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17 Top Attractions & Things to do in Heidelberg

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Heidelberg is an ideal destination for any traveler who wishes to experience the scenic beauty of the lush woodlands, old-town architecture and ruined castles of Germany’s Rhineland. The city’s picturesque location on the Neckar River in southwest Germany has made Heidelberg a top destination for tourists since the 1800s.

Heidelberg

Praised by poets like Goethe, painted by artists like Turner and rhapsodized by composers like Schumann, Heidelberg embodies the spirit of the romantic Rhineland. As the country’s oldest university town, it’s a surprisingly lively city too, boasting an enticing array of pubs and restaurants that cater to the student population. With all the things to do in Heidelberg, it’s no wonder that so many consider this Germany city an essential stop on any European tour.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Heidelberg

Heidelberg Map

17. Jesuitenkirche

Jesuitenkirche

Located right in the historic heart of Heidelberg is the absolutely gorgeous Jesuitenkirche. Set just a stone’s throw from the castle, it lies just off of the lively Hauptstrasse and Universitatsplatz.

Built between 1712 and 1759, the beautiful church showcases some exquisite Baroque architecture. While its fine facade is made out of red sandstone, its interior is painted a blindingly bright white with only a handful of paintings and statues adorning its walls. This understated look makes it feel very elegant with just a few glittering treasures catching your eye here and there.

Asides from admiring its impressive altar painting and enormous organ, you can see its pretty pulpit and sparkling chandeliers. Its serene ambience makes it a great place to stop by when exploring the Altstadt.

16. Palatinate Museum

Palatinate Museum

For those interested in the city’s rich history and artistic heritage, the excellent Palatinate Museum is an absolute must. Lying just a short walk from the church, its three floors are packed with fabulous paintings, sculptures and porcelain.

Founded in the late 1870s, its unique and extensive collection now occupies the magnificent Palais Morass along Hauptstrasse. Once a residence for university professors, its grand rooms now contain everything from ancient archaeological findings and detailed drawings to fetching period costumes, coins and glassware.

Phenomenal paintings and centuries-old sculptures also lie alongside interesting exhibits on human history in the Lower Neckar Valley. There are also several stately suites to wander around, full of fine furniture and decorations from the 1700s and 1800s. The highlight however is its intricately carved Altar of the Apostles made by master sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider in 1507.

15. Thingstatte

Thingstätte

Perched high atop a hill overlooking Heidelberg is a rather astonishing open-air amphitheater known as Thingstätte. Hidden away amidst the vast, verdant forest, it can be reached either by hiking along the Philosophers’ Way or driving up to near its summit and walking the rest.

Just one of Heiligenberg’s many attractions, the colossal structure was constructed in 1935, during the Third Reich. Unveiled by Joseph Goebbels himself, it hosted special theatrical performances and propaganda events as part of the short-lived Thingspiel movement. This pretty much romanticised German folklore and promoted Nazi culture and ideals.

After WWII, American forces held jazz concerts at the arena before Walpurgis Night became popular in the eighties. Each year, its fire dancers and jugglers still attract large crowds to the almost endless stone seats of the amphitheatre. Its staggering size and the resplendent nature surrounding it make Thingstätte well worth hiking to if you have the time.

14. Student Jail

Student Jail

Back in the center is another fascinating historic attraction for visitors to check out: Heidelberg University’s former Student Jail. Known in German as the Studentenkarzer, its tiny graffiti-covered rooms are now protected as part of a museum.

The oldest prison of its kind in the country, it kept unruly students locked up between 1778 and 1914. While some minor offenders stayed for just two days, other misdeeds warranted up to a month in the dingy jail. To pass the time, the inmates scrawled humorous comments, observations and drawings on its grimy old walls.

In time, it became an almost rite-of-passage for students to spend a couple of nights in the jail. This could be for drunken behaviour, cheeky pranks or even for duelling – a particularly serious offence. We thought the Student Jail was a fun, quick stop on our tour around the university town.

13. Zoo Heidelberg

Zoo Heidelberg

One of the best things to do in Heidelberg with families, Zoo Heidelberg boasts an large collection of animals from every corner of the world. Situated along a bend in the river, its spacious enclosures replicate their natural habitat with playgrounds and snack stands also dotted about.

Established in 1934, it now houses over 2,000 animals, birds and reptiles of some 150 or so different species. These include not just lions and Sumatran tigers but Asian elephants, gorillas and red roos too. Guests can also watch fun feeding sessions and listen to informative keeper talks starring some of the zoo’s friendly residents.

Very well-maintained, its lush, leafy grounds are a joy to walk around with the animals appearing very happy and relaxed. After all the sightseeing, watching its cute critters is a very pleasant change from the Altstadt’s museums and historic buildings.

12. Schloss Schwetzingen

Schloss Schwetzingen

The summer residence of the Electors of the Palatinate, the vast palace was built between 1700 and 1750. On guided tours, you learn about its exceptional architecture and all the influential counts who lived here over the years. The highlight though is definitely its remarkable Rococo-style theater which is overlooked by grand arcades and a gorgeously painted ceiling.

Sprawling across an absolutely enormous area, its grounds encompass both English-style landscape gardens and French formal gardens. Besides basking in their beauty, you can also see the ornate old mosque, amazing theater of Apollo and Italianate bathhouse that lie amidst its lawns and fountains.

11. German Pharmacy Museum

German Pharmacy Museum

A rather unusual but interesting place to visit is the German Pharmacy Museum on the grounds of the Heidelberg Castle. Its extensive artifacts and exhibits impressively cover over 2,000 years of history of using herbs as medicine.

Very well done, its dozen or so rooms are delightfully decorated with old equipment pieces, porcelain containers and antique pharmacy kits lining their walls. While some intriguing utensils were used for distilling and blending, others were for grinding plants or preparing remedies with minerals.

What makes it so wonderful to wander about is that some of the small museum’s rooms are made to look like apothecaries from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. As it is included as part of your ticket to the castle, definitely don’t miss the 20,000 items displayed.

10. Kornmarkt

Kornmarkt

A bustling grain market in the Middle Ages, the Kornmarkt square was later home to a hospital run by Catholics in the 16th century. The layout of the hospital’s chapel can still be identified by the paving in the square.

In the 17th century, a statue known as Madonna at the Grain Market was erected as part of a Jesuit campaign designed to promote Catholicism. Today, the Madonna is regarded as a fine work of art that provides the perfect centerpiece to this pleasant town square.

Visitors gather here to eat at open-air cafés and enjoy views of the Heidelberg Castle on the slopes above the Kornmarkt.

9. Heiligenberg

Heiligenberg

Also known as All Saints’ Mountain, Heiligenberg rises above the city on the north shore of the Neckar River. Offering great views of both the river and the plains of the Rhine Valley, the mountain has long been valued for its defensive position.

Artifacts have been excavated dating back to the Neolithic Era. Visitors can explore remnants of medieval monasteries, an ancient Roman temple and a Celtic fort built in the 4th century, B.C. The open-air theater known as the Thingstätte built during the Third Reich is on view as well.

8. Heiliggeistkirche

Heiliggeistkirche

Located in the city’s Market Square, the Heiliggeistkirche, or Church of the Holy Spirit, is Heidelberg’s most famous place of worship. The original construction of the Gothic church began in 1398, but it wasn’t completed until 1544.

The church’s Baroque steeple was added after a fire in 1709. Visitors can climb the 208 steps to the top of the spire for city views. The Heiliggeistkirche is unique in that has been used by both Catholics and Protestants at the same time. A partition wall separating the two congregations stood in place for more than 200 years.

7. Konigstuhl

Königstuhl

Heidelberg’s famous castle is situated on the slopes of Königstuhl (Kings Seat Mountain), the second-highest peak in Germany’s low Odenwald mountain range. An historic wooden funicular train takes visitors to the top for breathtaking views of the Neckar river valley and of the Black Forest beyond.

There’s a restaurant and kid’s play area at the summit as well as a tight network of hiking trails. The clear air makes Kings Seat Mountain a great location for viewing the stars too. The Heidelberg-Königstuhl State Observatory opened here in 1898.

6. Old University Heidelberg

Old University Heidelberg

As the city has long been a famous center of learning, you can hardly visit and not check out the Old University Heidelberg. Centered around Universitatsplatz in the Altstadt, it has a magnificent museum, Great Hall and student jail for you to explore.

The oldest university in Germany, the prestigious institute of higher education was founded in 1386 following the instructions of Pope Urban VI. The large building now known as the ‘Alte Universitat’ or Old University was only erected in 1712 however. Inside, you can see the student jail and learn about the university’s 600-year-old history in its splendid museum.

The real showstopper though is its Old Assembly Hall which features lots of lovely wood panelings, fine paintings and portraits of the university’s founders. Coating the ceiling too are colourful frescoes representing the Old University’s four faculties – theology, law, medicine and philosophy. For us, this beautiful room alone was well worth the entrance fee.

5. Philosophenweg

Philosophenweg

Located to the north of the Old Bridge, the zigzagging Schlangenweg, or Snake Path, leads visitors up to the Philosophenweg, a picturesque path that stretches along the side of All Saints’ Mountain.

The Philosophers’ Way is named after the great thinkers and educators of the university town who have walked and talked here for hundreds of years. The walking trail ends at the Philosophers’ Garden, a sheltered place where warm-weather plants and flowers thrive.

Many find the views offered here of the river valley and of the red-topped roofs of the city reminiscent of the Tuscany region in Italy.

4. Heidelberg Marktplatz

Heidelberg Marktplatz

Located in the center of the Altstadt, or Old Town, the Heidelberg Marktplatz has been the city’s main gathering place since the Middle Ages. Accused criminals were once dragged from the town hall on one side of the market square or from the church at the other to meet their fate.

Those accused of heresy were burned at the stake. Others were left chained to the still-standing Herkulesbrunnen, a Baroque fountain that features a statue of Hercules. Nowadays, visitors come to the Marktplatz to shop. Fresh flowers, fish and produce are sold here on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

3. Carl Theodor Bridge

Carl Theodor Bridge

A Heidelberg landmark, the Carl Theodor Bridge was named after the Prince Elector who ordered the bridge’s construction in the 1780s. Spanning the Neckar River, the pedestrian-only sandstone bridge connects the old town quarter with the hilly landscapes on the north side of the city.

The twin-towered medieval bridge gate on the old-town side was once part of the town’s fortifications. West of the gate, visitors often pause to have their photograph taken before the Heidelberg Bridge Monkey.

The bronze statue holds a mirror as a reminder that people are much the same wherever their travels take them.

2. Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle

Once of Germany’s most imposing castles, the hulking great Heidelberg Castle , its grounds and gardens sprawl across the hillside overlooking the riverside city below. An absolute treat to stroll around, its ruddy red sandstone buildings were once the home of Heidelberg’s imperial rulers.

While the earliest foundations here date to the 1200s, most of the current castle was built during the Renaissance era. Over the centuries, it was expanded and renovated numerous times with fires, wars and lightning all having left their mark. Due to the schloss’ huge size, scale and splendour, the romantic nature of its ruins has captivated and inspired countless writers, painters and poets.

Heidelberg Castle Grounds

Other than ambling about its courtyard and admiring its amazing architecture, visitors can also enter some wonderfully restored old rooms. The lavish Gothic-style King’s Hall for instance highlights how royals used to live and entertain guests in years gone by. Here too, you can see a big ol’ barrel which is impressively the largest wine barrel in the world.

The highlight of most people’s visit to the city, Heidelberg Castle also has some lush grounds for you to see. From their prominent hillside setting, you can gaze out over the city, river and forested valley all around you.

1. Heidelberg Altstadt

Heidelberg Altstadt

The oldest part of the city, the Altstadt sits just below the castle. It extends along the river for a mile, with Karlstor on one end, and Bismarckplatz on the other. In between, is a wonderful combination of baroque buildings, narrow streets, market squares, shops, restaurants, pubs and the most popular attractions in Heidelberg.

After having been all but destroyed by French troops in the 1690s, the Old Town was built pretty much from scratch during the 18th century. Unlike the vast majority of German cities, it emerged from WWII almost undamaged. The Hauptstrasse is the main pedestrian street through the Altstadt, and is where most of the shopping is centered.

Where to Stay in Heidelberg

As much of Heidelberg is quite compact and walkable, you are best off staying in its atmospheric old Altstadt. From here, you can see most of its main sites, the castle and the vibrant university area without even having to hop on a bus.

A comfy, cool, central place to stay is the four-star Arthotel Heidelberg . Once past its historic-looking facade, you’ll find spacious modern rooms, an exceptional restaurant and a relaxed rooftop terrace. Its friendly staff are also only too happy to give recommendations on what to see and do in the area.

Even closer to the castle is the fittingly named Hotel am Schloss . A brilliant budget option, the 3-star hotel lies at the bottom of the funicular up to Heidelberg Castle. From its rooftop terrace, guests can also enjoy outstanding views of its ruddy red walls towering far above it. Besides its superb location and views, clean but basic rooms and big buffet breakfasts ensure you have a great stay.

How to get there

Heidelberg Train Station

Tucked away in the narrow Neckar Valley, the lively university town can easily be accessed from both Mannheim and Frankfurt . While the former is just a fifteen-minute train ride away, the latter lies about an hour away.

Both of these are important transport hubs with Frankfurt Airport being the main international airport serving the region. Stuttgart to the southeast also has a busy airport and is only a ninety-minute train journey away.

Once you arrive, the city’s Altstadt is very charming and convenient to walk around.

Approximate travel times:

  • Mannheim – 20 minutes by car, 20 minutes by train
  • Frankfurt – 1 hour by car, 1 hour by train
  • Stuttgart – 1.5 hours by car, 1 hour 30 minutes by train
  • Strasbourg (France) – 1.5 hours by car, 2 hours by train
  • Freiburg – 2 hours by car, 2 hours by train
  • Munich – 3.5 hours by car, 3 hours by train
  • Paris (France) – 5 hours by car, 3 hours 30 minutes by train
  • Zurich (Switzerland) – 2.5 hours by car, 2 hours 30 minutes by train

Best Time to Visit Heidelberg

Located in the narrow Neckar River Valley, the charming university city of Heidelberg is most popular to explore during its long, hot and mostly dry summer months. June to August sees temperatures average 22 to 24°C (71-75°F), ideal for visiting wineries and taking boat trips to see castles along the river.

Although busy and pricey, its historical center has a lovely, lively feel with Heidelberg Castle putting on a packed schedule of plays, concerts and operas. Hundreds of classical musical performances are also held as part of the Heidelberg Fruhling Liedfestival.

Both spring and autumn are delightful times to visit with temperatures remaining at around 15 to 20°C (so 59-68°F). The colours of the surrounding forests look stunning during these seasons with the Heidelberg Wine Village in October also allowing you to sample some of its delicious local produce.

From November onwards, the increasing cold and rain put most people off. The month-long Christmas market does help to raise spirits though with all its colourful decorations and cozy wooden cabins selling seasonal treats, gifts and handicrafts.

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Reader interactions.

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November 11, 2019 at 7:13 am

After living in Heidelberg for 6 plus years I have been to all of these locations and never realized just how beautiful this city is.

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August 21, 2015 at 11:32 am

What a beautiful city

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FREE Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Self Guided Do It Yourself Tour

Free Heidelberg Walking Tour:

Walking Tour Location : Old Town Heidelberg Style :  Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour ( Self Guided )  Start : The Old Bridge ( Alte Brücke ) End : Scheffel Terrace (Scheffelterrasse) Walking Distance : 2.2 Miles ( +.5 miles each way for Philosopher’s Path Lookout ) Time : 90 Minutes For Walk ( with attractions 5-6 hours ) Fun Scale : 9.5 out of 10

Overview of Old Town Heidelberg:

While the North side of the Neckar River was home to Celtic and Roman settlements, the Southside blossomed in the Middle Ages into the well-preserved Old Town Heidelberg you can tour today.  Heidelberg served as the capital of the Electoral Palatinate of the Rhine for 600 years ( 1085–1690 ) and was one of the main residences of the powerful Wittelsbach family for just as long ( 1214–1803 ).

With powerful standing in the Holy Roman Empire, Heidelberg grew under the shadow of its mighty castle which is still one of the best to visit in Germany.  One this free Heidelberg walking tour, we will take you through the sights that shaped Old Town from the impressive castle and Germany’s oldest university ( founded in 1386 ), through Medieval Squares and over one of the most romantic bridges in Central Europe.

Heidelberg Walking Tour:

1a. the old bridge ( alte brücke ):.

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Old Bridge Alte Brucke

About The Old Bridge : Strolling along the cobblestoned Old Bridge is one of the best things to do on our free Heidelberg walking tour and a great place to get introduced to the town’s history.  Further upstream, near the Neckar Park, there was once a single wooden bridge over the river established by the Romans in the 1st Century.  The bridge was rebuilt in stone in 100AD, but after it collapsed there wasn’t a new one spanning the Neckar River until 1284.  That might sound crazy to have no bridge for 1,000 years but there are surprising a lot of challenges with both flooding and ice along the Neckar River.  These problems have also plagued the bridge’s current location of the which is on its 9th version since Medieval times.

The Neckar River once served as the border between the Electorate Palatinate of the Rhine ( South ) and the Electorate of Mainz ( North ) which required the bridge to be heavily fortified during the Middle Ages.  On Sebastian Münster’s engraved drawings of Heidelberg ( Cosmographia ) from 1550, we get a glimpse of what the Old Bridge looked like through Medieval times.  It shows us that the bridge had a wooden roof over it and in addition to the preserved double-tower gate on the Southern end, it also had the Monkey Tower Gate ( Affenturm ) on its Northern end.

Most of the rebuilds over the centuries were because of ice damage and although the Old Bridge survived invasions during the 30 Years War in 1622, it was leveled in the Nine Year’s War in 1689.   For almost 20 years after, there was once again only a ferry to cross the Neckar River.  Rebuilt twice more ( 1706 & 1788 ) the middle of the bridge was damaged in 1945 by retreating Nazi forces as the Americans closed in and had to be repaired.

1b. Old Bridge Statues :

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Old Bridge Minerva Statue

About The Statues : In peak Medieval times the Old Bridge in Heidelberg was covered with a roof and filled with market stalls, so it is difficult to gauge how many statues it once had.  Today there are three wonderful carved stone sculptures from the last rebuild of the Old Bridge in the 1700s which help to give it the old-world feel like Charles Bridge in Prague, albeit on a much smaller scale.  A additional 4th bridge statue of the Heidelberg Monkey we will also see later on this free Heidelberg walking tour.

Starting on the Northern end of the 9-pillar Old Bridge, there has been a large statue of the Roman Goddess of Wisdom, Minerva  ( 7th pillar ).  Originally carved in 1730 and placed on the former location of a bridge guardhouse, the current copy was created in 1793 after being damaged a massive flood 9 years earlier.  Below Minerva is a wide base with 4 reliefs and 4 allegorical statues starting in the front with Justice leaning on books with her scales, a veiled Pietas holding a cross ( our favorite of them ), a winged-hat Hermes baring coins, and Ceres with a cornucopia.

Next to Minerva was once a statue of the martyred John Nepomuk ( 9th pillar ) which was added in 1738.  After Nepomuk’s statue fell into the Neckar River during the Flood of 1784, it was moved along the Northern river bank where it sits overlooked by tourists today.  His statue’s tumble into the river was slightly ironic as the Saint had been murdered by being tossed into the Vltava River in Prague in 1393.  At the riverbank below the Nepomuk Statue, you’ll find the romantic Love Stone ( Liebesstein ) where visiting couples are encouraged to leave love locks.  The large sandstone slab is where the famous lyricist Joseph von Eichendorff and his beloved Katharina Foerster ( nicknamed Kaethchen ) often met in 1808.

As you take in the views and head South toward Old Town Heidelberg, the final stone statue on the Old Bridge is of Elector Karl Theodor ( 2nd pillar ) who stands above his own coat of arms.  Karl is the ruler who commissioned the current reconstruction of the Old Bridge ( 9th overall ) in 1786-1788.  In the Middle Ages, this was the location of a guardhouse and the figures below Karl symbolize the territories around the Danube, Isar, Mosel, and Rhine rivers which he ruled at the time of the build.

2. Old Bridge Tower ( Brückentor ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Old Bridge Tower Gate

About The Bridge Gate Towers : The 92-foot-tall twin towers of the Old Bridge Gate leading into Heidelberg is the town’s second most iconic feature after the mighty castle.  There have been round twin towers above this entrance into town since at least 1400s when they were part of Heidelberg’s Medieval fortifications.   The earliest depiction of this wonderful gate was from a woodcut image of town by Sebastian Münster in 1527 as well as some engravings from 1550.

After surviving floods and wars over the centuries, the gate towers were fitted with their current canopy roofs in 1714.   The Western Tower ( called the Guild tower ) has three Medieval dungeon rooms and the Eastern Tower has a spiral staircase that leads up to the small apartment of the bridge guard over the middle archway above the gate.  Paid tolls were enforced at the gate for any foreigners crossing the bridge until 1878.

3. Bridge Monkey Statue ( Brückenaffe ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Heidelberg Bridge Monkey Statue

About The Bridge Monkey Statue : The playful Bridge Monkey Statue is one of the most photographed things on our free Heidelberg walking tour, but few tourists know the meaning behind it.  Now on the Southern end of the Old Bridge, originally the statue sat at the Northern end in as early as the 1400s.  That side of the river was the domain of the Bishop of Mainz and the monkey grabbed his butt pointing in that direction to let the Bishop know he had no jurisdiction in Heidelberg.  The early version of the Bridge Monkey Statue also held a mirror which was important to remind local citizens to have self-reflection as they traveled.  City goers and country folk were reminded that neither was better than the other as they crossed into each other’s realms.

During the Palatinate War of Succession ( 1689-1693 ) the original Bridge Monkey Statute disappeared and the neighboring Monkey Gate Tower was damaged.  Luckily Professor Gernot Rumpf installed a modern bronze version of the Heidelberg Bridge Monkey on the Southern end of the Old Bridge in 1979 to bring the legend back to life.  Every day you can see lines of tourists waiting to insert their heads into the statue to form a helmet-like monkey mask , but there is still a lot of hidden symbolism.

Instead of grabbing his butt, the current Bridge Monkey’s free fingers point to form the Horned Hand ( mano cornuta ) to ward off the Evil Eye ( malocchio ) which provides good luck or a return to Heidelberg if rubbed.  It’s said that also rubbing the mirror in the monkey’s other hand will bring you money which seems a little weird since the self-reflection should instead bring your humility.

Next to the statue are a pair of bronze mice ( a signature of the artist ) which said to bring luck with fertility and a plaque showing of the words of Baroque-era writer Martin Zeiler’s 1632 poem about the Bridge Monkey Statue.  The poem basically mocks people who only stand around staring at the statue and invites you to participate by placing your head inside it.

4. Neckar Riverboat Cruises :

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Neckar River Boat Cruises Solar Boat

About The River Boat Cruises : Heidelberg may only be 60-90 minutes by train to the heart of Rhine River cruising, but a relaxing boat ride along the Neckar River is also very enjoyable.  Between two companies there are two main options for your Neckar River cruises including a local 50-minute cruise and a longer 3-hour tour which visits other villages upstream.  We have done both options and will give you an overview below.

For the 50-minute local cruise, we chose to ride on the solar-powered Neckarsonne Boat ( website , Neckarstaden #25 ) which leaves near the Old Bridge.  A large portion of the Neckarsonne boat has retractable glass walls which help you to get panoramic views as you quietly glide along the river.  There is interesting commentary in both English and Germany throughout the cruise, but it is so relaxing that we actually tuned most of it out as we gazed onto the castle and village.  The Neckarsonne does have food, drinks, and beer available but you will want to board a little early if you are hungry as the fresh snacks are in limited supply.

The other option in Heidelburg is called Weisse Flotte ( website , Neckarstaden #25 ) and leaves from near the State Hall Theater.  This company also has a 50-minute local tour which is a little more focused on food, but is not as quiet at the unique solar-powered Neckarsonne.  Weisse Flotte’s best cruise is the 3-hour round trip with the option to layover in the village of Neckarsteinach known as the City of Four Castles .  It really does have four castles packed right into one tiny village which is pretty cool.  This cruise is one of the best ways to recharge and relax for a few hours if you are feeling burnt out from traveling.

Neckarsonne 50-Minute Cruise : April & October  Tuesday to Sunday at 11:30am, 1 pm, 3 pm, & 4 pm; May-September Tuesday to Sunday 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 3pm, 4pm, & 6pm.  No Cruises Mondays.  Cost : 9€ for adults or 3.50€ for kids.  Weisse Flotte 50-Minute Cruise : April & October Wednesday to Monday at every 30 minutes from 10am-5:30pm.  No Cruises Tuesdays.  Cost : 9€ for adults or 3.50€ for kids. Weisse Flotte 3-Hour Cruise : April-October departures at 10am, 11am, Noon, 2pm, & 3pm.  No meaningful layover option in Neckarsteinach on the last round-trip cruise for the day.  Weekday times limited in April & October.  Cost : 17€ for Adults or 8€ for kids.

5. Horse Stables & Arsenal ( Marstallhof ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Horse Stables Arsenal Marstallhof University Cafe

About The Horse Stables Arsenal : Six years after Heidelberg was attacked during the Landshut War of Succession in 1504, a mighty arsenal was completed here to defend the city from war.  The massive red sandstone complex in one of the few buildings in the heart of Old Town Heidelberg to have largely remained intact over the centuries of conflict.  Across an open inner courtyard, the Southside of the complex became the military horse stables ( Marstall ) in 1590 but much of that area was damaged during the Palatinate War of Succession in 1693 also known as the Nine Year’s War.

Today, the former arsenal and horse stables are part of the Heidelberg University and serve as the popular University Cafe.  We love the cafe as it is open to the public and is the best place to get a great meal on a budget in Heidelberg.  Even if you only stop in to take a break in the inner courtyard and check out the preserved Medieval architecture, it is still a very enjoyable stop on this free Heidelberg walking tour.

6. State Hall Theater ( Stadthalle ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - State Hall Theater Stadthalle

About The State Hall Theater : From the former Horse Stables & Arsenal, it is a very short walk to the Art Nouveau-style State Hall Theater built in 1803.   The Western facing main entrance into the theater is one of the most beautiful buildings in Heidelberg.  We also like to visit as the small Anniversary Square Park ( Jubiläumsplatz ) across from the main entrance is a wonderful place to rest your feet for a few minutes while surrounded by only locals.  You can also get a great view of the famous Neckar River Park ( Neckarwiese ) just across the river as a preview if you plan on visiting it which we recommend.  The narrowest home in Heidelberg can also be seen just in front of the State Hall Theater at Untere Neckarstraße #38.

Note : The interior of the theater is under renovations into 2022.  Time Required : 5 minutes ( 15 if you stop to rest ).

7. Main Street ( Hauptstraße ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - main street pedestrian only lane Hauptstrasse

About Main Street : At one-mile-long, the Hauptstraße is the longest pedestrian zone in Germany and is filled with shops you’ll actually want to visit.  There are countless restaurants and cafes adding to the energy of the pedestrian zone, but the Conditorei-Café Schafheutle ( website , #94 ) is one that you shouldn’t miss.  Since 1833, this delicious cafe has been known as the “Sweet Heart of Heidelberg” thanks to its unmatched coffee, cakes, and chocolate.  The best thing about the cafe is the peaceful greenhouse-like seating area hidden in the back which is one of the more relaxing spots in town and a great retreat from the busy street outside.

Further down the Main Street, you will find one of the best Christmas stores in Germany at Käthe Wohlfahrt ( website , #124 ).  Based out of Rothenburg Germany, this is the most iconic Christmas shop in Europe and it gives you a taste of the Advent markets any time of year.  Next to Käthe Wohlfahrt, you can get a feel for the where the Medieval wall once ringed Old Town Heidelberg based off the fortified buildings and the open square with the Lion’s Well Fountain which once was a dry moat ditch ( graben ).  Next to the large Art-Nouveau building on the corner ( #126 ) where the Middle Tower ( Mitteltor ) stood from Medieval Times until 1827.

8. Palatinate Museum ( Kurpfälzisches ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Palatinate Museum & Courtyard

About The Palatinate Museum : Sitting on Heidelberg’s main pedestrian, the Palatinate Museum is the best museum in town and far more interest than most visitors expect.  The museum was founded inside the former Morass Mansion in 1870 and covers a very wide range of art and archaeology focusing on the Palatinate region of Germany.

There are wonderful paintings at the Palatinate Museum going back to the 1500s, exhibits on the findings from Heidelberg Roman settlement, and a copy of the jaw bone from the 600,000-year-old Heidelberg Man.  We especially love the wide range of artifacts and priceless items telling the history of the Electoral Palatinate which ruled the region from 1214 to 1803.  Our three favorite works are the bronze Roman statue from 100AD, the famous painting of Heidelberg’s Castle Gardens by Jacques Fouquières from 1620, and the Flemish version of the Tower of Babel painting from 1587.  It is also impossible to not be impressed by the interior of the mansion itself which is furnished to look like it would have in the 1700s to 1800s.

The inner courtyard as you approach the entrance to the Palatinate Museum is also gorgeous.  Make sure to look up at the wrought-iron Golden Swan Pub sign from 1790 ( replica on display ) from Michelfeld with the coat of arms from Gemmingen Manor.  Further into the courtyard is the Restaurant Garibaldi which although it beautiful have fairly poor service ratings.  The outdoor area of the restaurant is free to visit however and filled with statues from 1712 from the convent that was demolished for the nearby University Library in 1901-05.  We will see the facade of the stunning library next on this free Heidelberg walking tour.

Museum Hours : Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm; Closed Mondays. Cos t: Weekdays 3€ and Weekends 1.80€ for Adults; kids free; includes English or German audio guide.  Website : Here .  Time Required : 60-90 minutes ( museum lovers 2 hours, best visited on a multi-day visit to town ).

9. Heidelberg University Library :

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Heidelberg University Library

About The University Library : While it is two very short blocks off of the main pedestrian street, the stunning University Library is one of the most beautiful buildings in Heidelberg.  The huge Renaissance-style structure was completed in 1905 with the intent of matching the style of the Heidelberg’s powerful city center castle.  Complete with a red sandstone facade , the final result of the construction was worthy of the timeless library which was first established in 1388 when the University of Heidelberg purchased a large chest of books.

If you stop to see the wonderful facade of the library, make sure to also see the historic Saint Peter’s Church right across the road which is the oldest in Old Town.  The Romanesque chapel has it’s own defensive wall and was first built in 1196 ( expanded in 1496 ) and has been part of the University of Heidelberg since 1896.  The interior is very basic, but the outside has five centuries worth of tombstones as a famous oak tree planted in memory of Martin Luther’s 400th birthday in 1883.

Visiting Hours : One most weekdays, it is free to visit the main common areas of the library but the pretty part is the outside.

10. Student Prison ( Studentenkarzer ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Student Prison

About The Student Prison : Heidelberg University was founded in 1386 and is the oldest in higher education institution in Germany and it has many stories to tell.  One of the most interesting aspects of Heidelberg Univerisity is the famous Student Prison which was used to detain unruly students for minor offenses from 1778-1914.  This was actually a quite common thing in German universities starting in the 1600s and students would be detained for anywhere from 3 days to 4 weeks, but still allowed to attend lectures during the day.

Eventually, being tossed into the Student Prison became a rite of passage among and students would purposely get in trouble to stay they did their time.  Over the centuries the countless students detained on house arrest here turned their boredom into carving and painting artwork onto every surface of the Student Prison.  Today the preserved artwork of slogans, jokes, and profile portraits completely covers the former prison cells, hallways, stairwells, and ceilings.  Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of detail describing the artwork as you visit but touring the multi-leveled historic property is very beautiful and unique.

Hours : April to August daily 10am-6pm; September & October Monday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sundays & public holidays 10am-4pm; November to March Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm, Closed on Sundays in Winter.   Cos t: 3€.  Website : Here.  Time Required : 15-30 minutes.

11. Hotel Of The Knight Saint George ( Hotel Zum Ritter St. Georg ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Best Hotel Of The Knight Saint George Zum Ritter

About Hotel Zum Ritter : In 1592, a wealthy Belgian cloth merchant moved to Heidelberg from France and built Old Town’s most beautiful home on the main square for his wife.  The German Renaissance-style facade is a marvel and the mansion is the oldest stately home surviving in Heidelberg .  Due to an attack during the Thirty Year’s War in 1622 and also the War of the Palatinate Succession ( 1688-1697 ) known as the Nine Year’s War most of the other buildings in Heidelberg’s Old Town were completely destroyed.  Luckily the Hotel Zum Ritter survived and today it is our favorite hotel in Heidelberg thanks to its history, location, and great value.

The nickname Saint George comes from the figure of the fabled knight carved into the facade under the gable.  The Knight Saint George was a Medieval folk hero who slew the dragon that was carrying the plague into villages in Europe.  As you inspect the other statues on the red sandstone facade, make sure to look at the right oriel window on the 2nd floor ( 3rd story for Americans ) where you can still carvings of the original owner and his wife.  The interior of the 37 room hotel also carries over many elements from the mansion’s early history making it a delight to stay in.  There are other great values nearby for accommodations including Hotel Goldener Falke (also on the main square), but we like the atmosphere of Zum Ritter the best.

12. Church of the Holy Spirit ( Heiliggeistkirche ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Church of the Holy Spirit Heiliggeistkirche

About The Church of the Holy Spirit : Dominating Market Square on a massive scale, the Medieval Church of the Holy Spirit is the largest and most important church in Heidelberg.  The beautiful church was first mentioned in a manuscript from 1239 and grew to its current size when it was rebuilt by Elector Ruprecht III starting in 1398.  He became the Ruprecht I, King of Germany, two years later intended the new formidable church to become the burial place of the Electors of the Palatinate and as it became the new official Parish of Heidelberg ( formerly was Saint Peter’s ).

Construction of the new church took much longer than expected and the soaring bell tower wasn’t completed until 1544.  On May 22, 1693 invading French troops during the Palatine War of Succession ( Nine Year’s War ) rounded up locals into the church and burned it.  What was left of the severely damaged Church of the Holy Spirit was then plundered requiring it be rebuilt in its current form with Gothic interior pillars and a Baroque bell tower.

While most of the royal tombs were ruined during the French invasion, the sandstone sarcophagus of King Rupert I and his wife was preserved and is still on display.  One of the more interesting things of the re-build is that in 1706 a divider was added inside the church to dedicate space for both Protestant ( Nave ) and Catholic ( Choir ) congregations to both worship  inside the church.  This barrier stood for 230 until it was removed in 1936 and the church is now Protestant.

As you explore the interior of the Church of the Holy Spirit, consider taking the steps up the bell tower to the 38-meter-high observation platform for views over Market Square.  Hornblowers used this tower in Medieval times to look for fires who in 1798 were replaced by official Nightwatchmen.  You also won’t be able to miss the dozens of tacky souvenir stands filling the gaps between the buttresses ringing the outside of the church.  The awnings of the stands are packed with tourists and they are surprisingly a great place to get cheap gifts to bring home for your friends or family.

Visiting Hours : Monday-Saturday 11am-5pm; Sundays 12.30pm-5pm.  Organ Recitals : 30-minute performances on Fridays & Sundays at 5:15pm; on Saturdays they are 60-minutes with a choir at 6:15pm.

13. Market Square ( Marktplatz ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Market Square Marktplatz Hercules Fountain Statue

About Market Square : Since as early as the 1300s, the bustling Market Square has been the center of life in Heidelberg’s Old Town ( Altstadt ).   It was here next to the Holy Ghost Church that Medieval commerce flourished and also where both witches and heretics were burned alive at the stake.  Around the central fountain is also where the stocks were to hold people convicted of petty crimes on public display often in a hanging cage.

The fountain in Market Square was re-built with its heroic Hercules statue from 1706-1709.  The stoic statue is a reminder of the colossal effort needed to rebuild Old Town after the damage from attacks in both the 30 Years War in 1622 and again in 1689 during the Nine Year’s War.  The Town Hall ( Rathaus ) along the Eastside of the square was one of the larger buildings to be rebuilt in 1701 ( fire damage in 1908 ) after French Troops destroyed it in 1689.

We love the outdoor dining in Market Square, especially later in the evening as the tour bus groups have all started to leave Heidelberg.  It is during those hours when the day trippers leave that relaxing in Market Square while admiring Hercules becomes even more meaningful.  The most magical time in the square is during Advent when it becomes Heidelberg’s main Christmas market although it is also used for many other festivals throughout the year.

14. Grain Market Square ( Kornmarkt ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Grain Market Square Kornmarkt Maddona Virgin Mary Statue

About Grain Market : F With its amazing views of the mighty castle and stunning central statue of the Virgin Mary, Grain Market Square is one of the most delightful spaces on this free Heidelberg walking tour.  From the end of the 1200s, the picturesque square was home to the large Holy Spirit Hospital which was torn down in 1557 to make way for an additional market place space.  The market ( first called New Market ) was important to boost the economy of the growing village as out of the 6,380 residents in 1588, 1400 of them were widowed or unmarried women.  The thriving market specialized in agricultural products which led to the name Grain Market ( Kornmarkt ).

The focal point of the Grain Market today is the timeless Virgin Mary Statue added in 1718 by the Jesuits who were looking to help motivate the townspeople into Heidelberg’s conversion back to Catholicism during the Counter-Reformation.  The religious change had been going on since 1685 by decree by the Elector Philip and never fully latched on Heidelberg.  Remember that in Heidelberg’s main church both Protestants and Catholics shared the worship space until the 1930s.  Regardless, the Virgin Mary Statue with her gold gilded crown of 12 stars and divine rays is an excellent piece of art.  The base has cherub angels holding up the earth topped with Mary as the Queen of Heaven holding the baby Jesus.  The depiction of the baby Jesus is interesting as he is doing a blessing motion with one hand while the other drives a long cross into the head of a serpent meant to represent Protestantism.

Hidden along the Northern end of the Grain Market is the outline in the pavement where the tiny chapel for the hospital once stood until 1557.  Next to the chapel outline, you can also see the original location of the former Milk Fountain ( Milchbrunnen ), one of three well that once flowed in the Grain Market Square.

15. Karl’s Square ( Karlsplatz ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Karls Square Karlsplatz Plane Trees

About Karl’s Square : The surprisingly tourist-free Karl’s Square is a huge public space with excellent panoramic views along the entire facade of the Heidelberg Castle towering directly above you.  Similar to how the Grain Market Square was once filled with a large hospital in Medieval times, today’s Karl’s Square was home to a Franciscan monastery complex ( Barfüsserklosters ) until it was cleared in 1803.

The square is named after Grand Duke Karl Friedrich of Baden who was the local Elector at the time but it still pays homage to the monastery with this central fountain.  The artistic fountain created in 1978 is in honor of Sebastian Münster who was a cosmographer and humanist that worked at the monastery from 1521-1529.  Münster is most famous for his very detailed engraved drawings of various towns including one of Heidelberg from 1550 before it was ravished by numerous wars.  Who life’s work gives us valuable insight into many cities during the Middle Ages.

The gorgeous Plane Trees lining each end of Karl’s Square are very beautiful any time of year.  The well-groomed Plane Trees ( Plantanen in German or Platanus in Latin ) are a type of Sycamore that get their unique stubby branch appearance from constant pruning.  We love to visit the outdoor tables at Gasthaus zum Eisernen Kreuz among the trees late in the afternoon in the Summer for a beer and very affordable light meal.  While all of the squares in Heidelberg are festive during the Christmas season, Karl’s Square is unique as it is turned into a large outdoor ice skating rink.

16. Hill Funicular Lift ( Bergbahn ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Hill Funicular Lift bergbahn

About The Hill Funicular Lift : If you aren’t using the Bergbahn Funicular Lift to get up the Heidelberg Castle you are doing it all wrong.  Not only is the cost for riding the lift included for free with your castle ticket, but it turns a very steep 10-15 minute hike into an easy glide up to the entrance.  The hike up is enjoyable it just makes sense to save the energy to better enjoy the castle.  While the electric lift cabins are very modern a spacious today, the Bergbahn Funicular has been operating since 1890 .  If you choose to ride all the way up to King’s Chair at the top of the mountain you actually get to the ride the vintage pully system cars the final 20 minutes up to the top which adds to the amazing views as you ascend.

Hours : Summer Daily every 10 minutes from 9am-8pm; Winter until 5:10pm.  Cost : 12€ Heidelberg Castle ticket includes roundtrip lower lift ticket ( 9€ one-way ride without the castle interior ).  To ride all the way to the King’s Chair 20 minutes further up the mountain is an additional 7€ roundtrip upper lift ticket ( 5€ one-way ).  Finding the Entrance : The entrance to the lift is under the large parking lot building you come to at the start of the hiking trail up to the castle.  You just have to enter the underpass and walk to the back right corner of the building.  You can buy your ticket for the castle at the lift entrance.

17. Heidelberg Castle ( Schloss Hiedelberg ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Heidelberg Castle Inside

About Heidelberg Castle : The biggest highlight of our entire free Heidelberg walking tour is the romantic castle towering above Old Town.  Not only is Heidelberg Castle one of the most impressive urban castles in all of Europe, it was also one of the most important castles in Medieval Germany.  The stunning property is a testament to the power of the regional Prince-Electors ( people who chose the Holy Roman Emperor ) had in the Middle Ages.

While no one is quite sure how old Heidelberg Castle is, the fortress was 1st mentioned in 1214 when Duke of Bavaria Louis I ( House of Wittelsbach ) received it as a gift from Holy Roman Emperor Friedrich II ( House Hohenstaufen ).  This early castle was further up the hillside as the funicular lift stop called Molkenkur and was nicknamed the Upper Castle once as a second one known as the Lower Castle was built at the present spot prior to 1303.  The dual Upper and Lower Castles can be seen in the famous engraving of the Heidelberg cityscape by Sebastian Münster in 1527

In 1401 Ruprecht became the King of Germany and greatly expanded the two-level castle, but the upper area was eventually struck by lightning in 1537 and laid to ruin.  The Lower Castle was spared from the fire, but 150 years later it was besieged by the French in the Nine Year’s War.  Although the Lower Castle was rebuilt, it too was struck by lightning in 1764 and badly damaged by fire.  In the age of Romanticism ( Historicism ) of the 1800s, poets and artists like Victor Hugo latched onto the timeless castle ruins and saved them from being leveled.  The efforts also saved the mighty castle from being totally rebuilt and the beautiful decay of the ruined areas was preserved.

Today you can visit all of the outside areas and lookouts for free including the Elizabeth Gate, fallen towers, and vantage points around the dry moat, but buying a ticket is well worth it.  As you pass over the former drawbridge into the vast inner courtyard you are blessed with a visual explosion of red sandstone buildings.  The most impressive building is the statue covered Fredrich Hall, whose basement is home to the largest wine barrel in the world .  Known as the Tun, the enormous wooden vat was constructed in 1751 and could hold 58,000 gallons ( 220,000 liters ) of wine when it was in use.  This barrel, along with the cellars at one point stored over 2 million liters of wine for the local Electors.

The shells of both the Ottheinrich Hall and English Hall are also gorgeous and were the most important buildings architecturally in the early German Renaissance .  Across the 11 lower level rooms and Gothic cellars of the Ottheinrich Hall is the renown German Apothecary Museum ( pharmacy ).  There are in total 20,000 items on display including Medieval laboratory equipment and a number of complete pharmacies shop interiors from the 1600-1800s which were moved to Heidelberg Castle.

Castle Interior Hours : Daily 8am-6pm ( last admission ) 5:30pm; exteriors open 24 hours.  Pharmacy Museum Hours : Daily 10am-6pm ( last admission ); closes 30 minutes early in Winter.  Cost : Exteriors areas are FREE or 12€ for the interior courtyard and buildings which includes the museum and Bergbahn Funicular Lift.  Time Required : You can whiz through in an hour but most visitors spend around 2-2.5 hours exploring.

Related Article : Best Castles In Germany .

18. Palatinate Gardens & Scheffel Terrace ( Hortus Palatinus ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Heidelberg Castle Palatinate Gardens

About The Castle Gardens : While the South-Eastern corner of Heidelberg Castle was long used for defensive purposes, in 1614 Elector Frederick V began to turn the entire area into a large pleasure garden for his wife Elizabeth Stuart ( daughter of the King of England ).  The uneven ground was leveled into a series of board terraces and a massive Italian-style garden.

Known as the Garden of the Palatinate ( Hortus Palatinus ), the outdoor space was the greatest garden in Germany and called the 8th Wonder of the World by writers.  The spaces were filled with statues, grottos, decorative flowers, 30 oranges trees, a menagerie of exotic animals, a monkey house, and a series of fountains.  Unfortunately,  in 1619 Elector Frederick V got a little overzealous and accepted the crown of Germany by the Protestants in Prague which was in direct conflict with the Holy Roman Emperor and started the 30 Years War .  Frederick was defeated in battle and exiled after the war, but later his Garden of the Palatinate gave the French easy access to attack and ruin the castle in the Nine Years War ( 1688-1697 ).

Today the terraces of the Garden of the Palatinate are mostly void of their former statues and flower, but some elements remain.  There is one excellent grotto which has been preserved as well as a stunning fountain.  Almost every area of the gardens have dreamy elevated views of the Heidelberg Castle, but the best area is the Scheffel Terrace ( Scheffelterrasse ).  With 66-foot-tall  ( 20 meters ) arches, this narrow area of the garden directly East of the castle was meant to hold a large greenhouse, but now has the best views in Heidelberg, Old Town, and the Neckar River Valley.  The terrace was named after a statue of poet Joseph Victor von Scheffel, which stood here from 1891 to 1942 before it was melted down.  This section of the gardens is accessible 24 hours a day for free and provides dreamy sunsets all year .

Garden & Terrace Hours : 24 hours a day, trail lit from dusk until around Midnight.  Cost : Free, but you will need a castle ticket to use the Bergbahn lift otherwise it is a 15-minute steep hike from town.  Time Required : Most visitors spend around 30-60 minutes exploring the entire garden and terrace area.  We love to come before sunset and relax until after dark.

Other Sights Near Old Town:

19. philosopher’s path ( philosophenweg ):.

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Philosopher’s Path View

About The Philosopher’s Path : If you want to get one of the most peaceful and iconic views of Heidelberg, you have to hike up to the Philosopher’s Path.  The terrace-like trail had been used by professors of the Heidelberg University for centuries and in the 1800s became a formal trail with benches and viewing areas.  The perspective of the Heidelberg Castle, the village, the Neckar River, and Old Bridge all in one elevated frame is an image you will remember forever and we highly recommend making the effort.  The trail is also perfect to visit on very sunny days as most of it is shaded and tree-lined.

How To Reach The Path : It takes around 0.5 miles each way from the Northern end of the Old Bridge to hike up to the main area of the Philosopher’s Path.  This route only takes most hikers 15-20 minutes as you wind up the switchbacks of the Snake Way ( Schlangenweg ) corridor up the hill.  Time Required : 1 hour round trip with relaxing at the top although we have done it in as quick as 30 minutes.

20. Neckar River Park ( Neckarwiese ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Neckar River Park

About The Neckar River Park : The luscious green space along the Northside of the Neckar River is one of the most enjoyable public parks in Europe.  We love the park for the energy that springs from the college population in Heidelberg that is always playing lawn games a grilling out along the wide swathe of riverfront park.  One of the most fun things to do outside of sunbathing is to rent a small motorized rowboat to cruise the river while visiting the park.

It is an extra half mile out of your way from either Old Town or the Philosopher’s Path to reach the Neck River Park, but it is one of the top 10 things to do in Heidelberg during the Spring through the Fall.  This lively area is also where the Romans set up their military encampment in the 1st century.

21. The King’s Chair ( Königstuhl ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - The King’s Chair Königstuhl

About The King’s Chair : The highest point in Heidelberg is the top of the mountain that the castle is located on known at the King’s Chair ( Königstuhl ).  From the top, you will have unrivaled views of the entire Neckar River Valley and straight across to the Holy Mountain ( Heiligenberg ) and into the Rhine River lowlands.  In total, the journey takes you from the valley floor all to over 1,800 feet above town ( 550 meters ).

While there are excellent views, a small cafe, a children’s amusement park, hiking trails, and a live falconry show at the top of the hill, the real attraction is the funicular ride up to the top.  While the lower level has sleek modern cabins, the upper section is still used century-old vintage funicular cars on a historic pully lift system that has been in place on the mountain since 1890.  The steady and peaceful climb up the mountain leads to more scenic views the further you make it.  It is very common for hikers to ride up the mountain on a one-way ticket and then hike back down through the wilderness to return to town.

Time Required : The lower lift takes 10 minutes to the Molkenkur stop where switch lines for a 20 ride further up to the Königstuhl.  Lift Summer Hours : Daily every 20 minutes ( lower section every 10 ) from 9am-8pm ( last descent 7:48pm ) in the Summer or 9am-5:10pm in Winter.  Cost : 12€ for roundtrip lower lift ticket ( 9€ one-way ) and 7€ roundtrip upper lift ticket ( 5€ one-way ).  Time Required : Assume 60-90 minutes including your round trip ride on the upper lift.

22. Holy Mountain ( Heiligenberg ):

About The Holy Mountain : For those visitors looking to push their hiking further above the Philosopher’s Path (Philosophenweg), a trek up Holy Mountain ( Heiligenberg ) is very rewarding.  The hilltop had been settled by the Celts ( 5th century BC ), Romans ( 1st century ) with a temple to Mercury, and two monasteries ( 9th & 11th centuries ) which led to the name Holy Mountain in 1265.

The first church was built on the top of Holy Mountain around 870 in a Romanesque-sty;e over part the Roman Temple and was dedicated to the archangel Michael.  This then grew into the Monastery of Saint Michael in 1023 which was expanded in the 13th century.  There was also a second monastery dedicated to Saint Stephen halfway up the hillside.  Unfortunately, political unrest led to the collapse of the monasteries from 1460-1503 and they eventually turned to ruins.

In 1934 the Holy Mountain saw its biggest modern transformation when an open-air theater called the Thingstätte was constructed by Heidelberg resident Albert Speer for the Nazis.  The Thingstätte theater today looks like an ancient Roman ruin and can hold approximately 8,000 seats or 15,000 standees.  This project was the start of Speer’s rise in the Nazi party as he became the chief architect as well as the Reich Minister of Industry and War Production.  Although imprisoned for 20 years, Speer was one of the only high-ranking officials to not be sentenced to death in the Nuremberg trials as he claimed to have not known about the Holocaust which seems far-fetched.

On the one-hour hike up Holy Mountain you pass the Bismarck Tower ( 1903 ), the Heiligenberg Tower ( 1800s ) next to the ruins of Saint Stephen, the Monastery of Saint Michael ( 1023 ) with traces of the Roman temple to Murcery ( 1st century ), and the Nazi Thingstätte ( 1934 ).

23. Karl’s Gate Tower ( Karlstor ):

Free Old Town Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany - Karl's Gate Tower

About The Karl’s Gate : This stand-alone triumphal arch was built from 1775-1781 to replace the Medieval Jacob’s Gate in honor of Elector Karl Theodor.  Karl is best known in Heidelberg for supporting the sciences and for re-building the Old Bridge in its current form after the flood of 1783.  In addition to his titles of the Palatinate, he also became the Elector and Duke of Bavaria and moved to Munich in 1777.  While he never became as popular in Bavaria, Karl still remained influential in Heidelberg.

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15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Heidelberg

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Heidelberg is one of the most romantic cities in Germany, thanks to its picturesque riverside location, its beautiful old buildings and bridges, and the castle ruins that overlook the town center. Attracting nearly four million visitors each year, this city is chock-full of historic sites and attractions for tourists, as well as excellent dining and entertainment experiences.

Heidelberg's Old Town

The old capital of the Palatinate and an ancient university town celebrated in song and poetry, Heidelberg lies at the point where the Neckar river emerges from the hills of the Odenwald into the Rhine plain. It's also one of the warmest places to visit in Germany , as evidenced by sightings of the occasional almond, fig, and olive tree, as well as its wild African parakeets.

The city also offers plenty of free things to do: stroll through the charming old town and across the bridge to take in the views from Philosophers' Way and the charming Heiligenberg. Find out more with our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Heidelberg.

See also: Where to Stay in Heidelberg

1. Heidelberg Castle

2. hauptstrasse and the altstadt (old town), 3. church of the holy spirit, 4. heidelberg university, 5. cross the karl theodor bridge, 6. follow the philosophers' way, 7. schloss schwetzingen, 8. ride the railway to königstuhl (the king's seat), 9. day trip to bad wimpfen, 10. heidelberg zoo and germany's oldest botanic garden, 11. the palatinate museum (kurpfälzisches museum), 12. climb to the heiligenberg, 13. dilsberg fortress (burgfeste dilsberg), 14. cruise along the neckar, 15. the german pharmacy museum, where to stay in heidelberg for sightseeing.

Heidelberg Castle

Mark Twain said of Heidelberg Castle that "A ruin must be rightly situated, to be effective. This one could not have been better placed." Built of red Neckar sandstone on the terraced hillside nearly 200 meters directly above Heidelberg's Old Town, this 16th-century castle is one of the best examples of German Renaissance architecture.

After its destruction by the French, who devastated the Palatinate in the 17th century, it has remained the largest and most picturesque such ruin, and one of the best castles in Germany .

The castle is the site of many festivals, most held in its evocative courtyard, where there are also frequent theater performances, concerts, and fireworks displays. One of the most popular events is the Heidelberg Castle Festival from June to August, which features an eclectic mix of theater, choral music, chamber orchestras, jazz, folk, and opera.

Heidelberg Castle can be reached by the Bergbahn, a funicular railway running from the Kornmarkt, or via a 15-minute walk from the Old Town.

Address: Schlosshof 1, Heidelberg

Hauptstrasse and the Altstadt (Old Town)

Heidelberg's Hauptstrasse is the place to start exploring this beautiful city. From this narrow main street, you'll find countless even narrower side streets and alleyways just begging to be explored, each bursting with things to see: unspoiled medieval architecture, splendid old churches, boutique shops, galleries, cafés, and restaurants.

Highlights include the early 15th-century Heiliggeistkirche , the Church of the Holy Spirit, and Haus zum Ritter , a Renaissance building dating from 1592. Other highlights include the Neckarstaden where you'll find Marstall , the old court stables and home of Heidelberg University's art collection, as well as the Stadthalle adjoining the landing stages for the many boats that take tourists for cruises along the castle-lined Neckar.

In December, the outstanding Heidelberg Christmas Market is so large it fills five city squares; one becomes a public skating rink, while the Kornmarkt is transformed into a fairy-tale scene with the lighted castle towering above.

Read More: Top-Rated Christmas Markets in Germany

Church of the Holy Spirit

Its Baroque spire a landmark of the old town, the Church of the Holy Spirit is in the center of Heidelberg's market square. The foundations were laid in 1398, but it wasn't until 1544 that the tower was completed. The tower you see today, however, was built in 1709 after the church had been set on fire by the French in the War of the Palatine Succession.

The church is an example of early ecumenism, or at least of peaceful co-existence between Catholics and Protestants, each of whom used it, and often at the same time. In 1706, a partition was built so each could hold services simultaneously; the wall was removed in 1936 and the church is now Protestant.

For a view of the town , river, and castle, climb the 200 steps to the tower.

Heidelberg University

On the south side of the Hauptstrasse lies Universitätsplatz , with the Old University dating back to 1711. On its east side, in Augustinergasse, is the Pedellenhaus with the former Student Prison, Karzer, which for many is the most memorable part of a visit to Heidelberg University.

Here, students found guilty of misdeeds (such as dueling or disturbing the peace by singing at night) were incarcerated for 24 hours. While there, they decorated the walls with graffiti that remains today.

The New University was built in 1928-31, behind which rises the Hexenturm, or Witches' Tower, once part of the town's fortifications. Nearby, in Grabengasse, you'll find the richly stocked University Library whose principal treasure is the 14th-century Manessische Handschrift , an illuminated manuscript of medieval songs.

Take time to see the Seminargebäude, the Mensa students' refectory, and the 15th-century Peterskirche, a tiny chapel now used mainly as the university church.

Address: Grabengasse 1, Heidelberg

Karl Theodor Bridge

Also known as the Old Bridge, Heidelberg's spectacular Karl Theodor Bridge has been immortalized in numerous poems and paintings, a testament to the romanticism that surrounds the structure.

Spanning the Neckar and joining the two sides of historic Heidelberg, the famous bridge with its lovely sculptures is named after the man responsible for designing and building its nine red sandstone arches in 1788 as a replacement for the numerous wooden bridges that came before. The bridge is well worth strolling along for its views of Heidelberg and its sister bridge, the twin-towered Brückentor.

The Philosophers' Way

Among the most romantic things to do in Heidelberg is a stroll along the well-marked Philosophenweg, or Philosophers' Way.

On the north side of the Neckar, this wonderful pathway runs along the side of Heiligenberg, or Saints' Mountain, and is where the university's philosophers would walk and carry on discussions as they admired the scenery.

It's not hard to see the attraction: the views across the Neckar to the old town are beautiful, and the riverside creates a microclimate where plants from more southern climates flourish, among them Japanese cherries, cypresses, and even lemons. This was a favorite walk of Mark Twain when he was visiting Heidelberg.

Schloss Schwetzingen

About 12 kilometers west of Heidelberg, in the Rhine plain, is Schwetzingen, famous for its spectacular 18th-century palace. Schloss Schwetzingen was built as the summer residence of the Electors of the Palatinate, and today is as well known for its superb program of summer concerts as it is for its lovely gardens.

Covering more than 180 acres, Schlossgarten was laid out in a mix of French and English styles and contains a number of 18th-century buildings, including a Rococo theater, built between 1746-52, and a mosque.

Excellent guided tours are available and are well worth the small additional cost. If possible, plan your visit to coincide with the Schwetzingen Festival , an annual event held from late April through mid-June that includes opera, symphonic, choral, and chamber concerts, as well as recitals and dance performances. Events take place both inside the Schwetzingen Palace - appropriate, given the fact Mozart performed here as a seven-year-old - and outdoors in the Palace Park.

Address: Schloss Mittelbau, Schwetzingen

Königstuhl - The King's Seat

Just seven kilometers east of Heidelberg, the Königstuhl — or King's Seat — is a hill rising 567 meters (1860 feet) with spectacular views as far as the Rhine Valley . Access to the summit, part of the Odenwald Mountains, is via the Heidelberg Mountain Railway , the same funicular railway that takes visitors to Heidelberg Castle.

It's an excellent place to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Heidelberg, especially as the difficult part — getting there and back — is taken care of via the railway. To get there, ride one stop beyond the castle to Molkenkur, where you change to the historic 1907 wooden car to reach the summit.

Traditional old houses in Bad Wimpfen

Less than an hour's drive from Heidelberg is the old spa town of Bad Wimpfen, with its beautifully preserved medieval center. Almost untouched by both World Wars, the town's winding narrow streets are lined with half-timbered buildings.

Highlights are the Kaiserpfalz (the Staufen Imperial Palace) and the Blauer Turm (Blue Tower), built about 1200 and used as a watchtower through the mid-19th century. You can climb to the top for views over the town and its fascinating pattern of steep-pitched rooftops.

Inside the palace, the arcades in the Great Hall are decorated with intricate stone carvings and are among the finest examples of German Romanesque architecture. For the ambitious, a hiking trail, the Neckarsteig, connects Bad Wimpfen to Heidelberg.

White-headed marmoset at the Heidelberg Zoo

The Heidelberg Zoo is certainly worth a visit, particularly if traveling with youngsters. On the north bank of the Neckar, this zoological park has more than 1,100 animals encompassing some 250 species.

A registered member of the European Endangered Species Program (EEP), as well as West African Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA), the zoo has a special focus on conservation and breeding programs for endangered species.

A short walk away, the Botanischer Garten is adjacent to the university. Established in 1593, it's one of the oldest — and largest — botanical gardens in Germany .

Another great place for a garden stroll is Skulpturenpark Heidelberg , a sculpture park, which is also next to the university.

Address: Tiergartenstrasse 3, Heidelberg

Palatinate Museum (Kurpfälzisches Museum)

Halfway along the Hauptstrasse in Heidelberg, in the Baroque Palais Morass, is the excellent Palatinate Museum . Founded in the late 1870s, the museum is home to a collection that includes a cast of the lower jaw of the 500,000-year-old Heidelberg Man, discovered near here in 1908.

The museum's Applied Arts collection has many fine examples of area porcelain, as well as medallions, coins, and glassware. Also of interest are the sculptures from the 12th to 20th centuries, including old gravestones and early Baroque sculptures.

Address: Hauptstrasse 97, Heidelberg

The Heiligenberg Aussichtsturm

The Heiligenberg is a hill that rises more than 400 meters (over 1,300 feet) on the opposite side of the Neckar from the Altstadt. You can explore it from the Schlangenweg, a winding path that begins just above the Old Bridge and climbs through vineyards and into the forest, crossing the Philosophers' Way and opening to occasional views of the city and Neckar Valley.

At the top sits the ruins of Michaelskloster , the Monastery of St. Michael, built in the 11 th century and abandoned in the 16 th century. The adjoining Thingstätte is a Nazi-era amphitheater, and at the top is also the Heiligenberg Aussichtsturm, an old observation tower.

Dilsberg Fortress

The 12 th -century castle fortress of Dilsberg crowns a hilltop above the Neckar river about a 30-minute drive from Heidelberg, outside the town of Neckargemünd. Dilsburg was long considered impregnable and could withstand long sieges but was finally conquered during the Thirty Years War.

It was not destroyed, however, and continued in use until the 19 th century, when it was abandoned and some of its stones used for other buildings. By the 20 th century, however, its historic value was recognized and with that came interest in stabilizing and protecting it.

One of the reasons it was able to withstand sieges was its 46-meter-deep well. Above the waterline in the well is a tunnel that travels under the castle's courtyard, the 80-meter-long Brunnenstollen, believed to have been a ventilation shaft. You can explore this somewhat spooky tunnel and climb the hexagonal tower to reach the high outer walls for sweeping panoramas.

Neckar River Cruise

One of the loveliest ways to explore a riverside city and its surrounds is by boat, and Heidelberg's position on the Neckar River means that there are plenty of chances to get this unique perspective.

The Weiss Flotte line offers several cruises on the Neckar. If you are short on time, their 50-minute sightseeing cruise is a great introduction to the area that includes views of Heidelberg Castle from the water.

If you have more time, a three-hour castle tour floats past Neckarsteinach's four castles, as well as past Neuburg Abbey and through the Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park. This cruise also has hop-on-hop-off options, so you can do some exploring while you're at it. The line also offers a river ferry service with five stops, as well as private and special events.

For something a little different, you can also opt to take a Neckar River sightseeing cruise on the Neckarsonne , which claims to be the world's largest solar-powered catamaran. This boat offers both open-deck and indoor seating with glass-paneled walls, and it is wheelchair-accessible.

German Pharmacy Museum

On the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, the German Pharmacy Museum covers the history of apothecaries during the 18th and 19th centuries. Displays include fascinating old instruments and equipment for grinding, blending, distilling, and otherwise preparing the remedies. Others show examples of the various elements that went into these preparations, including plants, minerals, and animal-based materials.

A few of the exhibits are interactive, and although the labeling is in German, a very good audio guide is available. The containers, many of them in porcelain and labeled in perfect script, are displayed in Baroque cabinets, and the museum includes the original interiors of 18 th - and 19 th -century pharmacies.

Address: Schloss Heidelberg, Heidelberg

Hauptstrasse runs traffic-free through the Altstadt (Old Town), past the Palatinate Museum and 16th-century Renaissance buildings; beside it, along the Neckar River, is the Neckarstaden, where you'll find Heidelberg University's art collection, as well as the Stadthalle and landing stages for tour boats. Heidelberg Castle can be reached from the Altstadt by the Bergbahn, a mountain railway running from the Kornmarkt. Here are some highly rated hotels in the Altstadt area:

Luxury Hotels :

  • Two blocks off Hauptstrasse, Der Europaische Hof Heidelberg is in traditional, classic style, with spacious rooms, high ceilings, and superb service, along with a spa and a small indoor pool with an underwater current for swimmers.
  • Mark Twain stayed at the historic Hotel Die Hirschgasse Heidelberg , just across the bridge from the old town near Philosopher's Way; parking is free.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • On Hauptstrasse, the landmark Hotel Zum Ritter St. Georg is rich in old-world charm and ambiance, but with modern amenities.
  • Also on Hauptstrasse, Hip Hotel offers imaginatively themed rooms and free breakfast, but no public areas or lobby.
  • On a quiet side street in the center of the Altstadt, between Hauptstrasse and the river, Gasthaus Hotel Backmulde has large guest rooms.

Budget Hotels:

  • In the historic Kornmarkt, just off Hauptstrasse at the base station to the Bergbahn funicular to the castle, Hotel Garni Am Kornmarkt has rooms with balconies and views of the castle.
  • Ibis Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof , at the rail station on the edge of Altstadt and a short tram ride or walk from attractions, offers free parking.
  • Hotel Perkeo , on Hauptstrasse in the center of the old town, has good-sized rooms and excellent service, but no elevator.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Black Forest

Places to Visit near Heidelberg: Any direction you travel from Heidelberg will bring you to at least one of the highlights of Germany. To the south are the lively city of Stuttgart and the beautiful Black Forest region of Baden-Württemberg. To the north is Frankfurt , and our page on Day Trips from Frankfurt is filled with ideas on where to go from there.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Exploring More of Germany: Heidelberg is not the only German city with an Old Town filled with beautiful historic buildings. Nuremberg has been almost completely restored, and on the way here, you can stop in the almost entirely original medieval town of Rothenburg-ob der-Tauber , one of the top tourist attractions in Germany .

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Map of Heidelberg — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

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Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Heidelberg. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Heidelberg map:

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Heidelberg Germany Travel Guide

Heidelberg - A University Town with Romantic Castle Ruins and More

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TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Heidelberg is located in Southeastern Germany along the Neckar river, in the region of Baden Wurttemberg , an hour south of Frankfurt. Heidelberg is part of Germany's " Castle Road ." It is a lively University town overlooked by evocative castle ruins.

Airports Nearby Heidelberg

The closest international airport is Frankfurt Airport (Flughafen) Frankfurt Rhein-Main , 80km away and reachable in one hour. TLS will take you from the Frankfurt airport right to your Heidelberg hotel for 29 Euros per person one way.

Lufthansa Airport Bus runs between the Terminal 1 arrival area to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Heidelberg every hour. At time of writing, the bus will cost you 22 Euros one way if you have a Lufthansa air ticket.

Ryan Air uses the smaller Airport Frankfurt Hahn , 1.5 hours from Heidelberg. Transport to Heidelberg by "BKK Buses": phone 01805 - 225287, 16 Euros one way.

Heidelberg HBF - The Train Station

Heidelberg's central train station (Hauptbohnhof) is located at Willy-Brandt-Platz 5. You can get buses and taxis from the front of the station. The station is a bit of a walk from the old town, about 25 minutes. In front of the station is a stop for buses and trams--take any one indicating "Bismarckplatz" to get you to the main street in Heidelberg's old town.

You'll find the Tourist Information in a kiosk in front of the train station.

Where to Stay

There are many hotels in Heidelberg, so finding a place isn't that difficult in the off season. If you are going in summer, book a room in advance to be sure.

For those who wish to stay a while, and for families or groups of friends who want some room to spread out, a self catering vacation rental might be in order.

The Heidelberg Card

Three types of Heidelberg cards are available: 1 day, 2 days, 4 days, and a family option. The card gives you a discount in some shops and cafes, and free entrance to some of Heidelberg's main attractions. 

Heidelberg Tour From Frankfurt

Viator offers a half-day tour from Frankfurt that might be of interest if you are staying in that city: Heidelberg Half-Day Trip from Frankfurt. If you plan your trip between November 23 and December 22, you will also visit the Heidelberg Christmas Markets.

Heidelberg Top Tourist Attractions

  • Heidelberg Palace (Schloss) - Heidelberg's castle ruins have been famous for centuries as romantic ruins, so they've not been fully restored. Yet this is one of the most evocative castles you might visit in Europe. Inside is a wonderful Pharmacy museum, as well as the world's largest wine barrel (a vat having a capacity of 195,000 liters or approx. 51,514 gallons.) There is a wine bar inside the palace, and a small cafe outside where you can get a drink or eat a light meal (or what passes for one in Germany, anyway). Admission is 2.5 Euros at time of writing.
  • Heidelberg University - The cornerstone for Heidelberg's "Old University" was set on June 24th, 1712. The area around abounds in interesting cafes and shops. There is a university museum and very interesting Student's Prison, where students were imprisoned for minor and fashionable transgressions like drinking at night and disturbing the peace. There is a free Botanical Garden in the University of Heidelberg; entrance is free. Closed Saturdays.
  • The Old Bridge ((Carl Theodor Bridge)) - Prince Elector Karl Theodor built Heidelberg's first stone bridge, erected between 1786 and 1788. The bridge leads to a well-preserved medieval gate on the town side.
  • Shopping in der Hauptstrasse - Heidelberg features the longest pedestrian zone in Europe.
  • Museums - Being a University town, Heidelberg has many museums to visit, but the most unique might be the Bonsai Museum, the only one of its kind.

Plan a Trip to Heidelberg, Germany: The Travel Planning Toolbox

Learn German - It's always a good idea to learn some of the local language in the places you're going, especially the "polite" expressions and a few words pertaining to food and drink.

German Rail Passes - You can save money on longer rail journeys, but Railpasses aren't guaranteed to save you money, you'll have to plan your trip to use the pass on longer journeys, and pay in cash (or by credit card) for the short runs.

Know Before You Go: Heidelberg Castle

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Black Forest Guide: Planning Your Trip

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Guide to Heidelberg

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Surrounded by forest, Germany’s oldest and most famous university town is renowned for its baroque Altstadt, beautiful riverside setting and evocative half-ruined hilltop castle, which draw 11.9 million visitors a year. They follow in the footsteps of the late 18th- and early 19th-century romantics, most notably the poet Goethe and Britain’s William Turner, who was inspired by Heidelberg to paint some of his greatest landscapes.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Heidelberg castle

Schloss Heidelberg

Towering over the Altstadt, Heidelberg’s ruined Renaissance castle cuts a romantic figure, especially across the Neckar River when illuminated at night…

Ruprecht-Karls-Universität

Ruprecht-Karls-Universität

Established in 1386 by Count Palatinate Ruprecht I, Germany’s oldest and most prestigious university comprises 12 faculties with 30,000 German and…

Kurpfälzisches Museum

Kurpfälzisches Museum

The city-run Palatinate Museum chronicles Heidelberg’s eventful past, particularly the Roman period – exhibits include original wood beams from a 3rd…

Universitätsmuseum

Universitätsmuseum

The three-room University Museum, inside the Alte Universität building of Ruprecht-Karls-Universität, has paintings, portraits, documents and photos from…

Heiliggeistkirche

Heiliggeistkirche

For bird’s-eye views, climb the 208 stairs to the top of the tower of Heidelberg's famous church, constructed between 1398 and 1441. It was shared by…

Philosophenweg

Philosophenweg

Winding past monuments, towers, ruins, a beer garden, and an enormous Thingstätte (amphitheatre) built by the Nazis in 1935, the 2.5km-long Philosophers’…

Alte Brücke

Alte Brücke

Heidelberg's 200m-long ‘old bridge’, built in 1786, connects the Altstadt with the river’s right bank and the Schlangenweg (Snake Path), whose switchbacks…

Studentenkarzer

Studentenkarzer

From 1823 to 1914, students convicted of misdeeds such as public inebriation, loud nocturnal singing, freeing the local pigs or duelling were sent to this…

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Feb 22, 2017 • 2 min read

It's one of the world’s most famous ruins – and now, an incredibly detailed computer simulation has been created so travellers can see exactly what…

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Top 18 Things To Do In Heidelberg [Don’t Miss Them!]

Going on a trip to Heidelberg and want to know all the best things to do in Heidelberg Germany? We have you covered! Below, you will find our guide to all the best places to visit in Heidelberg to plan your ultimate trip.

This beautiful city has to be one of Germany’s most picturesque thanks to the Neckar River flowing through and the surrounding forest. Add in a Baroque Old Town and Heidelberg Castle on the hill, and this is one place that has stuck in my head for years as somewhere worth visiting.

I was excited to finally get the chance to visit and found out Heidelberg does live up to its beautiful pictures 🙂 Not just that, but it’s more than its famous university and beautiful, partly-ruined castle. There is a lot to love about a visit to Heidelberg.

heidelberg tourist map

To help make sure you love it as much as us, below you will find our full Heidelberg travel guide with everything you need to know about what to do in Heidelberg Germany as well as the best places to stay for your ultimate vacation in Heidelberg. There is also a handy map of all the things to do Heidelberg offers.

You’ll also find special sections on things to do in Heidelberg Germany in winter and a full itinerary for places to visit in Heidelberg in one day as well as what works if you are travelling with kids.

Traveling to Germany?  Click here to download your free Germany Trip Planning checklist .  We’ll help you get ready for your trip!  

Table of Contents

An Introduction To Heidelberg

With a population of 160,000, the lively university city of Heidelberg is in the state of Baden-Württemberg in Germany’s southwest.

First mentioned in 1196, a settlement here can be traced back to Celtic and Roman times. In fact, there is evidence that people have been here for hundreds and thousands of years thanks to the Heidelberg Man whose jaw bone was found nearby in 1907. This is the earliest evidence of humans in Europe.

In the 5th century BC, a Celtic fortress existed here on Heiligenberg (Holy Mountain). The Romans built a fort here in 40 AD and then in 369 AD, the Roman Emperor, Valentinian I, built and maintained permanent camps here, a bridge and a signal tower. The first civilian settlements started. The Romans were later driven away by Germanic tribes.

The beginning of modern-day Heidelberg was when the Schönau Abbey was founded in 1142. The first reference to Heidelberg in 1196 is from a document in this abbey, and it’s considered the founding date of Heidelberg.

Heidelberg views from the Philosophers Way

The first parts of Heidelberg Castle were constructed around 1300 and the town also grew during this time. In 1386, Heidelberg University was founded by Rupert I the Palatine Elector making it the oldest university in Germany.

Heidelberg was the capital of the Electoral Palatinate until 1690 and the residence of the Count Palatine, the leader of the group of prince-electors for the region.

Heidelberg was damaged during the Thirty Years War in 1622 and in the late 17th century, the city was basically destroyed by the French in the Nine Years War. Many fled Heidelberg at the time. Those that remained rebuilt the city in a Baroque style.

Heidelberg became part of the Grand Duchy of Baden in 1803. In the years to follow, Heidelberg grew and became an important university town and tourist destination.

In 1849, Heidelberg was home to a revolutionary army as part of the Palatinate-Baden rebellion. A Prussian army defeated it and the city was occupied by Prussian troops.

Heidelberg was a strong base of support for the Nazi Party. By 1939, the university had lost a third of its teaching staff for racial and political reasons. Non-Aryan professors were removed within a month of Hitler gaining power.

Heidelberg was not a victim of bombing raids in World War II and surrendered when the US Army arrived on March 30 1945. They chose it as their headquarters after the war and it also became a NATO base.

Today, Heidelberg is growing and prospering. The university is well regarded and has over 30,000 students. Heidelberg is also a popular tourist destination with several million people visiting Heidelberg Castle each year. It also has a significant industrial presence with manufacturing of machines, leather, tobacco and wood products.

Top 15 Things To Do In Heidelberg Germany

Here are the best Heidelberg attractions. Read through and select the ones that fit your interests and timeframe. If you only have one day to visit Heidelberg tourist attractions, find our 1 day in Heidelberg itinerary below.

Note that I sort these Heidelberg places to visit based on geographical location starting with the Schloss and then listing the closest things to see in Heidelberg Germany while working our way further away. The order isn’t based on what I think are the most important attractions.

Schloss Heidelberg

Schloss Heidelberg

Heidelberg’s most famous attraction and one of the top landmarks in Germany , Schloss Heidelberg, should definitely be at the top of your list of places to see in Heidelberg. You certainly won’t miss it, up on a hill, 80 metres over the Old Town.

Once the home of Heidelberg’s Prince Electors, it’s been partly in ruins and left uninhabitable since a lightning strike in 1764.

It started life as a fortress around 1300 and later was expanded to be a palace fit for royalty. It was damaged many times by fires, lightning and wars.

The castle is worth visiting to see it up close and for the views over Heidelberg. You can take an audio tour to learn more as you explore or a guided tour. If you want to go inside, you’ll need to be on a guided tour.

Schloss Heidelberg

Make sure you visit the enormous wine cask in the cellar – it holds 185,500 litres! The castle is also home to the Pharmacy Museum, coming up next!

I found the castle more picturesque than I expected and in much better condition. While there are ruined parts, it doesn’t look as ruined as I expected with parts that looked completely intact.

You have two choices for how to get here – walk up a steep trail in about 10 minutes or taking the bergbahn, which is a cogwheel train, from Kornmarkt station. This is an easier way to get there although they can be quite crowded.

The entry tickets include entry into the courtyard, the train journey to and from the castle and seeing the large wine cask and the Pharmacy Museum.

If you don’t want to buy an entry ticket, you can walk around a small part of the grounds and get some great views over Heidelberg.

Deutsches Apotheken-Museum (German Pharmacy Museum)

Deutsches Apotheken-Museum (German Pharmacy Museum)

While you are at the castle, make sure you check out this one of the Heidelberg Germany things to do. Located inside the castle, this 11 room museum discusses the history of medical science and pharmacies in Germany.

There is a lot of interesting information here from how nature was used to heal in the Middle Ages to some interesting “remedies” such as using a pulverised mummy for colds! Or portable pharmacy kits from the 1600s.

We loved seeing the preserved interiors of pharmacies from the 17th to the 19th centuries as well as a lab. I loved that I could recognise some of the equipment from high school chemistry – some things don’t seem to change! It brought alive the history of this area.

It was interactive enough in parts to keep our six year old interested. We had fun guessing what the smells of various herbs were and identifying them using a book.

Entry is included with your castle ticket so there’s no reason not to visit this one of the cool things to do in Heidelberg. Most signs are in English. It’s worth your time.

Altstadt (Old Town)

Marktplatz in Heidelberg's Old Town

Between the base of Schloss Heidelberg and the Neckar River, you can find Heidelberg’s pretty Old Town. It was built in the 18th century after the French destroyed the previous version in the Nine Years’ War

This rebuilding has lead to a uniform appearance with red roofs and Baroque architecture. It has the usual Old Town cobblestoned streets, and Marktplatz is a great place to head to. There are monuments, churches and more with the best Old Town Heidelberg things to see coming up next.

You can simply wander to these attractions while making sure you soak in the Old Town atmosphere.

Heiliggeistkirche (Church Of The Holy Spirit)

Heiliggeistkirche (Church Of The Holy Spirit) Heidelberg

Located on Marktplatz, you won’t miss Heiliggeistkirche or the Church Of The Holy Spirit, which was first built in the 13th century then changed to its current Late Gothic design in the 15th century.

The church is currently Protestant, but has changed several times and from 1706 to 1936, it was shared by Catholics and Protestants.

The Palatinate’s Prince-Electors were buried here for centuries, although most of the tomb effigies were destroyed by the French in the Nine Years Wars.

Inside Heiliggeistkirche (Church Of The Holy Spirit)

For views over the Old Town, you can climb the tower here (although this was only on Saturdays when we visited) up to 38 metres above the streets. There is a small charge for the tower but entry to the church is free.

Jesuitenkirche (Jesuit Church)

Jesuitenkirche (Jesuit Church) Heidelberg

A two-minute walk away is another church worth visiting, the Jesuitenkirche. Its striking white interior is in contrast to its red sandstone exterior with a Baroque design. Built in the 18th century, there are religious artefacts in the treasury and the tomb of Frederick I, a 15th century Elector Palatine.

Inside the Jesuitenkirche (Jesuit Church) Heidelberg

There are regular concerts here.

Entry is free to the church with a small fee for the treasury. It’s definitely worth taking a look inside.

Studentenkarzer (Student Jail)

Studentenkarzer (Student Jail) Heidelberg

For unique attractions in Heidelberg Germany, head to the Studentenkarzer or Student Jail! Just a minute’s walk from Jesuitenkirche, you can soon be visiting this small jail where students could be locked up for wrongdoings such as duelling, freeing pigs or public inebriation for at least 24 hours or up to a month.

Students were let out for classes and exams but then expected to return.

It started in the 1780s and stopped in 1914. It became somewhat a rite of passage for certain segments of the university population.

The rooms are full of graffiti and pictures which are more interesting if you can read German, but it’s still cool regardless.

There is a small fee to enter and it’s shut on Sundays. The entry fee includes entry to the University Museum coming up next.

Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg (Also Known As Heidelberg University)

Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg at Universitätsplatz

Heidelberg University is well know and as the oldest (and arguably the most prestigious) in Germany, it’s worth checking out. With 12 faculties and over 30,000 students, it’s a popular place to be!

Universitätsplatz in the Old Town is the place to head for the oldest buildings with the Alte Universität (Old University) having started being constructed in 1712. There’s also the Neue Universität (New University) here which dates back to 1931.

Inside the Alte Universität building, you can find the Universitätsmuseum (University Museum) which has three rooms dedicated to the university’s history with paintings, photos and documents.

There is a lack of English signage but the small entry fee includes an English audio guide. It also includes entry to the adjacent Alte Aula, a hall dating back to 1886 which is richly decorated and the Studentenkarzer (Student Jail) above.

If you are interested in the University, also make the effort to visit its library (Universitätsbibliothek). It was built in a Wilhelmian style from 1901 and is home to many rare books and prints which are exhibited upstairs.

Kurpfälzisches Museum (Palatinate Museum)

Kurpfälzisches Museum (Palatinate Museum) Heidelberg

The Kurpfälzisches Museum or Palatinate Museum tells the history of Heidelberg through exhibits, particularly during Roman times. They have on display a 4 metre high Roman column of Jupiter made of sandstone that’s nearly 2000 years old and wood beams from an old bridge. You can also learn more about the jawbone of the Heidelberg man discussed above.

There are old artefacts, sculptures, paintings and more including from well known artists, Lucas Cranach the Elder and Max Beckmann. Most paintings are by artists associated with Heidelberg in some way.

You can also find rooms furnished how they may have looked in the 18th and 19th centuries.

There is only a small fee to enter the permanent exhibitions and an audio guide is included.

Neckar River Cruise

Neckar River Cruise

You can see Heidelberg from a different angle on a Neckar River cruise. There are many options which can include commentary and going further distances from Heidelberg.

An option is Solarschiff who use stainless steel solar catamarans. That’s right – the sun powers your journey! This also makes it a much quieter experience.

The 50 minute cruises have commentary in German and English. Find them here.

Or you can try Weisse Flotte that have longer cruises, themed cruises and many options. Find them here.

Alte Brücke (Old Bridge)

Alte Bruckeacross the Neckar River Heidelberg

The Alte Brücke or Old Bridge crosses the River Neckar in the Old Town and dates back to 1788. However, this is the ninth bridge to be built on this spot.

Each of the previous bridges were destroyed by ice floes in spring, but this one was built from stone and has survived.

It’s 200 metres long and it’s a picturesque spot to explore. On the Old Town side are two towers leftover from Medieval fortifications and it’s a very pretty spot.

On the Neuenheim side, there is the Schlangenweg (Snake Path) which can lead you to the next item on this list of activities in Heidelberg…

Philosophenweg (Philosopher’s Walk)

Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Walk) Heidelberg

Stretch your legs at this 2.41 kilometre walk above the Neckar, opposite the castle and Old Town. You’ll get great views and have the chance to pass by some of the places to visit near Heidelberg that are worth a stop. It’s well worth doing.

Considered a beginner trail, you can start your walk after crossing the Alte Brücke and making your way up the steep Schlangenweg (Snake Path).

You’ll pass by the Philosophengärtchen (Philosopher’s Garden) which is a terrace garden with great views, a playground and many places to stop and contemplate life 🙂

I also recommend a detour to Thingstätte and Heiligenberg (coming up next) which have paths coming off this main path.

There are plenty of places to stop and rest and to soak it all in.

You can find more information in my full guide to walking the Philosopher’s Way here.

Thingstätte

Thingstätte

While you walk the Philosophenweg, I highly recommend you make a detour to Thingstätte.

Thingstätte is an amphitheatre completed in 1935. Thingstätte construction was part of the Thingspial movement started by Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi Minister of Propaganda, with the idea that they would be big outdoor settings perfect for propaganda presentations.

While more than 1000 were planned, only 45 were completed – and one is this Thingstätte in Heidelberg on the Heiligenberg (Holy Mountain). It was common for these amphitheatres to be built at old ruins and places of historical significance so it is not surprising it is built here where settlements in the Heidelberg area started.

This Thingstätte could seat 8,000 people and had standing room for another 15,000.

Today, it is a public park and you can see what remains and explore this site by foot.

Click here for our full review and information about how to visit here.

Heiligenberg

Looking over some of the ruins of St. Michael's monastery from the top of one of the towers

In the same area, there are other ruins to see at the Heiligenberg so take a walk around on this Philosophenweg detour. The hill itself is 440 metres high and you can find Celtic and Roman ruins, Thingstätte and the ruins of St Michael’s Monastery at the top of the hill.

The monastery was built in 1023, although the first church at this location was built in 870. Monks lived here until 1503 when the steeple collapsed killing the three last monks in their beds. Since then, the monastery has been abandoned.

The oldest ruin on the hill is the Celtic defensive wall which is believed to be from the 4th century BC.

It’s a great area to walk around and explore these things to do around Heidelberg. If you need a rest and a drink or something to eat, I can also recommend the Waldschenke Gasthaus which is in the area.

We had a fabulous day trip by combining this with the Philosopher’s Way and I highly recommend it.

Read our full guide to visiting Heiligenberg here.

Neckarwiese

Neckarwiese Heidelberg

For some pretty greenery or a time out from your Heidelberg exploration, head to this one of the Heidelberg Germany tourist attractions.

Neckarwiese is a stretch of green lawns and trees next to the Neckar River on the Neuenheim side opposite the Old Town by the Theodor Heuss Bridge.

This area was an old river crossing area back in Roman times and does have annual floods which is why it has been kept clear of housing. It’s a great place for picnics in warmer weather and is around 50 metres wide running by the river.

Botanischer Garten der Universität (University Botanical Garden)

Cactuses at the Botanischer Garten der Universität (University Botanical Garden)

Located a few kilometres away from the university campus mentioned above at the Neuenheimer Feld campus, the University Botanical Garden started as a medicinal garden back in 1593 which makes it the third oldest botanical garden in Germany.

Today, it has over 14,000 species of plants as well as a vineyard and is a great choice of the things to do near Heidelberg if you are up for some greenery.

Best Things To Do In Heidelberg In Winter

While most of the things to see and do in Heidelberg Germany listed above are possible in winter time, there are also some fun things to do in Heidelberg in December and the colder months.

Heidelberg Christmas Market

Heidelberg Christmas Market

If you are looking for traditional and fun Christmas markets that really get you into the Christmas spirit, Heidelberg Christmas Market is the place to head in the month leading up to Christmas.

There is not one Christmas Market here but SIX! In fact, it can feel like the whole Old Town is just a series of Christmas Markets which, in fact, it is! You can find them at Bismarckplatz, Anatomiegarten, Universitätsplatz, Marktplatz, Kornmarkt and Karlsplatz.

You can find gifts, crafts, local food, drinks and more. With over 140 stalls, you can’t go wrong. It’s a delight to visit the Heidelberg Christmas Market.

Find the latest dates here.

Ice Skating

Ice skating at Karlsplatz Heidelberg

Another of the Heidelberg things to do winter is to head to Karlsplatz, not just for the Christmas Market but for ice skating!

In this atmospheric square at the base of the castle, an open-air ice skating rink is set up from mid November to early-mid January annually. It’s tons of fun.

Day Trip To Heidelberg Itinerary

Only have one day in Heidelberg? What a shame! But it’s ok, it’s still worth going to Heidelberg if you only have one day.

With this timeframe, I’d stick to the Old Town and Schloss Heidelberg, but if something particularly appeals from the list above that’s outside this area, definitely fit it in and switch around my following itinerary.

I recommend you do the following things to do in Heidelberg in one day:

  • Start the day taking the bergbahn up to Schloss Heidelberg. Explore this historic castle and don’t miss the Pharmacy Museum or the large wine cask
  • Head down to the Old Town and take your time strolling to Heiliggeistkirche (Church Of The Holy Spirit). Go inside and climb the tower if you wish
  • Take a look inside Jesuitenkirche.
  • Visit the Studentenkarzer (Student Jail) as you stroll past. If time is on your side, you can also see more of Heidelberg University and visit the Universitätsmuseum (University Museum)
  • Keep walking to the Kurpfälzisches Museum (Palatinate Museum) and learn more about Heidelberg’s history
  • Finish the day at the Alte Brücke (Old Bridge)

If you have made your way quickly through this list, consider walking the Philosophenweg (Philosopher’s Walk).

With a second day, definitely head up Heiligenberg .

What To Do In Heidelberg Map

Things To Do In Heidelberg map

Best Place To Stay In Heidelberg

When it comes to where to stay in Heidelberg, there is a great range of hotels and other accommodation options. You won’t have any problem finding somewhere to stay.

Below, I’ve listed a few different places to consider depending on what type of accommodation you are looking for.

BEST – Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg Review

heidelberg tourist map

Located on the edge of the Old Town, Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg is a gorgeous 5-star option that you’ll love in Heidelberg.

There is a variety of room types from singles up to executive suites. Elegant styling, quality furnishings and comfortable beds are the trademark of all of them. They also all have a sitting area, flatscreen TV, toiletries, bathrobe, minibar and air conditioning. The suites also have a living area.

The facilities at this option include an indoor pool, gym, spa centre and a rooftop with sun loungers and views. There is a fine dining restautant on site which also serves a buffet breakfast as well as a bar and a second restaurant.

Click here for the latest prices.

VALUE –  City Partner Hotel Holländer Hof Review

heidelberg tourist map

This hotel is in a brilliant location in the Old Town just moments away from the Old Bridge and the river as well as Marktplatz in the centre.

There is a range of single and double rooms which include free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, minibar, safe, private bathroom and a desk. Upgraded rooms may include air conditioning, views of the River Neckar, and a seating area. 

Relaxing at this hotel is very easy because the rooms are spacious, and are decorated in a classic style reminiscent of the city. 

There is a lack of facilities at this hotel but you can find a buffet breakfast.

APARTMENT STYLE – Staycity Aparthotels Heidelberg Review

heidelberg tourist map

Located walking distance to the main station and a short tram ride from the Old Town centre, Staycity Aparthotels Heidelberg is the place to stay for affordable, apartment-style accommodation.

Rooms range from singles and doubles up to two bedroom apartments. Any option will give you a private bathroom, flatscreen TV, free Wi-Fi, desk, air conditioning, a refrigerator, a Nespresso machine, a safe and floor heating in the bathroom.

Apartments include all of the above as well as a fully equipped kitchen and a separate living area. Some 2-bedroom apartments include a private balcony. 

The hotel also has an on-site restaurant, coffee shop and 24-hour bar. You can also relax on the outdoor terrace. 

Click here to see all our recommendations for the best hotel in Heidelberg.

How To Get To Heidelberg

Heidelberg tram

We travelled to Heidielberg by hire car which made it very easy to get here. It’s easy to find.

You can hire a car to get you there by clicking here.

There are regular trains and buses here. You can find timetables and all your options here.

Inside Heidelberg tram

While Heidelberg does not have its own airport, you can reach Mannheim Airport in just 15 minutes so you can fly here to access Heidelberg.

Click here to see the latest flights and prices.

Once in Heidelberg, we mostly explored on foot, but it’s also easy to use the trams and buses. We kept our car parked at the accommodation while we explored.

Things To Do In Heidelberg With Kids

There are many fun things to do in Heidelberg Germany with kids – you just read many of them above!

We visited Heidelberg with our three kids aged 6, 10 and 12 and had a lot of fun. While they found the Palatinate Museum a bit dry, it was easy to enjoy the castle and the Old Town.

We also had a great afternoon exploring Heiligenberg. Walking around and finding ruins really captured their imagination and tired them out 😉

We also enjoyed the following half day trip that you may want to consider if you are looking for places to visit around Heidelberg with kids.

Heidelberg Bergbahn  (Cog Wheel Train) + Walderlebnispfad (Forest Adventure Trail)

Heidelberg Bergbahn (Funicular)

The bergbahn is the funicular railway that you can take to the castle. If you are travelling with kids, why just stop once? I recommend you consider getting back onboard the bergbahn once you finish at the castle and keep taking it up the hill.

You’ll need to switch trains at Molkenkur and then keep going up to the top at Königstuhl. The second train (pictured above) is much older and atmospheric and, at times, I wondered if it would actually make it up the steep hill.

From here, there are great views. There is also the Walderlebnispfad (Forest Adventure Trail). It’s a good walk for families with lots of interesting stops for kids. It’s about two kilometres long in a circular route starting at the hiking car park at Königstuhl by Märchenparadies. It’s quite flat and we did this hike very easily.

Walderlebnispfad (Forest Adventure Trail)

To keep kids interested, there are playgrounds, wooden xylophones and many activities to do along the way. It’s really a lovely walk.

We found the walk easily enough by heading up to the car park from the bergbahn, although we were a little confused after this. Basically, start by walking exactly round the outside of Märchenparadies as the path goes by this on three sides then follow the path onwards.

Once you finish the walk, you could also go to Märchenparadies (Fairy Tale Paradise) – a small, older-style amusement park. It’s definitely a different experience and not like amusement parks we are used to, but it is fun. It’s shut over winter.

Final Words

Heidelberg Town and Castle

I hope you have found this guide to Heidelberg Germany attractions interesting and useful to plan your own visit to this great destination.

Heidelberg is a beautiful city with a long and interesting history and it’s fun exploring the places to go in Heidelberg. We’ll definitely be back!

Read more guides to visiting Southern Germany here . You can also find our guides to nearby Freiburg here and Baden-Baden here .

Related posts:

Sharon Gourlay in the Rhina Valley

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon first fell in love with Germany back in 2000 on her first visit. She loves the long history, the picturesque Old Towns, the castles, the food, everything really! Since then, she has visited many times and loves writing about Germany here so you can enjoy it too. In fact, Sharon loves German culture so much that she sent her kids to a German primary school in Australia. She especially loves Berlin and towns with charming Old Towns like Celle and Quedlinburg. Sharon also has a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and understands the nitty gritty of travel planning. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to Germany whether it's your first or tenth time!

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Heidelberg, Germany | 15+ Stunning Things to do in Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a picturesque town in Germany, just outside the city of Frankfurt in the southern region of the country. It’s known for being one of the most romantic cities in Europe, with its magnificent history and stunning river views. If you are planning to visit Heidelberg here are some things to do in Heidelberg, Germany. 

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Things to do in Heidelberg Germany - Image of the town of Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a city rich in history and things to see. With over 55,000 university students this city is most definitely alive with activity. There are so many things for you to discover around this amazing city that it’s hard to keep track of them all. 

Top Heidelberg Attractions

  • Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle - Things to do in Heidelberg

The castle of Heidelberg was originally built in the early 13th century as a fortification. Heidelberg Castle is one of the most iconic sites in the city. The original castle was built sometime between 1037 and 1050, however, it has been modified many times since then. The castle of Heidelberg is one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Europe, and it has become a popular Heidelberg tourist attraction.

Heidelberg Castle is one of the most iconic sites and German Landmarks in the city. The original castle was built sometime between 1037 and 1050, however, it has been modified many times since then. After several wars, it fell into disrepair, but during the 19th century, King Louis I had it rebuilt into its current form. The current castle’s design is a result of many years of construction and renovations. Things to do in Heidelberg Germany include a visit to the castle’s museum, picturesque gardens, and stunning views across the town. 

TIP: You can purchase your tickets at the entrance near Parkhaus P12. You can either hike or take the cable car up from Parkhaus P12. Wanting to take a tour from Frankfurt? Save money and book your here!

  • Deutsches Apotheken-Museum

Heidelberg Castle Pharmacy

The museum is located in the old Heidelberg castle and offers a very interesting insight into not only the history of drugs but also methods of dispensing them. It is well worth a visit to learn more about something that you use every day and may not fully understand. This is included in the ticket to enter Heidelberg Castle. This was one of the most interesting things to do in Heidelberg.

Heidelberg Tun

Heidelberg Tun - Second Largest Wine Barrel in the World at Heidelberg Castle

This is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Heidelberg. It’s an enormous wine barrel, holding 220,000 liters (61,700 gallons) of wine! The Heidelberg Tun stands in the cellar of a medieval building that was once used to store and age the wine. This attraction is very popular with visitors throughout the year. Did you know that this is the second largest wine barrel in the world?

  • Karl Theodor Bridge aka The Old Bridge

The Old Bridge in Heidelberg

The Old Bridge was first constructed in 1395, but it has been destroyed and reconstructed many times over the centuries. Things to do in Heidelberg Germany include strolling across the bridge at sunset when it is illuminated. The bridge towers above both banks of the river and offers stunning views out across the valley towards the castle on one side and the old town on the other. 

Schloss Schwetzingen  

Also known as Schwetzingen Palace, is filled with many beautiful things to see, and one of the best ways to explore it is by car. There is a charge for parking but it’s worth it when you get to see all that there is to offer within the palace and gardens. The path leading to the Schloss Schwetzingen is one of the best in Europe, it’s known as the “most beautiful avenue in the world”.  

The palace and gardens are both open daily from 9 am until 6 pm from April until October and between 10 am and 4 pm from November until March.

Heidelberg Zoo – things to do in Heidelberg with Kids

The Heidelberg Zoo which is home to over 1,000 animals is located here. Heidelberg Zoo is located on the northern edge of town at Bergheimer Strasse. You can visit with your family for less than €10 per person which is a great little outing for you all. The zoo offers free admission to all visitors, including children under 3 years.

  • Church of the Holy Spirit

Church of the Holy Spirit

The Church of the Holy Spirit is in the center of town, in Heidelberg’s old quarter. Things to do in Heidelberg include visiting this stunning Gothic church designed by Giovanni Battista Brocchi. The interior has some impressive frescoes that date back to 1491. 

  • The Philosophers’ Way

The Philosophers’ Way is a path that takes you from Heidelberg’s old town, through the hills and pastures that overlook the river. Things to do in Heidelberg Germany include walking or cycling along this scenic route.

  • Thingstätte Heidelberg

Thingstatt in Heidelberg

Things to do in Heidelberg Germany include a visit to the Thingsstätte, which is a permanent outdoor installation by artist Joseph Kosuth. The Thingsstättes are intended as places of discussion and debate. It was known to be created by the Nazis and was used to spread propaganda. 

  • Lindt Chocolate Boutique

Lindt Chocolate Boutique

You must include a visit to the Lindt Chocolate Boutique which offers free chocolate tastings Things to do in Heidelberg at night includes visiting the shop during their evening chocolate-making session.  

Studentenkarzer 

This historic structure is located near the old university. This is where students who were accused of committing offenses against the university would be sent to serve their sentences. The sentences included drunken offenses and practical jokes. Although some of the building was torn down in 1890, people can still see the remains of these rooms while visiting the castle. 

Heidelberg University 

Things to do in Heidelberg include a visit to this historic institution where some of the world’s most influential minds gained their knowledge. Germany includes using the campus as a backdrop for your Heidelberg travel photos.  Be sure to visit the university’s library. 

Botanical Gardens Heidelberg

The Botanical Gardens are situated near the northern part of the city next to the Neckar River. The gardens contain a wide range of plants from around the world, and it is common for people to come on a nice day to relax in the park-like setting while enjoying the fresh air along with a view of some flowers. 

Cinemas in Heidelberg Germany

There are many cinemas in this town. The new “Central” cinema is situated in the central downtown area and has international films as well as those from Germany.

  • Heidelberg City Centre 

Many of the most popular activities in Heidelberg are based in or around the city centre, including the numerous cafes that line the cobbled streets, offering a great chance to people watch when you’re not checking out the wonderful architecture! 

The city center is home to Heidelberg Cathedral, Market Square, and the River Neckar. 

  • Kurpfälzisches Museum

The museum hosts a number of permanent and temporary exhibitions, including those related to the history of Heidelberg. The building also offers a nice view over the Neckar River and is located right next door to the famous castle. 

  • Heiligenberg (Holy Mountain)

Heiligenberg (Holy Mountain)

If you like hiking then this is definitely the place for you! There are many paths that lead up Heiligenburg mountain into the forest. The path is 10 kilometers long and it takes approximately 3 hours to complete. There are many beautiful views along the way, so take your camera to document your hike. 

Heidelberg Christmas Markets

Heidelberg is a popular destination during the holidays because many of the local events are usually held on Sundays. Beginning in mid-December, Heidelberg hosts its annual Christmas Market with the view of the castle in the background. This event features unique gifts, including handmade ornaments and toys that were made by locals who are trying to make a living. The holiday decorations are beautiful and it is a nice place to spend the day shopping during the festive season.

FAQS about Heidelberg

Want to know more about Heidelberg? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Heidelberg. 

View of Heidelberg Castle from the other side of the river

Is Heidelberg worth seeing? Why visit Heidelberg

Ultimately, YES! Heidelberg is one of the most well-preserved German cities, with many historic buildings that are still in use today. The town’s castle, the Heidelberg Castle, has stood for over nine centuries and houses artifacts in its museum & gallery.

How long do you need in Heidelberg?

We spent one day in Heidelberg and unfortunately we didn’t feel like it was enough time. We did see a lot, but there were a few things we did miss out on. 

Best time to visit Heidelberg

Heidelberg gets extremely crowded in summer, so the best time to visit is during autumn or spring. Things to do in Heidelberg at Christmas include taking part in the festive markets and enjoying some hot mulled wine. 

How to get to Heidelberg

By train, it’s a 90 minute trip from Frankfurt and just over an hour from Mannheim. You can also look into taking a tour and save money and book your here!

How to get around Heidelberg

Cycling is a great way to get around and there are many cycling paths around the area, plus you can hire bikes to use while you’re there. The city once you get there is fairly walkable which makes it pretty easy to get around. 

Where to stay in Heidelberg

There are many hotels of all classes available to suit every budget .

  • BS Boutique Hotel – This is a quaint little hotel that is quite beautiful and located on the other side of the river where you can get a great view of the famous Heidelberg Castle. 
  • Boardinghouse Luise 5 – This is a great small apartment located in a beautiful traditional building in the heart of Heidelberg. It’s centrally located which makes it a great location to stay at. 
  • Staycity Aparthotels Heidelberg – This is an affordable option that is perfect for families and not too far from the main and central area. It’s a beautiful hotel which has a bus stop right out front that can easily take you to the main square. 

Where to shop in Heidelberg

There are a few cute shops to go shopping at in Heidelberg. A couple of the ones I saw that were amazing and you should check out are the tourist shops near the cathedral. They have some amazing cuckoo clocks and beer steins there. 

  • Marketplace
  • Baren Treff – A Gummy Bear Store
  • Unicorn – A Christmas and Trinket Store

What to eat in Heidelberg | Where to eat in Heidelberg

If you are looking for some traditional German food, then Schnitzel will be the best choice by far. However, there are quite a few delicious restaurants that aren’t just German in the area as well. Since Heidelberg is pretty much a small college town, there are a lot of variety in cuisines in the area. 

  • Soban Restaurant – Korean Restaurant
  • Emma 24 Lieferservice – Pizza and Burger Restaurant
  • Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg – German Fine Dining, you’ll need to make a reservation
  • Schnitzelhaus Alte Munz
  • Mosch Mosch
  • Weinstube Schnitzelbank

Where to park in Heidelberg

Parking in Heidelberg can be quite intense and it can be quite stressful if you don’t know where to park. I’ve made it easier for those of you who are either living in Germany or renting a car in Europe. These are the best places to park in Heidelberg and the prices are fairly affordable. The Parkhaus P12 parking lot is close to the cable car you take up to see the castle. 

  • Parkhaus P13
  • Parkhaus P12

Currency in Heidelberg

The currency used in Heidelberg Germany is the Euro. Restaurants, Bars, and Nightlife venues will accept credit card payments where ever you happen to visit while you are there. 

Language in Heidelberg

The people of Heidelberg are very proud of their city and, therefore are happy to help you when you are in town. The language spoken in Heidelberg Germany is mainly German although many people can speak English too. 

Things to do in Heidelberg on a Sunday

A lot of things may be closed in Germany on a Sunday, but these are some of the things to do in Heidelberg on a Sunday. According to Google Maps and their website hours, it shows that these locations are open on Sunday. However, I would double-check prior to making your trip to Heidelberg. 

  • Heidelberg Zoo

Map of Heidelberg

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Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 15 Best Things to Do in Heidelberg (Germany)

15 Best Things to Do in Heidelberg (Germany)

Up there with Germany’s favourite tourist destinations, Heidelberg is a historic university town that has survived unscathed since the 18th century. You have to come for the Baroque architecture and the phenomenal ruins of the Renaissance castle, which for hundreds of years was home to the Imperial Prince Electors of Heidelberg.

Those ruins have inspired generations of people, most famously the Romantics at the start of the 19th century. And part of that allure comes from the Odenwald terrain, as Heidelberg is couched in a wooded valley by the Neckar where hills on both sides of the river offer storybook vistas of the city.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Heidelberg :

1. Altstadt

Altstadt

Heidelberg’s glorious old town rests in the shadow of the ruins of Schloss Heidelberg.

The Altstadt has many of the things people love about German old quarters; sociable squares with bar terraces at Kornmarkt and Marktplatz, cobblestone streets and a catalogue of historic landmarks.

These can be Gothic or Baroque churches, or monuments like the statue of Mary on Kornmarkt from 1718, a symbol of Heidelberg’s complicated relationship with Catholicism.

One of the interesting features of the Altstadt is that it has a uniform Baroque appearance, a result of fires caused by a French assault in 1693 during the Nine Years’ War.

The Town Hall was built in the aftermath and dates to 1701, still featuring the electoral coat of arms sculpted by Hungarian artist Heinrich Charrasky.

2. Schloss Heidelberg

Schloss Heidelberg

Perched 80 metres above the Altstadt and Neckar is the former seat of Heidelberg’s Prince Electors, now one of the most beautiful ruins in the world.

The castle was begun as a fortress in the 13th century, but in the 15th and 16th century was expanded into a palace fit for Heidelberg’s imperial rulers.

The next 300 years weren’t exactly kind to Schloss Heidelberg as the property suffered fire from thunderbolts and repeated destruction during the Thirty Years’ War in the 1600s and the Nine Years’ War less than 100 years later.

From then the complex was only partly reconstructed, and its ruins inspired Germany’s Romantics and were depicted by Turner during two separate stays.

Visit for an audio tour of the extraordinary Renaissance ruins, and for the Pharmacy Museum, which we’ll cover later.

3. Alte Brücke (Old Bridge)

Alte Brücke

Crossing the Neckar between the Altstadt and the Neuenheim district on the right bank, the Alte Brücke dates in its current form to 1788 during the rule of Elector Charles Theodore.

Despite being more than 200 years old, this structure is the ninth bridge to be built on this spot.

Each bridge built from the 1200s to the 1700s was wrecked by ice floes in spring, but the current one has survived because it was the first to be built entirely from stone.

The bridge is embellished with two sets of sculpture, one paying homage to Charles Theodore and another to the Roman goddess Minerva.

These are replicas, and the originals were transferred to the Kurpfälzisches Museum for safekeeping.

On the bank of the Altstadt is a pair of towers from Heidelberg’s Medieval fortifications.

4. Kurpfälzisches Museum

Ich War Nicht Drin.

Heidelberg’s Palatinate Museum is in the 18th-century Palais Morass and has painting, sculpture and applied arts, as well as archaeology recording the long human history of the Lower Neckar Valley and Heidelberg’s time as the Electoral Palatinate residence.

Bridging a host of disciplines, there are many memorable exhibits to look out for, like the Renaissance sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider’s Altar of the Apostles from 1509 or paintings by Lucas Cranach the Elder, Anselm Feuerbach and Max Beckmann.

There are also rooms furnished in the styles of the 1700s and 1800s and rich with glassware, period clothing and porcelain made by the feted 18th-century Frankenthal Factory.

5. Deutsches Apotheken-Museum

Deutsches Apotheken-Museum

Across 11 rooms in Schloss Heidelberg is a museum documenting the history of pharmacies and medical science in Germany.

There are 20,000 pieces on display here, but what really captures the imagination are the seven complete pharmacy sets, the earliest dating back to the Renaissance.

The museum has what is claimed to be the world’s largest collection of 18th-century earthenware, as well as valuable majolica, faience and technical glass containers and equipment from the 1600s to the 1800s.

There are also fascinating home or portable pharmacy kits, including a sensational example made mostly from silver in Augsburg in 1640. And you can learn more about the strange things that went in these pots, like bezoar stones, mandrake root and mummia (sometimes made from powdered Egyptian mummies!).

6. Heidelberg Tun

Heidelberg Tun

In the cellar of Schloss Heidelberg is a marvel that also needs its own entry.

The Heidelberg Tun is an enormous wine barrel.

It was built in 1751 during the reign of Charles Theodore and when it was completed was able to hold 221,726 litres.

Since then its capacity has shrunk by a couple of thousand litres as the wood has aged.

A container of this size required timber from130 oak trees! The Heidelberg Tun is in fact the fifth in a line of outsized wine barrels at the palace, going back to the first barrel from the 16th century that was destroyed in the Thirty Years’ War.

The barrel has only been used for wine a few times in its history and was filled just three times.

This was done from the floor above via a hole in the ceiling of the cellar.

7. Philosophenweg

Philosophenweg

On the right bank of the Neckar is a two-kilometre path on high ground presenting views over the city and Schloss Heidelberg across the river.

The path climbs from the Neuenheim district up the Heiligenberg Hill, but you can also access the trail from the Alte Brücke on the east side.

If you do start the walk in the west you’ll start by passing villas and the university’s physics institute in one of Heidelberg’s most affluent neighbourhoods.

Later you’ll arrive at the Philosophengärtchen, a supreme terrace garden where the best views down to the Altstadt and over the Upper Rhine Plain can be had.

Amongst other monuments in the garden there’s a bronze relief of one of the most famous Romantics, Freiherr von Eichendorff, who would use this walk to ruminate, as well as a sandstone platform from which the 17th-cenetury engraver Matthäus Merian captured the city.

8. Heiligenberg

Heiligenberg

You can take a detour off the Philosophenweg to spend some time exploring the Heiligenberg.

This sandstone hill is 440 metres high and features Heidelberg’s oldest signs of habitation.

The oldest of all is the Celtic defensive wall going back to the 4th century BC. Keep going to the summit and you’ll be met by the ruins of the 11th-century Monastery of St Michael, which was abandoned almost 500 years ago.

There are also two viewing towers you can climb: The Heiligenbergturm dates to the 19th century but was actually built with sandstone blocks from the defunct 11th-century Monastery of St Stephen.

There’s also a tower honouring the first German chancellor Otto von Bismarck, erected in 1903.

9. Church of the Holy Spirit

Church Of The Holy Spirit

Heidelberg’s main church first took shape in the 13th century, but was at the turn of the 15th century that it got its current Late Gothic design.

For centuries this building was the burial place of the Palatinate’s Prince Electors.

Today only tomb effigies for the 15th-century Rupert, King of Germany, survives as the 53 others were destroyed in an attack by the French during the Nine Years’ War.

Although this church is protestant today, it changed denomination several times in its past, and for more than 200 years up to 1936 had a barrier so that both Catholics and Protestants could worship here.

Monday to Saturday it’s also possible to scale the tower to look over Heidelberg from the tower’s platform at 38 metres.

10. Studentenkarzer

Studentenkarzer

On Augustinergasse in a Baroque building at the back of the Old University is a small jail where students were temporarily locked up for minor offences.

The jail was in use from the 1770s to the dawn of the First World War, and students would end up here for any number of reasons.

For many it was because of drunken behaviour, practical jokes on the university or city authorities or even duelling, which remained a common activity right up to 1914. Students would be released to attend lectures, but were expected to return to the jail to stay out their sentence, which could last for up to a month.

The reason you have to see the Studentenkarzer is for the graffiti and pictures covering the walls of the jail by students bragging about their exploits.

11. Haus zum Ritter (House of the Knight)

Haus Zum Ritter

Any visit to Heidelberg’s Altstadt requires a stop at this marvellous building, the oldest burgher house in the city.

The Haus zum Ritter was built in 1592 for the cloth merchants Franziska and Carolus Belier, protestants who had fled Habsburg-controlled Valenciennes.

It is the only burgher house to have survived Heidelberg’s fire in 1693 during the Nine Years’ War and has only recently taken on its current role as a hotel, even if it served as a guest house for a time 300 years ago.

The name of the house comes from the bust of St George in knight’s garb on the pediment.

12. Neckarwiese

Neckarwiese

The largest green space in the centre of Heidelberg has an idyllic position along the right bank of the river at Neuenheim.

The Neckarwiese cuts inland for an average of 50 metres and between its large lawns are groves of alders, lime trees, poplars and willows, as well as avenues traced by chestnuts.

This space was an ancient ford of Heidelberg’s Roman bridge, which collapsed in the 3rd century.

One of the reasons the Neckarwiese has been left free of housing is because of the annual floods, which still occasionally inundate the park in spring.

On sunny summer days the park is full of people out relaxing enjoying picnics and barbecues.

13. Jesuitenkirche

Jesuitenkirche

Located in what was once Heidelburg’s jesuits’ quarter, this Baroque church was built in two phases between 1712 and 1759. Straight away you might sense something unusual about the Jesuitenkirche, because the building isn’t oriented towards the east like most churches, but to the south instead.

For a Baroque church the inside is relatively understated, save for the 18th-century altar painting.

In the northeast corner of the building is the simple tomb for the 15th-century Elector Palatine Frederick I (The Victorious).

14. Königstuhl

Königstuhl

On the opposite side of the Neckar Valley from the Heiligenberg is another tall hill, crested by communications masts.

The hill is named the King’s Seat as Heidelberg Palace is on its lower reaches, presents another picturesque view of the city and rises to 567 metres.

You can get up there by taking the Heidelberger Bergbahn, a two-leg funicular railway departing from Kornmarkt in the Altstadt and also serving the palace.

But Königstuhl isn’t just about the views: There are forest walking trails, a small theme park for younger children known as “Märchenparadies” and a falconry.

But maybe the most fascinating thing here is the observatory where the astronomer Karl Wilhelm Reinmuth made almost 400 significant discoveries between 1912 and 1957.

15. Heidelberg Thingstätte

Heidelberg Thingstätte

Something else to see at the summit of Heidelberg is a relic from the Nazi period.

The Thingstätte is an amphitheatre built in 1934/35 for Thingspiele.

Essentially, these were propaganda theatre performances, normally rooted in romanticised German folklore.

Very few of these arenas survive, and the dimensions are almost mind-boggling.

Heidelberg’s Thingstätte could seat 8,000 people and has room for another 15,000 standing spectators.

On Walpurgis Night, on the 30 April the arena is filled with people celebrating by lighting traditional bonfires.

15 Best Things to Do in Heidelberg (Germany):

  • Schloss Heidelberg
  • Alte Brücke (Old Bridge)
  • Kurpfälzisches Museum
  • Deutsches Apotheken-Museum
  • Heidelberg Tun
  • Philosophenweg
  • Heiligenberg
  • Church of the Holy Spirit
  • Studentenkarzer
  • Haus zum Ritter (House of the Knight)
  • Neckarwiese
  • Jesuitenkirche
  • Heidelberg Thingstätte

German Sights

  • Biberach an der Riss
  • Friedrichshafen

Ludwigsburg

  • Schwäbisch Hall
  • Sigmaringen
  • Villingen-Schwenningen
  • Hohenzollern Castle
  • Lichtenstein Castle
  • Füssen
  • Neuburg an der Donau
  • Bad Tölz
  • Berchtesgaden
  • Eichstätt
  • Garmisch-Partenkirchen
  • Kochel am See
  • Oberammergau
  • Reit im Winkl
  • Andechs Monastery
  • Benediktbeuern Abbey
  • Ettal Abbey
  • Linderhof Castle
  • Nymphenburg Palace
  • Ottobeuren Abbey
  • Lake Constance
  • Starnberger See
  • Altmühltal Nature Park
  • Bavarian Forest National Park
  • Fichtelgebirge
  • Franconian Switzerland
  • Karwendel Alpine Park
  • Görlitz
  • Lutherstadt Wittenberg
  • Schmalkalden
  • Wartburg Castle
  • Buchenwald Memorial Site
  • Alpine Road
  • Romantic Road
  • Jakobsweg - Bavaria
  • Mainau Island
  • Saxon Switzerland National Park
  • Thuringian Forest
  • German Sights
  • Baden-Württemberg

Heidelberg, Germany

Where is heidelberg.

Heidelberg is an attractive city situated in southwestern Germany, approximately one hour south of Frankfurt.

It is nestled in the Neckar river valley, surrounded by vineyards and woodlands. Despite its relatively small size of about 150,000 inhabitants, Heidelberg enjoys a culturally diverse and international atmosphere.

The city is located in Baden-Württemberg and is part of Germany's famous "Castle Road". Known for its historical charm, Heidelberg remained largely untouched during World War II.

Heidelberg Germany view

The fascinating Old Town, known as the ' Altstadt ' in German, is situated at the foot of the castle hill and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Heidelberg is home to a renowned university, the oldest in Germany, which gives the streets and squares of the centre a youthful and lively atmosphere.

Why is Heidelberg worth visiting?

Some of the reasons to make a visit to Heidelberg:

  • Heidelberg University : Germany's oldest university. Home to various museums showcasing the history of science and university life.
  • Heidelberg Castle : Historic site with stunning views. Features include the Renaissance structure, beautiful gardens, and the world's largest wine barrel.
  • Old Town : Quaint, centuries-old architecture. City squares, churches and historical houses, great for walks and photo opportunities.
  • Philosopher’s Walk : Offers a panoramic view of Heidelberg. A favorite amongst nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts.
  • River Cruise on the Neckar : Tranquil and scenic, great for relaxation and local sightseeing.

How to get to Heidelberg

Nearest airport to heidelberg.

Frankfurt Airport (also known as Rhein-Main Airport) is the closest airport to Heidelberg. It is also the busiest airport in Germany, so the choice of airlines and destinations worldwide is going offer the best options.

Distance to Frankfurt Airport: 82km Distance to Karlsruhe-Baden-Baden Airport: 88km Distance to Stuttgart Airport: 103km

The other two airports are within easy reach of the city and are worth a look if Frankfurt arrival times or flight prices are not suitable.

Train station in Heidelberg

The main Heidelberg train station (' Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof ') is located around two kilometres to the west of the old town. There are regular public transport services via bus or tram to the city centre.

Heidelberg is completely connected into the high-speed German rail network, with regular services to cities such as Hamburg, Munich and, of course, Frankfurt.

It is also part of the extensive suburban Rhein-Neckar network, which links cities such as Mannheim, Ludswigsburg, Karlsruhe and Mainz via a frequent S-Bahn service.

Where to stay in Heidelberg

There is plenty of accommodation either in the area near the train station or in and around the old town of Heidelberg.

Heidelberg accommodation map

If you know when you are planning to go but haven't decided on accommodation, then use the map below to get an idea of which properties are available and to compare prices during the period you wish to travel.

Enter your proposed dates and use the '+' to zoom in on a location and reveal more properties. Click on the price above a property to see more information.

( Please note that this selection will also include some guesthouses, pensions and self-catering apartments for those who are interested in that form of accommodation !)

Check accommodation availability in Heidelberg

Alternatively, if you would like a list of properties available on your proposed dates of travel, use the search box below to find accommodation:

What to see in Heidelberg

Visitors to Heidelberg should consider the purchase of a Heidelberg Card . This is available for 1, 2 and 4 days and covers entry into various sights and attractions, such as the funicular railway, the castle and the university buildings. It also covers use of public transport (buses, trams and local trains) in the Heidelberg area.

The Heidelberg Card is available from the tourist information centres around the city.

Heidelberg Castle

One of the main attractions is Heidelberg Castle (' Schloss Heidelberg '), a romantic ruin towering over the city. Enjoy stunning views of the Old Town and the Neckar Valley below while exploring the castle grounds.

The castle also houses a variety of architecturally striking buildings from different historical periods. American author Mark Twain called it "one of the most charming sights in the world".

Heidelberg castle and a ferry on the river Neckar in Germany

Heidelberg Castle has a rich history that spans many centuries.

It was first mentioned in 1196 and became the main residence of the Counts Palatine. The castle itself was expanded and rebuilt multiple times, with major construction taking place in the 13th and 16th centuries.

The castle played a role in various historical events, such as being a coronation camp for King Ruprecht of Germany in 1401 and hosting Martin Luther during his visit to Heidelberg in 1518.

During the Thirty Years War, the castle was captured, destroyed, and rebuilt several times by different forces.

In 1689, the castle was set on fire by French troops during the Nine Years War, leading to its ruinous state.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the castle decayed further but gained attention from artists and tourists as a romantic ruin.

Restoration efforts began in the late 19th century, with some parts reconstructed while others were preserved or repaired based on expert recommendations.

Today, Heidelberg Castle is a symbol of the city’s history and attracts more than a million visitors each year.

The funicular railway up to Heidelberg castle

Most visitors take the funicular railway ('Bergbahn') to the castle, although it is possible to walk up the Königstuhl hill. The funicular travels further to the Molkenkur and Königstuhl stops. There is an observatory and planetarium at the Königstuhl terminus.

The castle is open every day and tours in English (additional fee) are available every hour. Entrance also includes admission to the German Pharmacy Museum and to the Great Barrel ('Heidelberg Tun'), a barrel that once held 220,000 litres of wine. Website : www.schloss-heidelberg.de

The Old Town of Heidelberg

The old town (' Altstadt ') is located between the castle hill and the left bank of the River Neckar. It is worth taking a few hours to wander around the historic centre of the city and soak up the atmosphere.

The city centre houses the buildings of the old university, which was founded originally back in the 14th century. Those who are interested in the history of the city can visit the Kurpfälzisches Museum (' Palatinate Museum '), with its displays of local culture, archaeology and art.

The Kornmarkt square in Heidelberg

There are several interesting squares in the city:

  • Bismarckplatz is where the main street of the old town starts and serves as an important public transport hub
  • Universitätsplatz is the central square of the old town. The Old University buildings line one side of the square and with the New University on the other. The Student Prison (' Studentenkarzer ') is just around the corner. This was where unruly students were put in a cell to cool off from the 18th century through to the early 20th century.
  • Marktplatz is the location of the City Hall ('Rathaus') and the Heiliggeistkirche ('Church of the Holy Spirit') and is lined with cafes and bars.
  • Kornmarkt is a small square which is where one of the walks up to Heidelberg Castle begins.

The Old Bridge

The Old Bridge (' Alte Brücke ') spans the Neckar river and links the old town to the suburb of Neuenheim. It was built in the 18th century and offers superb views of both banks of the river.

Its proper name is actually the Karl-Theodor-Brücke , named after one of the rulers of Heidelberg. It is the ninth bridge to be built on this spot - the previous versions having been destroyed by high water and ice breaking up.

The Old Bridge and the Bridge Gate in Heidelberg

The Bridge Gate (' Brückentor ') stands at the south end of the bridge and used to be part of the city fortifications.

The Philosophers' Walk

The Philosophers' Walk (' Philosophenweg ') starts on the opposite bank of the river. It can be reached by a switchback trail (' Schlangenweg ') through vineyards from the end of the Old Bridge.

The Philosophers' Walk in Heidelberg

There are several lovely panoramas of the city and river from viewpoints along the trail such as the Meriankanzel and the Bismarcksäule.

The name of the walk is thought to come not from famous philosophers, but from students at the university who once had to study philosophy as a compulsory part of their courses.

History of Heidelberg

The city's history extends beyond its first recorded mention in 1196, with evidence of Celtic and Roman settlements in the Heidelberg area.

The castle was built in the 13th century and the city was strategically planned as the residence of the Counts Palatine of the Rhine. This marked the beginning of Heidelberg's heyday as the capital of the Electorate Palatinate for almost five centuries.

The Old University in Heidelberg

The University of Heidelberg was founded in 1386 as the first university in what is now Germany.

French troops destroyed the city in 1693 during the Palatinate War of Succession. It was then rebuilt in the Baroque style on its medieval layout.

During the 19th century, Heidelberg gained fame as a centre for poets and intellectuals, earning it the nickname "City of Romanticism".

The city grew into an academic hub and became a popular place to visit.

It remained largely undamaged during World War II. After the war, Heidelberg served as the headquarters for US Army forces in Europe until 2012.

Events in Heidelberg

Heidelberg has plenty going on throughout the year. Here are some of the highlights:

Heidelberger Frühling (' Heidelberg Spring Festival ')

The Spring Festival is a series of musical festivals and concerts in the early part of the year. The series starts with a String Quartet Festival, usually in January, followed by a Classical Music Festival in March and April. A Choral Festival winds up the spring in June.

Schlossbeleuchtung ( 'Castle Illumination' )

This is held three times a year: in June, July, and September. The event celebrates the city’s historic castle and the illumination is accompanied by a fireworks display.

Heidelberg Weinfest (' Heidelberg Wine Village ')

This lively festival usually takes place in September or early October. The 'Wine Village' celebrates the history of viticulture in the area with stands and music throughout the old town.

Heidelberger Herbst (' Heidelberg Autumn Festival ')

This festival in the heart of the old town is held on the last weekend in September, with music and stalls in the streets and squares.

Heidelberg Weihnachtsmarkt (' Heidelberg Christmas Market ')

The Christmas market takes place during the Advent period. Heidelberg has 300 wooden stalls in various squares serving mulled wine and offering Christmas decorations. More details here: Heidelberg Christmas Market

Other towns along the Neckar river

Rottweil, Germany

Rottweil is characterised by its medieval architecture and is renowned for being one of the oldest towns in the region. The city is noted for its centuries-old annual carnival tradition, Fasnet. It's also widely recognized for giving its name to the well-known breed, the Rottweiler dog.

Tübingen Germany

Tübingen dates back to the Middle Ages and is distinguished by its well-preserved old town featuring half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. Tübingen is also home to one of Europe's oldest universities, the Eberhard Karls University, established in 1477.

Reutlingen Germany

Reutlingen can boast several historical architectural sites from the Middle Ages, including its iconic town church, Marienkirche, and the imposing Tübinger Tor. It is located at the foot of the Swabian Jura and offers a blend of urban life and natural beauty.

Esslingen, Germany

Esslingen is famous for its well-preserved medieval old town. The town is characterised by its half-timbered houses, majestic towers and the impressive Esslingen Castle. Once an influential imperial city in the Middle Ages, it is now known for its automotive and engineering industries.

Stuttgart Germany

Stuttgart is a dynamic and diverse city in the heart of Baden-Württemberg. Founded in the 10th century, Stuttgart has transformed itself from a historic city into an automotive powerhouse, famously home to world-renowned car manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.

Ludwigsburg Germany

Founded in the early 18th century, Ludwigsburg is known for the Ludwigsburg Palace, one of the largest Baroque palaces in Germany surrounded by expansive, beautiful gardens. This city is also home to the Ludwigsburg Festival, a well-known international festival of music and performing arts.

Heidelberg Tourist Office

Heidelberg has three tourist office locations.

One tourist information centre is at the main train station, Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof. This is open seven days a week in the summer months, with slightly shorter hours on Sundays and public holidays.

Another tourist information office is located in the city hall ('Rathaus') at Marktplatz in the city centre. This is open Monday to Saturday in the summer months, with slightly shorter hours on Saturdays.

A third tourist office is situated down by the river near the Alte Brücke on Neckarmünzplatz. This information centre is open seven days a week in the summer months, with slightly shorter opening hours on Sundays and public holidays.

In general, the opening hours of the locations in the winter months are more restricted. Tourist Office : www.heidelberg.de

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  • Visitors Center Locations There are three Visitors Centers located around the city - perfect for those last minute questions after arriving in Heidelberg. read more »
  • HeidelbergCARD With the HeidelbergCARD, the Heidelberg Convention and Visitors Bureau offers visitors a chance to see all of Heidelberg’s most loved attractions for a fraction of the ... read more »
  • german american institute heidelberg The main purpose of the institute is to teach people about the culture of the U.S. and to serve as a liaison between the two countries. They offer many types of courses ... read more »

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Tourist Information

The perfect starting point for every Heidelberg tour

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heidelberg tourist map

Heidelberg travel guide

Heidelberg tourism | heidelberg guide, you're going to love heidelberg.

Beloved of painters and poets, beautiful Heidelberg occupies a very special place in German culture. Clinging to the River Neckar amidst a fairy-tale forest and overlooked by a famous ruined castle, this charming university city could have stepped straight out of the 18th century.

heidelberg tourist map

Over the centuries, the intellectual and picturesque attractions of Heidelberg have drawn literary giants like Goethe and Mark Twain, as well as romantic artists like Joseph Turner. The setting, the atmosphere and the tranquility of the city have always been inspirational, and their powers haven't faded one bit.

Climb to the castle and declaim romantic verse, take photos of Turner's landscapes, party in the Altstadt with the students in between lectures - whatever you do, Heidelberg will work its way into your affections.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Heidelberg

1. the enchanting old town.

Heidelberg is centered around the Altstadt (Old Town), at the foot of castle hill. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town escaped destruction in World War II and retains plenty of buildings from the 18th century. Market Square (Marktplatz) is also the place to go for fine dining and upscale shopping.

2. A World-Famous Literary and Artistic Heritage

Heidelberg is a famous retreat for intellectuals (and still educates 30,000 of Germany's brightest students). Follow in the footsteps of writers like Goethe and painters like Turner, and discover why the city exerted such a pull on brilliant minds.

3. Romantic River Tours

The River Neckar may not be the Rhine, but cruises on this winding, forest-lined river are a wonderful experience nonetheless. Companies like Weisse Flotte offer daily sightseeing cruises that provide superb views of the Old City and the castle.

4. The Grandeur and Beauty of Schloss Heidelberg

No visitor to Heidelberg can ignore the Schloss (castle), which towers over the city. Built from gorgeous pink stone, the castle was partially destroyed by a fire in the 18th century, but was restored so as to retain the wild, romantic feel of the ruins. Nowadays, gardens, fountains, and numerous museums dot the site, which affords incredible vistas over the city.

5. Fantastic Museums on a Wide Range of Themes

Heidelberg's museums are another major highlight. Up behind the castle, the Carl Bosch Museum celebrates the world-changing discoveries of chemist Carl Bosch. The German Pharmacy Museum looks at the history of medicine.

What to do in Heidelberg

1. schloss heidelberg: hilltop romanticism.

Bordering the scenic Rhine Rift Valley, the picturesque, compact city of Heidelberg Germany has inspired the world's great poets and philosophers, and will surely evoke similar romantic reactions in you. From Schloss Heidelberg, the imposing Renaissance castle overlooking the Old Town, you can wander through the gardens just as Goethe and the German Romantics did. See the spectacular views -- that Mark Twain once described as "the perfection of the beautiful" -- which extend well beyond the Neckar River, the town's colorful rooftops and the dramatic, baroque architecture of structures like Germany's oldest university. As if to confirm that Old Heidelberg is indeed a college town, a quick trip down to the castle cellar reveals quite another source of inspiration for princes, poets and paupers alike: the world's largest (60,000 gallons) wine vat.

2. Old Bridge: The Old Bridge

Connecting Old Town to the river's right bank, Heidelberg's 600-foot Old Bridge offers a charming, leisurely stroll over a quaint sandstone overpass that was once part of the city's medieval fortifications. Framed by two towers, one of which contained dungeons, Old Bridge is also known for its sculptures and statues, including a curious bronze monkey holding a mirror. Legend has it that city dwellers and country folk alike would look over their shoulder as they crossed to remind themselves that no one group was superior to the other.

3. Philosophenweg: A Footpath for Philosophizing

For sheer enchantment on two good legs, nothing much rivals Philosophenweg, the Philosopher's Walk. This winding 1.5-mile footpath starts just above the Old Bridge at the opposite end of Old Town, offering a continuous stream of captivating views as you climb. Named for the deep thinking and wisdom of the professors who pondered there, the path cuts steeply through terraced vineyards, ancient ruins, monuments, exquisite sub-tropical plant life, a beer garden and an enormous, hidden amphitheater built by Hitler's chief architect, Albert Speer.

4. Heiliggeistkirche: No Ordinary Church

Begun in 1398, Heiliggeistkirche, the Church of the Holy Spirit, took more than 150 years to complete, and anyone climbing its tower's 200+ steps are richly rewarded with a breathtaking panorama for their effort. A survivor of Europe's many religious wars, this dominant Heidelberg landmark once contained the famous German Renaissance library before Maximilian The Great absconded with it to Rome as a sign of loyalty during the Thirty Years' War. In many ways a peace broker, Heiliggeistkirche was used by Catholics and Protestants alike from 1706 through the 1930s with a partition separating the two faiths. Hippies, drawn to the peace-loving inscriptions on its stained glass, made its back steps a hangout in the late 60s and early 70s.

5. Königstuhl: Platform to the Stars

The last stop on the historic funicular railway puts you at the top of Königstuhl, where you may need a jacket depending on the season. This majestic perch in the Odenwald mountains rises 1,700 over the town, offering splendid views along with hot coffee or a cold beer if needed. A children's theme park and the historic State Observatory, where 400 asteroids were discovered, are all near the summit. Expect views that only a falcon would find commonplace if not otherwise distracted by Königstuhl's Falcon Breeding Station.

Schloss Heidelberg

Activities & attractions in Heidelberg

heidelberg tourist map

Where to Eat in Heidelberg

For a small town, Heidelberg's gastronomic scene packs a hefty punch. Gourmet food fans will almost certainly find something to adore in the Alstadt, where highlights include Simplicissimus, Schnitzelbank, and traditional hotel eateries like Hackteufel. Alter Mönchhof offers al fresco dining across the Neckar, while Le Coq offers a French alternative to German cuisine. Expect a good three course meal to come to around EUR30.

When to visit Heidelberg

Heidelberg attracts over 10 million visitors every year, quite a lot for a city of its size (150,000). This means that high summer can be pretty crowded, making off-season breaks much more appealing. Try a vacation in April or May, when the German spring is in full bloom, or the fall months of September and October.

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How to Get to Heidelberg

Flying to Heidelberg is the easiest way to reach the city, as Frankfurt airport is just a short train, bus, or drive away. When you arrive, the best route to the city is via the Inter City Express (ICE) train, which costs EUR24.50. Lufthansa also provide shuttle buses for EUR23, and you can expect a taxi to cost around EUR150 or more.

Heidelberg is on the high-speed ICE train line from Frankfurt to Stuttgart, putting it within reach of Cologne, Basel, Munich, Paris, and Berlin. The Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is in Weststadt, a mile or two from the Altstadt. To get into town quickly, you can catch the S-Bahn or take the light rail from outside the main station.

If you choose to rent a car at Frankfurt Airport, driving to Heidelberg should be fairly painless. As you leave the airport, take the A3 for a couple of miles towards the east, then switch to the A5 southbound and follow it to Heidelberg. If you fly into Stuttgart, take the A8 to Karlsruhe, then the A5 northbound to Heidelberg.

Intercity buses run into Heidelberg from all over Germany, with Eurolines and Deinbus the major operators. Buses stop at the Hauptbahnhof, a short light rail ride from the Altstadt.

Airports near Heidelberg

Airlines serving heidelberg, where to stay in heidelberg.

If you travel during mid-summer, be sure to book well ahead. While Heidelberg has some superb accommodation options, rooms will disappear quickly in peak season. Some of the best hotels include the opulent Europäischer Hof, which has a classy, timeless feel, and the Marriott Hotel, which has excellent dining options. If you are on a budget, try the DJH Youth Hostel on Tiergartenstrasse, which offers comfortable, cut-price dorm beds.

Popular Neighborhoods in Heidelberg

The Altstadt - Heidelberg's picture-perfect Old Town is a magical place to wander around. Climb to the Schloss for breathtaking views, enjoy a coffee on stately Marktplatz, and visit lovely churches like Peterskirche, before ducking into traditional eating spots like Kulturbrauerei or Schnitzelbank.

Handschuhsheim - located across the River Neckar from the Altstadt, Handschuhsheim is home to the city's university as well as some of Heidelberg's oldest buildings. Highlights include the ancient St. Vituskirche and the Neckarwiese - which becomes a vibrant BBQ picnic spot on warm summer evenings.

Ziegelhausen - tucked away behind the Schloss, you'll find little Ziegelhausen, one of Heidelberg's most attractive satellite villages. Local attractions include an engaging Max Berk Textile Museum and the tiny town center, and it's easy to catch the bus or S-Bahn into the Altstadt from just across the Neckar.

Where to stay in popular areas of Heidelberg

Most booked hotels in heidelberg, how to get around heidelberg, public transportation.

You can get around Heidelberg easily thanks to the city's trams, buses, and S-Bahn network. Most services run into Bismarkplatz in the Altstadt, making the system easy to navigate, and single fares are just EUR2.30 with day passes costing EUR6.

Taxis are convenient, but they aren't the most affordable way to get around Heidelberg. The basic rate includes a meter drop of EUR3, EUR5.40 for the first 1.2 miles, and then EUR1.80 for every 0.62 meters after that.

Heidelberg is the ideal place to rent a car. You will be able to drive to airports easily, see the Neckar and Rhine valleys, visit rural inns and get around the city with ease. You'll find branches of Enterprise and Budget in the city center, and rates can fall to EUR15 or less at times.

The Cost of Living in Heidelberg

Shopping streets.

Heidelberg's Altstadt is packed with small, artisan boutiques, chocolatiers, perfumers and more. The pedestrian precinct between Bismarckplatz and Marktplatz is the center of the local shopping scene, playing host to fragrance stores like Parfümerie Frosch and an array fashion boutiques. Plöck is another wonderful shopping street, while Marktplatz is surrounded by retailers. The Lindt Boutique, with its huge range of artisan chocolates, is particularly hard to ignore.

Groceries and Other

If you need to shop for groceries during your stay, great options include Netto, REWE, and Kaufland. Prices should be fairly moderate, with a gallon of milk costing around EUR2.40.

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Heidelberg Tourist Map

Visiting Heidelberg and clueless where to start. Here's something that can help you out. This is an extensive map of attractions in Heidelberg.

To begin with, this is a detailed interactive tourist map of the Heidelberg which can be zoomed in for you convenience.

Easing the task of planning a trip to Heidelberg, this map highlights everything that you need to cover while exploring the city.

This map gives a detailed information of the streets, lanes and neighborhoods of Heidelberg. You can get information about various public transit systems available in Heidelberg using special icons.

The binocular icon that you see in the Heidelberg map are the various attractions and must-visit places to visit Heidelberg.

You can click on the icon to obtain a detailed address of the tourist attraction you want to visit.

Use Heidelberg map of attractions as you plan your journey to Heidelberg and rest assured, you'll have a great trip!

IMAGES

  1. Heidelberg Printable Tourist Map

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  2. Heidelberg, Germany

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  3. Heidelberg Map

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  4. 17 Top Attractions & Things to do in Heidelberg (with Map)

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  5. Top 18 Things To Do In Heidelberg [Don't Miss Them!]

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  6. Heidelberg Map

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COMMENTS

  1. 17 Top Attractions & Things to do in Heidelberg (+Map)

    7. Konigstuhl. Heidelberg's famous castle is situated on the slopes of Königstuhl (Kings Seat Mountain), the second-highest peak in Germany's low Odenwald mountain range. An historic wooden funicular train takes visitors to the top for breathtaking views of the Neckar river valley and of the Black Forest beyond.

  2. Heidelberg Attractions Map

    Attractions. Download. Print. Get App. Interactive map of Heidelberg with all popular attractions - Heidelberg Castle, Old Bridge, Church of the Holy Spirit and more. Take a look at our detailed itineraries, guides and maps to help you plan your trip to Heidelberg.

  3. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Heidelberg

    2. Altstadt (Old Town) The Old Town of Heidelberg starts from Sofienstrasse and brings you to the castle. In the middle there is the University Area (the oldest university in Germany), the main shopping street (Hauptstrasse) and it includes to famous Karl-Theodor-Bridge / the Old bridge. 3.

  4. Heidelberg Printable Tourist Map

    See the best attraction in Heidelberg Printable Tourist Map. Deutschland United States France Nederland 中国 Heidelberg Printable Tourist Map. Print the full size map. Download the full size map. Create your own map. Heidelberg Map: The Attractions. 1. Heidelberg Castle. See on map. 2. Old Karl Theodor Bridge ...

  5. FREE Heidelberg Walking Tour Map Germany

    A self-guided walking tour of the Old Town of Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town and the castle's home. Explore the history, culture and attractions of the Old Bridge, the Old Bridge Gate, the Medieval Squares and more. See the map, overview and tips for this free tour.

  6. 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Heidelberg

    4. Heidelberg University Heidelberg University. On the south side of the Hauptstrasse lies Universitätsplatz, with the Old University dating back to 1711.On its east side, in Augustinergasse, is the Pedellenhaus with the former Student Prison, Karzer, which for many is the most memorable part of a visit to Heidelberg University.. Here, students found guilty of misdeeds (such as dueling or ...

  7. Map of Heidelberg

    What's on this map. We've made the ultimate tourist map of. Heidelberg, Germany for travelers!. Check out Heidelberg's top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map. How to use the map. Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in. Heidelberg.Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the ...

  8. Heidelberg tourist map

    Heidelberg tourist map Click to see large Description: This map shows streets, roads, houses, buildings, churches, railways, S-Bahn, hauptbahnhof, parking lots, shops, tourist information centers, points of interest, tourist attractions and sightseeings in Heidelberg.

  9. Heidelberg Travel Guide

    Heidelberg is located in southwest Germany, about 1 hour away from Frankfurt. Nestled in the idyllic Neckar river valley, close to vineyards and forests, Heidelberg is one of the most picturesque travel destinations in Germany. Despite its relatively small size (150,000 inhabitants), Heidelberg is a culturally diverse and international city.

  10. Heidelberg Germany Travel Guide & Tourist Information

    Heidelberg Top Tourist Attractions . Heidelberg Palace (Schloss) - Heidelberg's castle ruins have been famous for centuries as romantic ruins, so they've not been fully restored. Yet this is one of the most evocative castles you might visit in Europe. Inside is a wonderful Pharmacy museum, as well as the world's largest wine barrel (a vat having a capacity of 195,000 liters or approx. 51,514 ...

  11. Heidelberg travel

    Heidelberg. Germany, Europe. Surrounded by forest, Germany's oldest and most famous university town is renowned for its baroque Altstadt, beautiful riverside setting and evocative half-ruined hilltop castle, which draw 11.9 million visitors a year. They follow in the footsteps of the late 18th- and early 19th-century romantics, most notably ...

  12. Top 18 Things To Do In Heidelberg [Don't Miss Them!]

    If you only have one day to visit Heidelberg tourist attractions, find our 1 day in Heidelberg itinerary below. Note that I sort these Heidelberg places to visit based on geographical location starting with the Schloss and then listing the closest things to see in Heidelberg Germany while working our way further away.

  13. 15+ Stunning Things to do in Heidelberg

    The original castle was built sometime between 1037 and 1050, however, it has been modified many times since then. The castle of Heidelberg is one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Europe, and it has become a popular Heidelberg tourist attraction. Heidelberg Castle is one of the most iconic sites and German Landmarks in the city ...

  14. Heidelberg Map

    Heidelberg is a jewel among German travel destinations. Heidelberg has retained its baroque charm of narrow streets, picturesque houses and of course the world-famous Schloss. It is home to the oldest university in Germany. Old Bridge and Heidelberg Castle…. Map. Directions.

  15. heidelberg.de

    Neuenheimer Landstraße 5. 69120 Heidelberg. [email protected]. +49 6221 58-40200. Homepage. Calendar of Events. You want to know which events are taking place in Heidelberg? Visit Heidelberg's Calender of Events.

  16. 15 Best Things to Do in Heidelberg (Germany)

    Amongst other monuments in the garden there's a bronze relief of one of the most famous Romantics, Freiherr von Eichendorff, who would use this walk to ruminate, as well as a sandstone platform from which the 17th-cenetury engraver Matthäus Merian captured the city. 8. Heiligenberg. Source: Shutterstock. Heiligenberg.

  17. Heidelberg Germany

    Heidelberg is an attractive city situated in southwestern Germany, approximately one hour south of Frankfurt. It is nestled in the Neckar river valley, surrounded by vineyards and woodlands. Despite its relatively small size of about 150,000 inhabitants, Heidelberg enjoys a culturally diverse and international atmosphere.

  18. Detailed hi-res maps of Heidelberg for download or print

    Detailed and high-resolution maps of Heidelberg, Germany for free download. Travel guide to touristic destinations, museums and architecture in Heidelberg. Hotels; Car Rental; City Guide; Extreme Spots; Cities in 3D; About Us; ... The actual dimensions of the Heidelberg map are 1736 X 837 pixels, file size (in bytes) - 471494.

  19. Heidelberg Tourist Information

    Heidelberg tourist information. Visitors Center Locations There are three Visitors Centers located around the city - perfect for those last minute questions after arriving in Heidelberg.read more ». HeidelbergCARD With the HeidelbergCARD, the Heidelberg Convention and Visitors Bureau offers visitors a chance to see all of Heidelberg's most ...

  20. Tourist Information

    Tourist Information . The perfect starting point for every Heidelberg tour

  21. Heidelberg Travel Guide

    Heidelberg attracts over 10 million visitors every year, quite a lot for a city of its size (150,000). This means that high summer can be pretty crowded, making off-season breaks much more appealing. Try a vacation in April or May, when the German spring is in full bloom, or the fall months of September and October.

  22. Heidelberg Maps

    Heidelberg tourist attractions map. 1736x1648px / 1.22 Mb Go to Map. Heidelberg city center map. 2420x1681px / 729 Kb Go to Map. Heidelberg hauptbahnhof map. 3054x2133px / 1.17 Mb Go to Map. Heidelberg tram, bus and rail map. 1337x1364px / 0.99 Mb Go to Map. About Heidelberg. The Facts: State: Baden-Württemberg.

  23. Map of Heidelberg, Germany: TripHobo

    To begin with, this is a detailed interactive tourist map of the Heidelberg which can be zoomed in for you convenience. Easing the task of planning a trip to Heidelberg, this map highlights everything that you need to cover while exploring the city. This map gives a detailed information of the streets, lanes and neighborhoods of Heidelberg.