Garden – Tour of Heidelberg Castle Gardens
The Hortus Palatinus, or Palatinate Garden, was one of the most significant Renaissance gardens in Germany, constructed from 1616 and unfortunately never completed. This garden, located at Heidelberg Castle, was considered one of the most famous gardens in Europe in its time, even being called the “eighth wonder of the world” by its contemporaries.
The Creation of the Hortus Palatinus in the Castle Garden
The Hortus Palatinus was created by Salomon de Caus, a renowned architect and engineer, at the behest of Friedrich V for his wife, Elizabeth Stuart, in the early 17th century. This garden, which unfortunately was never fully completed, was intended to be a sanctuary of beauty, reflection, and tranquility, a love gift from Friedrich to Elizabeth.
The garden’s design included distinct terraces, each with its own identity and purpose. The garden’s beauty was enhanced by grottoes, fountains, and sculptures, and each element was meticulously planned to create an atmosphere of serenity and contemplation. The Redoute, a tower-shaped building, allowed for a panoramic view of the surroundings, providing a unique visual experience.
Incomplete but Unforgettable!
Despite the Hortus Palatinus never being finished due to the tumultuous times and subsequent conflicts, what was built left a lasting impression. The garden, even in its unfinished state, was a testament to the splendor and artistic innovation of the Renaissance period.
Deterioration, Restoration, and Reconstruction Discussions
The garden suffered significant damage over the years, and many of its original structures were lost. However, in the 20th century, efforts were made to restore and preserve what remained of the Hortus Palatinus. There have also been discussions and attempts to reconstruct the garden, aiming to revive Salomon de Caus and Friedrich V’s original vision, but these discussions are complex and involve various considerations, including historical integrity and practical feasibility.
Heidelberg Castle During the Thirty Year’s War
Heidelberg Castle, a symbol of German Romanticism, was not spared from the devastations of the Thirty Years’ War, which spanned from 1618 to 1648.
At the heart of this narrative is Frederick V, the Elector Palatine, better known as the “Winter King”. His ascent to the Bohemian throne posed a direct challenge to the power of the Habsburg Emperor Ferdinand II and ignited the flames of the conflict. Frederick V is not only a central figure due to his brief reign and his role in the early stages of the war but also for his romance with Elizabeth Stuart, daughter of King James I of England. Frederick and Elizabeth’s marriage was a union of mutual love and devotion, a ray of light in times of adversity, producing many descendants who intertwined with European royalty and nobility.
In 1620, the Palatinate saw war approaching as Catholic forces invaded the region.
In 1622, the castle faced a siege led by General Tilly, the principal commander of the Catholic League forces. Despite its robust fortifications, the castle succumbed to the attacks and was captured, marking a crucial moment in the war. Its once majestic structures were reduced to ruins.
After the siege, General Tilly ordered the looting of the castle. Precious artifacts, artworks, and historical documents were taken. The Palatinate Library, located within the castle, was not spared either, and its extensive collection of manuscripts and books was carried away, many of which were transported to the Vatican, where they remain to this day.
The destruction and looting of Heidelberg Castle had a profound impact on the region, and the once prosperous city of Heidelberg faced a period of decline and difficulty. The castle, a symbol of power and prestige, symbolized the devastation brought by the war.
Characters like General Tilly and Frederick V, the Elector Palatine during the early years of the war, whose acceptance of the Bohemian crown was a catalyst for the conflict, played crucial roles during this tumultuous period. Frederick V witnessed the Palatinate suffer immense destruction and spent much of his life in exile.
A Tale of Love and War at Heidelberg Castle
Let’s tell an interesting and curious story, one of many that are shared by our guides during guided tours of Heidelberg Castle.
In the imposing setting of Heidelberg Castle, an intriguing and powerful love story unfolded with far-reaching impacts across Europe. An alliance and love were sealed between Frederick V, the Elector Palatine of the Palatinate (Lord of Heidelberg Castle), and Elizabeth Stuart, the charming daughter of King James I of England.
This marriage, orchestrated in 1613, was a potent union between Protestant forces against the Catholic-Habsburg ascendancy in Europe. However, it soon became more than that, as the betrothed fell deeply in love, something not necessarily common in arranged marriages within European nobility.
Celebration and Union:
The wedding was a grand celebration, marked by festivities in London and Heidelberg, filled with music, tournaments, and masquerade balls. This dynastic union, initially conceived for political reasons, was a milestone of the Protestant alliance, warmly celebrated by those who longed for a counterbalance to Habsburg Catholic power.
Marital Life in Heidelberg:
Elizabeth, the vivacious Stuart princess, and Frederick, the melancholic Elector of the Palatinate, found in each other a refuge. Heidelberg Castle became the backdrop for their harmonious coexistence, a place where their love and commitment flourished amidst political responsibilities and challenges.
The Birthday Gift Worth Seeing on Our Guided Tours of Heidelberg:
In 1615, Frederick V gifted Elizabeth with the Elizabeth Gate, an architectural wonder built in a single night (according to legend). This gift was not only a testament to their love but also a significant addition to Heidelberg Castle, which saw the inclusion of the English Wing and the new garden, the Hortus Palatinus, both designed by the same architect who came to Heidelberg along with Elizabeth.
Everything was set for a story of many happy days worthy of any castle and Disney tale. However, destiny had other plans, and the shadows of war began to form on the horizon. In 1619, Friedrich made the grave mistake of accepting the crown of Bohemia (today’s Czech Republic), as this people had long sought a new Protestant king (read about the Defenestration of Prague, an interesting event). This was a serious and unforgivable challenge to the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Ferdinand II, igniting the fuse of the imminent conflict. This decision would become the catalyst for the Thirty Years’ War, the bloodiest war Europe had ever seen up to that point.
Friedrich’s journey as the King of Bohemia was abruptly halted by defeat in the Battle of White Mountain in 1620. Exile became the bitter reality for Friedrich and Elizabeth, with Heidelberg Castle, the home they loved so much, taken by the war and largely destroyed.
Despite trials and the separation from their castle, Friedrich and Elizabeth’s commitment to their ideals and each other remained unwavering. Friedrich, until his last breath on November 29, 1632, in exile, held onto hope of one day returning to his homeland and hereditary lands.
Guided Tours of Heidelberg and All of Germany – Explore More Stories with us:
We invite you to join us in discovering this and many other fascinating stories on our guided tours of Heidelberg, its iconic castle, and all of Germany.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the past and uncover the stories that have shaped the present!