Dilsberg

One of the things we have been trying to do on the weekends is explore the many interesting towns and sights right around Heidelberg. On Sunday we drove (about 10-15 minutes) east to Dilsberg. Dilsberg is an ancient walled town at the top of a small but very tall, steep hill. Mark Twain visited when he was staying in Heidelberg and writes of some interesting legends in his book "A Tramp Abroad". The position of the town provides an amazing view of the Necker River, neighboring castles and the countryside all around. The vantage point is most likely the reason this town was never taken during the 30 years war. Here are some highlights...


A view of the Necker from Dilsberg's city walls.












Here you can just make out a neighboring castle in the trees on the righthand side of the photo.




Walking alongside and on top of the city walls...




















Climbing towers....





















Even these tiny towns have magnificant churches!



















There was even a secret tunnel. It was cut out of the rock of the mountain and was very cold and wet -- even a little creepy! It led to a deep well and legend says that it was how the villagers stayed alive when their city was taken under seige.






















By the end of the day the kids were getting a little whiny so.... :)