Heidelberg: The City Easy Company Never Had to Fight For

A City That War Forgot

In the spring of 1945, Easy Company crossed the Rhine and entered Heidelberg—a city untouched by the devastation surrounding it.

After months of ruin and rubble, Heidelberg felt like a dream. Riding in smooth DUKW assault vehicles—far more comfortable than any truck or jeep—they rolled along the river, past grand old bridges and graceful stone buildings. For once, they could simply admire the world around them.

 

 

A Gentle End to the War

The war was winding down. The men of Easy Company could breathe again. David Webster later wrote, "Heidelberg spelled paradise in any language."

Unlike so many towns they had seen, Heidelberg was still standing—green hills, a sunlit river, the castle high on the hillside. Civilians strolled peacefully along the promenade. There were no airbursts overhead. No shattered streets underfoot. Just a quiet moment in a beautiful city that somehow escaped destruction.

 

 

Walk Where They Walked: What to See in Heidelberg Today

Eighty years later, I stood on those same streets. And remarkably, Heidelberg still feels the same.

Here’s how to experience it:

• Walk the Philosopher’s Way for sweeping views of the Neckar River and the Old Town.
• Cross the Old Bridge, just as Easy Company would have seen it—graceful, sturdy, welcoming.
• Spend time at Heidelberg Castle. Explore its ruins, its gardens, and its view over the city. Don’t rush; Heidelberg rewards slow exploration.

 

 

Planning Your Visit to Heidelberg

If you’re tracing Easy Company’s path across Europe, Heidelberg deserves a full afternoon—or more. It’s a reminder that even in the middle of war, beauty can endure.

• 📚 Band of Brothers Travel Guide on Amazon – Full Easy Company travel itinerary.
• 🌐 Visit Heidelberg Official Tourism Site – Current hours, attractions, and tips.
• 🗺️ Heidelberg on Google Maps – Plan your walking route.

See More Moments Like This

If you're planning a World War II history trip—or just love discovering places where the past still lingers—check out the Band of Brothers Travel Guide and visit Bergs & Burgs for more travel insights.

Thanks to James Skeffington, the U.S. Army Signal Corps, and the photographers at Unsplash for capturing these moments.