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Genealogy in Heidelberg area

Working on a preliminary itinerary for spring 2016 trip that will include parts of Germany. Have recently discovered my family roots are very deep (about 1650-1855) in Tairnbach and Eichtersheim, about a half hour south of Heidelberg. I thought it would be neat to try and see the area my ancestors lived – or at least get a flavor of the region if I can't get to the towns specifically. I will be traveling by train and will be on a solo adventure. I don't speak German, so heading off the beaten track is a bit daunting. Considering staying in Frankfurt or Heidelberg depending on other trip logistics. Seeking suggestions from you smart folks about:

1) Car hire, drivers, guide service, or suggested other means of transport to get from Heidelberg (or Frankfurt) to the small towns for a look around (thinking day trip). The bus and train schedule perplexed me and appears not to go directly to either of the towns. I am a little terrified at the idea of driving on German freeways...but could make this the "adventure" portion of my trip.

2) Suggestions of things to do for 2-3 days in Heidelberg area, if I end up staying for a few days. I love history, art, food, strolling through towns, outdoor activities. Would be using public transit unless car rental under #1 is the only option.

3) Any other input or ideas on the topic of German genealogy/family roots searching also welcome.

Thanks all in advance.

Posted by
12040 posts

I don't know either of those towns (and it appears Eichtersheim is a subunit of Angelbachtal), but I am familiar with Kraichgau, the general name for that region of Baden-Württemberg. It lies in the area east of the upper Rhine valley, between the Odenwald and Schwarzwald mountain ranges. To be honest, it isn't the most fascinating corner of Germany, but if might prove interesting if you can find family roots. More on that later...

1) Getting to these two villages doesn't appear particularly difficult via public transportation from Heidelberg. You just take a regional train to Wiesloch, then hop on a bus. The trip lasts anywhere from just under to just over an hour, not a whole lot longer than it would take by car.

If you decide to go the rental car option, it isn't that difficult either. Traffic on A5 and A6 (the two Autobahn routes you would take) can be tight, but nothing unmanageable. Heidelberg has a couple of speed traps that you should be aware of, however. If you choose to drive, send me a PM and I'll tell you where to watch out.

2) The Neckar River Valley upstream from Heidelberg is one of the under-publicized gems of Germany. Similar to the more famous Mittelrheintal, it features scenics towns and castles lining a mountainous gorge as the river winds through. The highlights are the castle town of Dilsberg, Hirschhorn, Neckarsteinach, Eberbach, and Bad Wimpfen. Especially Bad Wimpfen. You don't need a car here, as there's a good regional rail services that runs along the river.

I love the Odenwald mountain region that surrounds Heidelberg. Another under-rated gem. I spent three years hiking through here every chance I had, but for a quick visit, I would recommend the towns of Lindefels, Michelstadt and Erbach. Getting around here without a car, though, is very difficult.

B5, as it runs north of Heidelberg alond the western foot of the Odenwald is named the "Bergstraße" (mountain road). It follows an ancient Roman trading route and many of the towns along this route specialize in wine. A series of castles also overlook the route, including Burg Frankenstein, from which Mary Shelley named her famous scientist. The towns worth visiting on a short visit include Weinheim, Heppenheim and Bensheim. Just off the road, the small town of Lorsch contains an abbey that dates back to the Carolingian period, plus one of the cutest little town sqaures you'll see anywhere.

3) Just some general advice. The region you plan to research bore the brunt of several French invasions throughout the centuries, was almost completely depopulated as a result of the Thirty Years War, and also took a beating late in WWII. Consequently, much personal history has been lost. Not trying to discourage you, but don't be surprised if you visit and find that the civil records only exend back to the late 1940s.

Older German records were hand written in a now obsolete script called Kurrenschrift. Even many native German speakers today have difficulty deciphering it. So, you may want to call ahead to a local church or municipal office to see if anyone is available who can help you. You may not even be able to recognize your family name without assistance.

Posted by
7 posts

CL I am going to be a little bias here and recommend you stay for a few days in the Heidelberg area. Most people write the area of and say you can take day trips to there but I see it differently. I lived there for four years so hopefully I can convince you to stay there for a few days. If you have 2-3 day to spare in that area I would recommend the following itinerary.

Day 1 Spend the day exploring Heidelberg itself. The castle is awesome and one of the best in Europe IMHO. Start at the Bizmarktplatz and go down the Hauptstasse for the best street level view of the castle. You can either walk up to the castle or there is a tram that will take you up from Hauptstrasse. The area I described is the Altstadt (old town) section of Heidelberg. While there visit the Church of the Holy Spirit you can't miss it. My favorite thing to do when I lived there was to take myy bike and ridde it up the backside of the mountain and down to the castle. I believe there are plenty off bike rental places available to do this activity.

Day 2 Wake up and go explore the outlying cities of Heidelberg. On this day I would recommend going to Schwetzingen to visit the castle their. The castle in Schwetzingen is not much to see (they do give tours in English) but it is the gardens of the Castle that is a must see in my opinion. Also make a stop on the way in Leimen and other suburbs of the Mannheim- Heidelberg area

Day 3 Spend in Mannheim. It is only about a 20- 30 min drive from the center of Heidelberg to the center of Mannheim (also about the same on the train which I would recommend taking over a car). Do not miss Luisenpark while visiting Mannheim.There are a lot of things to do there. Also see the Baroque castle there.

I am going to cut my post a little short (I know it's a little long now) but there are so many more details I can give you if you want. Please keep in mind this is a basic outline. If you want me to get more specific please ask and I will be glad to try and help.

Posted by
12040 posts

I forgot about Luisenpark. One of the nicest urban parks in Europe.

Posted by
7 posts

Thanks Tom. It was one of my favorite places to go when I lived there. I also forgot to mention CL that the castle that inspired Mary Shelley's Frankenstein novel is also nearby Heidelberg and is worth seeing on one of the days there.