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Heidelberg and Schriesheimer Mathaisemarkt


Make historic Heidelberg, Germany your base for the annual Schriesheimer Mathaisemarkt, a pleasant spring competition. This small metropolis is a type of fortunate locations that was not bombed throughout WWII. Residents admire that and rejoice their luck and Previous World attraction with common festivals.

Aerial view of Heidelberg Castle, which towers over the historic town in southern Germany. Photo c. Heidelberg Marketing.
Aerial view of Heidelberg Citadel, which towers over the historic city in southern Germany. Picture c. Heidelberg Advertising.

Paradoxically, Heidelberg can also be residence to many divisions of the US Military. Army bases are unfold out throughout Heidelberg and neighboring cities. That makes it the primary cease in Europe for a lot of Individuals.

Heidelberg is an efficient base as a result of it’s a reasonably small metropolis; simple to drive round however a lot simpler to make use of a motorcycle. There’s a pedestrian middle the place one can discover something from massive department shops to, sure, the Onerous Rock Cafe. This previous yr, the climate was notably splendid for all of the actions that go together with the spring competition season. Most Individuals suppose solely of the Munich Beer fest, or “Oktoberfest,” after they envision Germany. Nonetheless, we’ve got discovered that the “fests” are a lifestyle right here that makes the tradition actually “festive!”

Historic Heidelberg is a Good Base for Schriesheimer Mathaisemarkt

Heidelberg’s well-known fortress was the middle of the Palatinate area of Germany. In 1155, Conrad von Hohenstaufen grew to become the Rely Palatine. He acquired the Heidelberg Citadel as fief of the Bishops of Worms. It’s the photographic middle of town. There are excursions of the fortress every day in seven completely different languages.

The Heidelberg College is one other landmark that was based in 1386. That makes it the oldest college in Germany. In 1400, the constructing of the Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggestkirche) started. The reformed Lutheran church is on the backside of the hill on which the fortress stands. Go to early to get pleasure from its location within the middle of one of many city markets.

Then, stroll throughout the “Previous Bridge” to the opposite facet of the Neckar River and hike up the Thinker’s Manner. It’s the place for breathtaking views of the fortress and metropolis with its grand cathedrals.

Aerial view of the Neckar River and Heidelberg skyline. Photo by Tobias Schwerdt for Heidelberg Marketing.
Aerial view of the Neckar River and Heidelberg skyline. Picture by Tobias Schwerdt for Heidelberg Advertising.

Native Occasions & Regional Festivals in Schriesheim

4 miles north of Heidelberg is a typical German city, Schriesheim, not overrun with Individuals, the place the annual “fest” season begins. The middle of city nonetheless has half-timbered buildings relationship way back to 1684, cobbled roads and a fountain that’s the focus for gatherings.

Schriesheim is like a lot of the cities alongside the Bergstrasse. It’s laid out alongside the Odenwald mountain vary that kinds the japanese fringe of the Rhine-Necker Kreis. Vines cowl the slopes of this vary and wine is a giant deal.

Households who hire a automobile will discover the views stunning when driving alongside the Bergstrasse or the A5. Get to know this route which connects Frankfurt to Heidelberg and locations south to Basel, Switzerland. (By the best way, Germany isn’t a rustic that makes use of N,S, E or W on its highway indicators. Tip: You need to know the place you’re going or what cities are within the course you wish to go.)

We thought the “fest” season would take a bit of break throughout Lent till Easter. Nonetheless, Fasching (the German Mardi Gras) resulted in mid-February. Nonetheless, festivities picked up once more proper right here within the city of Schriesheim! It appears that evidently for greater than 500 years, Schriesheim has been the host of the annual Mathaise Markt Fest, an eight-day occasion the primary two weekends in March.

What to Eat & Purchase on the Schriesheimer Mathaisemarkt

The HeidelbergCARD provides visitors with free public transportation and admission to several historic attractions and museums. Photo c. Heidelberg Marketing.
The HeidelbergCARD gives guests with free public transportation and admission to a number of historic sights and museums. Picture c. Heidelberg Advertising.

Again within the day, the competition celebrated the want for a giant tobacco harvest (tobacco originated in our colonies and was delivered to Europe by Columbus.) For generations, nevertheless, the Mathaisemarkt has been a kick-off for a very good wine season. St. Mathaise is the saint who wards off the “ice.” The wine area right here contains not solely Schriesheim, however lots of the neighboring smaller cities alongside the Bergstrasse.

Anticipate greater than 150,000 others perusing cubicles promoting small objects similar to sweet, meals, herbs, bulbs, pots and pans, slippers, and the same old German trinkets. Enable time for the carousel and enjoyable toddler-size rides on the small amusement park. There’s a huge tent (this can be a German type tent that may stand up to a small hurricane) for companies to show and promote constructing provides. The stage and tables are set for consuming, ingesting, and entertaining in a second ornately adorned tent. That is the place the festivities start.

Glockele is the meals of selection. It’s a rooster, I believe… (tastes like rooster to me) with a roll and, after all, wine. The outgoing Wine Queen and her courtroom arrive to nice fanfare with the mayor and different huge wigs within the city council. There are speechs (most of which I didn’t perceive) and plenty of items given. The brand new queen and her courtroom arrive with even better fanfare and a room stuffed with sparklers. It appears everybody right here is aware of to carry sparklers for this event.

Non-Cease Leisure on the Schriesheim Mathaisemarkt

The small fortress constructed on the hill above Schriesheim is Strahlenburg, relationship to 1250. The ruins of this fortress are seen for miles, particularly at night time when it’s lit up by spotlights. Up to now, trumpeters from the fortress heralded not solely the opening of this fest however many vital occasions within the city.

Catch considered one of Germany’s huge bands in the principle tent the primary Saturday night time. They play all the standard German soccer and social gathering songs. We swayed with the crowds as they consumed an increasing number of wine, and obtained up and danced to the rock ‘n roll portion of every set. After a couple of of those fests, the songs are very acquainted. The Germans additionally like U.S. Nation Western sounds.

The fest continues the primary weekend with a big parade — nearly each float, band or group had wine to move out. These Germans know to carry a cup to the parade; we didn’t. This giving of wine went on for hours. It was enjoyable; we obtained plenty of little candies, cookies, toys and means an excessive amount of wine. Ah, what a day.

On the final day of the two-week competition, there’s a parade of bands. These usually are not like our marching bands. Every city, together with Heidelberg, has a big group of trumpeters that take part and characterize the heralders of centuries passed by.

Schriesheimer Mathaisemarkt concludes with fireworks in entrance of the Strahlenburg that rival the Macy’s 4th of July show. Pink spot lights additionally flash on and off and make the fortress look like ablaze. And so ends the annual Matthaise Markt fest in Schriesheim, Germany.

Heidelberg’s Annual Competition Calendar

Crowds gather in the town square at dusk for the annual Herbst Festival in Heidelberg. Photo by Tobias Schwerdt © Heidelberg Marketing,
Crowds collect within the city sq. at nightfall for the annual Herbst Competition in Heidelberg. Picture by Tobias Schwerdt © Heidelberg Advertising,

Should you go to in spring, don’t miss the annual Heidelberger Frühling Musikfestival. This well-liked occasion is now in its twenty sixth yr of spring (mid-March to mid-April) performances. The cultural establishment presents each modern and classical live performance collection, arts and efficiency occasions, conferences and packages for younger artists.

You’ll be able to anticipate summer season on the annual Heidelberg Sommertagszug parade. On Mar. 19, 2023, search for locals with Summer time Day sticks (adorned with a pretzel, blown-out egg and colourful ribbons accroding to the tourism workplace). They march by the Previous City from the St. Anna Gasse and leads by the principle avenue to the Marktplatz (Market Sq.). Stick round to see a re-enactment of the “battle” between winter and summer season.

Look ahead to Citadel illumination and fireworks from one of many many Neckar River tour boats throughout summer season’s first week of June, July and September. Alternatively, catch them from an out of doors cafe desk on the Hauptstrasse (important pedestrian strolling zone) that itself has an exquisite view of the fortress.

For a particular celebration, the top of September marks the Heidelberg Herbst and Medieval Market. The Herbst fest might be the most important occasion of the yr in Heidelberg. The Hauptstrasse is so full of folks that you just solely transfer with the group. I counsel that the parallel streets are a greater technique to stroll. By doing so, you may dip into the principle avenue if there’s a band you wish to hear or a specialty sales space you wish to go to. Some years, the Herbst (autumn or fall) fest is similar time as the center weekend of Munich’s Oktoberfest, creating much more motive to rejoice.

Remember to test the tourism division’s on-line occasion calendar previous to planning your go to.

Journey Planning Particulars for a Heidelberg Escape

Two single beds and a pullout sofabed make up the family room at the Fier Jahrezeiten Hotel in Heidelberg. Photo c. Fier Jahrezeiten Hotel
Rooms with two single beds and a pullout sofabed are designed for households on the Fier Jahrezeiten Resort in Heidelberg. Picture c. Fier Jahrezeiten Resort

Airfare to Europe is especially low through the “off” season, which is from after New 12 months’s to concerning the finish of June. Search for bargains for the “fest” season which begins the primary of March. From Heidelberg, simply attain Schriesheim by automobile, bike or the Strassenbahn (streetcar).

Don’t neglect to purchase a Heidelberg Card, a reduction choice for sights and excursions that’s a fantastic worth. Get free entry to the college, a jail, the fortress and entry to public transportion.

One of many well-liked locations to remain in Heidelberg is the Resort Vier Jahreszeiten, situated at Thomas Weil, Haspelgasse 2, 69117 Heidelberg. It is extremely clear and its location is unbeatable, proper on the foot of the “outdated bridge” and within the middle of the Altstadt (Previous Metropolis).

We stayed there with our son a number of years in the past and located it very good. The administration was very pleasant and spoke English. Households will discover it very snug, though there are not any adjoining rooms. The lodge has many double rooms; moreover, they’ve one room for a household of 5, and 4 different rooms for 4 folks, plus their single and double rooms. All rooms are priced for mattress and breakfast. I’ve heard that they added one other guesthouse with six rooms and two trip residences, situated close to the Heiliggestkirche church, another choice.

For extra details about the area’s sights, go to the native Heidelberg Conference & Guests Bureau web site.

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