Heidelberg; Monday, 25 July, 2011

Thankfully, mine wasn’t the Berlin train which was running over 70 minutes late (I didn’t even think such things happened on German railways!), but everything was in a bit of a mess due to, what I probably mistranslated as a signal failure outside the station.

A lot of trains were leaving from the wrong platform, which is always fun to watch in Germany. Eventually mine left, from the correct platform, but five minutes late.

The whole way to Heidelberg the guard was apologising for the delay, which makes a change from British trains where you only get that once you’re past the hour mark! From Heidelberg station it was a short walk round to the hotel to drop my stuff off then back to the station and out towards Dilsberg.

The small town is located on the top of a hill overlooking the Neckar Valley, and built around the ruins of its castle.

After taking in the sights of Dilsberg I headed back to Heidelberg and had a long wander around the city centre, stopping for a bite to eat in the market square.

I meandered down to the riverside and across the old bridge to the other bank to take in the stunning views of the castle complex reflecting the setting sun.

After a bit more wandering it was time to head back to the hotel.