Heidelberg to Rotterdam train

Located on the river Neckar in the southwest of Germany, the university town of Heidelberg is one of the country's most popular destinations. From impressive Baroque and Renaissance architecture to exciting museums, festive Christmas markets, and fantastic shopping, this town has something for everyone.

The first thing you'll see in Heidelberg is the Schloss Heidelberg or Heidelberg Palace. Sitting on a hill overlooking the city, this impressive castle was once the seat of Heidelberg's Prince-Electors. Although rebuilt following the Thirty Years War in the 1600s, this beautiful ruin is open to visitors with audio tours available daily. And as one of the most-Instagrammed castles in Germany, the palace is the perfect backdrop for your next envy-inspiring post. While in the castle, visit the Apotheken-Museum, which displays the history of pharmacies and medical science in Germany.

Heidelberg is also home to the famous hike, Philosopher's Way. Taking its name from the many university academics that used to hike this route for the solitude and views to inspire them, this route rambles up the southern side of the Heiligenberg. With exotic vegetation and a temperate climate during the summer months, it's easy to think that you've accidentally walked all the way to the Mediterranean.

Although Heidelberg does not have an airport, the Mannheim Airport is under 15km away, and it's easy to take a train from Mannheim to Heidelberg. Intercity bus service provides transportation to Heidelberg from many domestic and international destinations. Many direct trains run to Heidelberg from across Germany and other European cities, too, so there is no shortage of travel options to get to this fabulous city.

With origins as a small fishing village in the 13th century, Rotterdam is now the largest port in Europe. The city's unique architecture attracts visitors from all over the world, with its many angular and glass buildings standing out among much of Europe's old-world architectural style. Rotterdam is worth visiting on its own, or travel on an entire tour of 8 Dutch cities.

The exciting contemporary feel of Rotterdam extends into its art and design scene, home to many modern art galleries and Groos, a vast and eclectic concept store selling pieces by Rotterdam-based designers. For a more traditional art museum, visit the Museum van Boijmans Beuningen, one of Europe's finest art galleries displaying works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Magritte.

Rotterdam is also home to a growing food scene, and visitors can experience this in the impressive Markthal. With over 100 stalls and restaurants, the Markthal is the best place for visitors to sample authentic local cuisine.

Getting to Rotterdam is simple, whether by sea, air, rail, or road. Several airlines fly to Rotterdam The Hague Airport, and a convenient shuttle bus offers frequent transport to the city. Rotterdam's Centraal Station also provides international train services across Europe, and FlixBus offers convenient travel from various locations throughout the continent. In addition, you can take a ferry to Rotterdam from Hull in the UK and experience the city's famous port first-hand.