Leave Worms and catch train to Heidelberg, changing at Mannheim. Once again, all goes smoothly and trains, as usual, run to perfect schedule.

From Heidelberg station, we walk around 1.4 km to our accommodation, the Hôtel Elite. Another gorgeous hotel with a sizeable 1940s room with bedding for our whole family, 2 queens and a single.

After settling in, we head to the Altstadt area, which extends for around 2 km. This old university city was NOT targetted by the Allied forces in WW2 so it escaped damage and is therefore authentic and sublime. Heidelberg's extended pedestrian only Altstadt roads and side alleys are as stunning, if not superior to any mall or Italian piazza I have ever experienced.

We walk the steep climb to the top of a ridge with a spectacular castle (occupied until the late 18th century) and extensive gardens which overlook the city. We have already purchased open tickets for the funicular railway, the Heidelberger Bergbahnen that climbs to the same location, but decide to walk today and use the funicular tomorrow. We do not regret this choice as the walk is like a cobblestoned 'middle earth' fantasy. As we ascend, the view of the city and and Rhein-Neckar River becomes more and more spectacular with the castle and gardens at the top possessing the ultimate 'wow factor', despite the dark cloud and sporadic showers. If anything, this adds to the mystique.
We descend via an alternative return route to the Altstadt, taking extra care with the wet , irregular cobblestoned surface. What an amazing day!!