It is a lovely Medieval town with characteristic narrow alleys, cobblestone streets, and half-timbered houses built 500 or more years ago.
In one of these homes is Germany's oldest bakery, Frischmuth Bakery, which opened in 1574 and has been in the same family ever since.
Dominating the skyline here, there is the imposing Wertheim Castle, dating to the 13th century. It is one of the largest stone castle in south Germany.
Today, much of the castle is in ruins, but it still houses a restaurant.
A walk up the steep hill to reach the castle offers some amazing views, which we did that afternoon.
The Spitzer Tower is quite impressive with its octagonal top.
This 13th century tower has a lean to it because of 800 years of flood waters.
Located on its side are markers showing the flood levels over the centuries.
It was used as a Guard and Watch Tower and Prison for "Drunkards" and for "Bad tempered feuding bickering women". The women were locked in the dark tower together for up to 6 weeks!
To enter the Tower, they had to climb a ladder to the entrance 10 meters above the ground, and to get out, be lowered by ropes. Food and water was also lowered to them, but they were kept "in the dark" together.
This village is also known for its glassblowing. We had a demonstration on the ship that morning by a local glassblower. We could not find his shop in the village, but we did go into the Glass Museum and there was a glassblower doing a demonstration.
And then it was back to the ship and sail away to our next day's stop along the river.
To continue reading, scroll up toward the top of this page and click in the right-hand column the entry entitled: "Heidelberg, Germany".
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