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

© GermanSights.com

Heidelberg castle

Getty Images/Flickr RM

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.

Your next trip starts here

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

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…

Latest stories from Heidelberg

heidelberg tourist office

Photography

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…

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Heidelberg

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Heidelberg with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Heidelberg Germany Travel Guide

Heidelberg - A University Town with Romantic Castle Ruins and More

heidelberg tourist office

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

The Best UNESCO Sites in Germany

Top 9 Hotels in Heidelberg

Getting Around Frankfurt: Guide to Public Transportation

Your Trip to Frankfurt: The Complete Guide

Most Romantic Locations in Germany

Regensburg: Planning Your Trip

15 Best Castles and Palaces in Germany

Germany Guide: Planning Your Trip

Guide to Hamburg

Lübeck: Planning Your Trip

Guide to Heidelberg

Germany's Wine Road

Prague: Planning Your Trip

Black Forest Guide: Planning Your Trip

Top 10 Attractions in Germany

PlanetWare.com

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 .

Heidelberg Map - Tourist Attractions

More on Germany

Germany Travel Guide

The Crazy Tourist

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

Photo copyright © Heidelberg Kongress und Tourimus GmbH.

  • Work With Me

Big World Small Pockets

  • Sierra Leone
  • South Africa
  • United States
  • New Zealand
  • Falkland Islands
  • Netherlands
  • Accommodation
  • Electrical Gear
  • Essential Gear
  • Working Abroad
  • Blogging Resources

Europe , GERMANY , Western Europe

Ultimate travel guide to heidelberg, germany.

Ultimate Travel Guide to Heidelberg

Summer 2020 was the summer I fell in love with Germany as a travel destination.

Yes it’s pretty hard to believe now, but I really had overlooked this massive nation in the heart of Europe (aside from a fun-filled frenzy in Berlin), as a place lacking pzazz!

But with Covid keeping us all closer to home this year, and my French trip to the Alsace region becoming increasingly difficult due to travel restrictions, I made the executive choice to abandon my desire to explore more of France and hopped over the border to Germany instead … and boy/girl was I glad!

The prices were better, the people were friendlier (sorry!) and the beer was better.

What more could this girl ask for?!

But seriously, exploring the west of Germany, I was really bowled away by how lovely this country was – how culturally authentic, as well as scenically stunning.

And there’s no question, amongst it all, my time in the city of Heidelberg was a definite highlight.

So if you’re thinking of heading to this wonderfully historic and picturesque place too, here’s my ultimate travel guide if you want to travel Heidelberg.

Germany, Heidelberg, SUP

Related Posts

  • 10 Best Heidelberg Airbnbs
  • 50 Best Places to Visit in Western Europe
  • 10 Epic European Itienraries

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

Why Visit Heidelberg?

Germany, Heidelberg, Street

Famed for its wonderful university, Heidelberg is a historic town, set along a river with beautifully quaint streets, relaxed country town feels and some epic walks and views around.

Founded in 1386, the university here is Germany’s oldest and is world-renowned thanks to its prestigious research facilities, particularly in the realms of science and literature.

The city is also famous for its castle, which looms above the streets below and can be seen for miles around.

The Baroque Old Town itself is incredibly picturesque and has inspired artists, as well as leading German thinkers, for years.

In essence, Heidelberg is a little like the Oxford of Germany!

Just enter your details below and I'll email it you - simple!

Information will be sent to the email provided above

Where is Heidelberg?

Germany, Heidelberg, Sign

Located in the southwest of Germany, incredibly close to the French border in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Heidelberg sits along the River Neckar.

It’s a small city, with just over 150,00 people – a lot of whom are students at its famous university.

Despite being small, Heidelberg sits in quite a densely populated part of Germany and is only around 75km south from the large, industrial city of Frankfurt .

Despite this, Heidelberg occupies a fairly rural setting, surrounded by forest and nestled in the Rhine Rift Valley.

When to Visit?

Germany, Heidelberg, Me

In my mind, there are 2 key times to visit Heidelberg.

One is during the summer months, like I did, and the other is during December for the wonderful Christmas markets… this is Germany after all!

The summer months provide the ideal time for Heidelberg travel, with long days and perfect walking weather – crucial if you’re scrambling up to the Castle for those epic views.

The weather is clear and hot, and the outside eateries around the Cathedral can be enjoyed with a refreshing stein of beer, or you can SUP or kayak along the river.

Just beware of the heat in the summer however – it can get really hot in Heidelberg in July and August, with temperatures readily exceeding 30 degrees.

If you love the sun like me, then these hot, blue sky days are ideal, but I do understand they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, especially if the place you’re staying in doesn’t have aircon!

If this is the case for you, you may prefer to travel Heidelberg during the winter months – with the best option being December when the beautiful Christmas markets of this historic town are in full force.

Awash with fairy lights and that magic wintery feel, this is a superb time to visit the city.

Needless to say, during both the high summer and winter seasons, the tourist crowds are heaviest in Heidelberg, but, in my opinion, they are worth it!

How Long to Spend There?

Germany, Heidelberg, Man

I’d say 2-3 nights is enough time to enjoy Heidelberg to a pretty decent level.

As it’s a small city, you can easily arrive on Day 1, settle into your accommodation and then quickly orientate yourself in the city. Perhaps enjoying dinner and a drink out in the evening.

The second day you can sightsee your way around all the main attractions, including the Philosopher’s Way walk and the Castle up on the hill and perhaps pluck up the courage for a Spooky Tour of the city’s history in the evening.

With a third day in this city, you could venture out on a day trip either to Frankfurt , Stuttgart or the Black Forest spa destination of Baden-Baden.

How to Travel to Heidelberg?

Germany, Heidelberg, Tram

The closest international airports to Heidelberg are in Frankfurt and Stuttgart, from where you can catch a train easily and quickly to Heidelberg in around 1 hour.

Learn more in this post I wrote about travelling from Frankfurt to Heidelberg .

As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best deals on flights.

That said, I am not trying to limit my flying due to the climate emergency and really recommend you use the train or bus if you’re travelling to this city from elsewhere in mainland Europe.

When it comes to catching the train to Heidelberg, services arrive here from many destinations across Germany and other neighbouring European countries.

The main train station in this city is Heidelberg’s main station – Heidelberg Hbf.

This station makes use of the high-speed (ICE) inter-city express trains on Germany’s excellent De Bahn train network.

You can get to Berlin in just over 5 hours from Heidelberg, as well as other major European capitals, such as Paris, in 3.5 hours.

Some of these services require you to change trains, likely either in Frankfurt or Mannheim, but it’s not a big hassle.

As always, I recommend booking all your European train journeys in advance through Trainline .

Booking online in advance is going to give you the best-priced tickets and with Trainline’s handy app you can arrange e-tickets, meaning you don’t have to mess around with collecting any passes at the station.

Trainline also makes navigating trains in Europe easy, with everything converted into English in one easy-to-read format. You can also pay in multiple currencies and booking online with them is totally secure – winning!

If budget is a big issue for you, and you’re perhaps booking late in the day (meaning the cheapest train tickets aren’t available), then you may want to consider catching the bus to Heidelberg instead.

Again, you’re most likely to be doing this from either Frankfurt or Stuttgart, from where Flixbus runs direct services to Heidelberg.

Flixbus also runs services to other parts of Germany including Nuremberg, Munich and Cologne , as well as to other European cities such as Zurich, Reims and Prague .

Flixbus has free wifi, free power sockets, as well as free luggage allowances, onboard toilets and their app is great for storing eTickets and checking the location of your bus live.

I’ve used Flixbus as a budget traveller across Europe and can I highly recommend their efficient and safe services.

Book your journey to or from Heidelberg with FlixBus at the best rates here .

Cycle or Drive

And finally, you can also cycle or drive to Heidelberg.

There’s too many routes to go into here, but suffice to say there are both good cycle trails and vehicle highways connecting Heidelberg to other parts of Germany.

How to Get Around Heidelberg?

Germany, Heidelberg, Shutters

Heidelberg really is a small city, especially its centre, which is easy to navigate on foot.

If you’re staying in or near the centre, then you shouldn’t struggle to get to most places by walking.

If you’re staying further out, then there is an excellent tram system you can use to get into the centre from different suburbs.

And last but not least, because this is Germany, you can also hire bicycles to get around the city easily too if you want.

Segway tours of Heidelberg can also be arranged if you can’t be bothered to walk! They actually get some pretty good reviews!

Top Things to Do in Heidelberg

The main things to do in Heidelberg are, wander around and enjoy the pretty Baroque streets of the city, as well as pick up on the student atmosphere whilst enjoying a beer and some sauerkraut in the centre around the Cathedral.

For the more adventurous, there are a few stand-out things to do in Heidelberg to talk about!

Here they are…

#1 Snap the Bridge & Monkey Statue

Germany, Heidelberg, Cat Statue

The famous Old Bridge in Heidelberg and, at its entrance, the massive metal statue of a Monkey, called Bruckenaffe in German, are 2 Heidelberg icons you can’t miss – snapping both of them is definitely one of the top things to do in this city.

Personally, I think the statue looks more like a cat, but that’s beside the point!

Strolling along the bridge to admire its ancient architecture and the views of the river that run under it, makes for a beautiful amble that captures both Heidelberg’s beautiful scenery and history at its best.

#2 SUP on the River

And while we’re by the river, I can’t help mentioning that enjoying this beautiful forest waterway is absolutely one of the top things to do in Heidelberg too.

Kayaking and SUP-ing along it are some of the best ways to take in the heart of Heidelberg, otherwise, cycling or walking alongside this waterway is delightful too.

#3 Have a Drink at Max Bar

Germany, Heidelberg, Beer & Sauerkraut

Located right next to the Church of the Holy Spirit in one of Heidelberg’s central squares, Max Bar is a popular student hangout that seemed rammed every time I visited.

So, of course, I couldn’t help joining the crowds too and settled myself at a table most nights I was in this city to enjoy a delicious stein on a warm summer evening with the amazing views of the city around me.

For something a bit more upmarket, you may want to head to the excellent Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg at Leyergasse, 6.

#4 Admire the Ancient Churches

Germany, Heidelberg, Church

And while you’re sat at Max Bar, you’ll have already checked out Heidelberg’s main church, but in a city seemingly full of them – you can blame those Baroque kids – there’s a couple of others to tick off your list too.

Top of the pile is the Jesuitenkirche , which is one of the most iconic historic buildings in this city and certainly needs to be on your list of things to do in Heidelberg.

The streets around here are gorgeous too and there is delicious Middle Eastern food to be found nearby at Mahmoud’s as well… just saying!

#5 Hike the Philosopher’s Way

Germany, Heidelberg, Forest

But now we get onto the big numbers on this Heidelberg to do list, with something you absolutely can’t miss and that is the Philosopher’s Way.

Essentially a lovely walk that takes you up the hill on the opposite side of the river to the city centre, this trail takes you through some lovely gardens where famous students (in years gone by) came to ponder their existential questions.

Take time to enjoy the views from here, but I then suggesting continuing up to the top of the hill if you can, which will lead you through some beautiful forest views to several abandoned towers and ruins, some wonderful observation points and even an amphitheatre constructed and used by the Third Reich.

It’s a fascinating, if not chilling, walk through history punctuated by marvellous views and woodland solitude.

#6 Visit Heidelberg Castle

Germany, Heidelberg, Castle

And last, but not least on this list of the top things to do in Heidelberg, it’s the most famous entry of them all – yes, the thing this city really is renowned for – and this is, of course, the amazing Heidelberg Castle.

A huge Renaissance structure, and something of an icon in Germany, over 11 million people a year usually visit this great fortification, which sits on a hill overlooking the city.

You can reach the castle, to take in its amazing grounds, views and history, either via your 2 feet and a steep climb, or via the oldest funicular in the country!

Yes, more history!

This is absolutely one you can’t miss when you travel Heidelberg. and don’t forget to take your camera for the amazing snaps over the city, the river and the forest too.

If you want to take a guided tour of the castle, then check out this top option .

Where to Stay?

Germany, Heidelberg, Bridge

Personally, I’d always opt to stay in a rental apartment in any German city.

Generally speaking, it’s a great way to be close to the centre without having to spend a fortune.

Most rental properties also include excellent wifi (essential for bloggers like me!), as well as some sort of kitchen facilities that can save you a lot of money. They also just make your travel adventures a bit cosier and easier – especially if you drink as much tea as me!

Check out this list of the best Heidelberg Airbnb’s I compiled, or have a peek at my top picks from the great accommodation website VRBO and find one that suits your price range and travel needs.

Sadly, the place where I stayed in Heidleberg seems to have come offline, but there’s still some great ones to be found, especially if you’re travelling in a group, a couple, or as a family.

  • Central and stylish 1 bedroom modern apartment with a balcony that is ideal for couples
  • Old Town apartment with epic castle views and aircon that is perfect for groups or families of up to 6 people

Alternatively, there’s also a great selection of hostels in Heidelberg, which are ideal for solo budget travellers.

The following options all get rave reviews:

  • Steffi’s Hostel Heidelberg
  • Lotte – The Backpackers
  • MEININGER Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof

Otherwise, if you would rather stay in a hotel, the Rafaela Hotel in central Heidelberg gets rave reviews thanks to its great location and service.

What to Pack for Your Heidelberg Travels?

Europe, Germany, Heidelberg Castle

And finally, here’s my list of the top 5 packing essentials you shouldn’t travel Heidelberg without.

#1 A Good Camera

No doubt you’re going to be snapping like crazy with these amazing Cathedral views and need to ensure you have a good camera to do this city justice. I love my Sony A6000 , which is light, compact and great for travel.

#2 Decent Walking Shoes

No point coming to Heidelberg and not being able to enjoy this beautiful historic city on 2 feet. Get prepared therefore and ensure you have a decent pair of walking shoes – these cross trainers from New Balance are ideal (and totally stylish) for the job.

#3 Light Waterproof Jacket

Whatever the time of year, you have to remember this is Germany after all, a country in which the heavens can open at any point! Don’t get caught out therefore and ensure you have a good lightweight and waterproof jacket with you. This North Face one is perfect.

#4 Compact Hiking Day Pack

I never go on any day trip without a sturdy backpack to ensure I’ve got room to carry everything I need and that the weight is equally distributed across my back and shoulders, This super featherweight backpack from Marmot is my go-to, because it folds down to nothing and is water-resistant.

#5 Travel Water Bottle

With all that sightseeing and walking in Heidelberg, there’s no doubt you’ll work up a thirst. So stay hydrated and healthy (and avoid having to buy more plastic bottles the earth doesn’t need) by travelling with a reusable guy in your day bag. This flat one , the same size as an A5 pad of paper, always turns heads!

Where to Travel After Heidelberg?

Germany, Freiburg, Castle Views

If you’re continuing your travels on after Heidelberg, and lucky you, then you’ve got a few good choices.

Either you can stick in Germany, where my advice would be to head south to the beautiful Black Forest area and the wonderfully historic city of Freiburg for hiking, views, cathedrals and more beer!

Or you could push north instead to the wonderful German city of Cologne, or east to the castle-surrounded area around Nuremberg.

Alternatively, you can hop over the border, where the best choice (in my opinion) would be the wonderful Alsace region of France with its Medieval fairytale villages, UNESCO-listed Strasbourg Cathedral , wonderful wine route and perfect cycling opportunities.

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

Complete Travel Guide to Heidelberg in Germany

So there is it, my ultimate guide for those who want to travel Heidelberg in Germany.

There’s no question this cute-as-a-button town is an amazing place to get into German culture as well as to soak up some nature, history and beautiful views.

And enjoy a beer of course!

All the best parts of visiting Germany in a nutshell in my opinion!

What do you reckon?!

heidelberg tourist office

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

4 thoughts on “ Ultimate Travel Guide to Heidelberg, Germany ”

heidelberg tourist office

The “OEG” street cars can connect you to the “tri cities” Mannheim, filled with history and museums, and Weinheim which has two castles, one a ruin and the other built by college fraternities

heidelberg tourist office

Hi Gordon, this is a great tip. Thanks so much for the feedback 🙂

heidelberg tourist office

Great article! Planning a trip to Heidelberg this summer and this article made me really excited. Just a quick note… I believe the statue is a monkey (not a cat)… since ‘Brueckenaffe’ means bridge monkey 😉

Ha Ha Yvonne, well-spotted and thanks for the heads up… you are right about the monkey and I’ve corrected it in the article! Enjoy Heidelberg, it’s such a wonderful city. Best, Steph 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tourism Heidelberg - Travel Guide Germany

Heidelberg easy, enjoyable and stress-free.

Heidelberg. Its beauty and timelessness inspired the German Romantic Movement, and it continues to inspire people today. Known for its university and castle, Heidelberg celebrates both the old and the new, making it the perfect place for everyone. And tourism-heidelberg.com is the perfect place for you to explore this diverse city before your arrival. It is an all-inclusive guide not only for sight-seeing, but for every other aspect of traveling abroad. Discover the city, learn about the German culture, and make your trip to Heidelberg easy, enjoyable and stress-free.

heidelberg tourist office

Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this website we will assume that you consent to the use of cookies. Additional information can be found in our Privacy Policy .

  • At a glance: visitor information

How to find us

  • At a glance: visitor experience
  • Castle & garden
  • Hidden treasures
  • German Apothecary Museum
  • At a glance: interesting & amusing
  • History of design
  • Collections
  • Conferences & Celebrations
  • At a glance: Press & media
  • Press releases
  • Press images
  • Media contact
  • At a Glance: monuments
  • Monasteries
  • Declaration on barrier-free access

How to get to Heidelberg Palace

Heidelberg Castle 69117 Heidelberg, Germany

Getting there

By public transport: from Heidelberg central station, take bus line 33 or bus line 20 to the stop Bergbahn. Take the Bergbahn (funicular railway) to Schloss (Castle) station.

Please note: It is expected that Neue Schlossstraße will be closed to vehicles between the Schlossberg and Graimbergweg sections from March 1, 2024. Access to the castle will no longer be possible from this date until further notice. Neue Schlossstraße can still be used as a footpath and cycle path.

The following alternative routes are available for vehicles: - Hausackerweg - Klingenteichstraße - Gaiberger Weg

We use cookies to provide you an optimal website experience. First and foremost, these are cookies that are necessary for operating the website. In addition, we use cookies for the purpose of analysis and anonymized statistics. You can find further information in our data privacy statement. data protection notice. Consent to the storage of cookies and access thereto is based on § 25(1) of the TTDSG (Telecommunications and Telemedia Data Protection Act) and consent to further data processing is based on Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR.

These cookies are necessary for operating the website and cannot be deactivated. In general, these cookies are only created in response to actions taken by you, e.g., when filling out forms. This is how your browser’s various queries are assigned during a single session. It is how your computer can be recognized when you return to the website. You can set your browser to block these cookies. However, this will result in reduced functionality of our website.

fe_typo_user This session cookie stores a session ID, which enables the assignment of your browser’s various queries during a single session. It allows for the recognition of your computer when you return to the website. The session cookie is deleted when you close your browser.

ssgOptIn Storage period: 1 year. The ssgOptIn cookie is created when cookies have been allowed. This cookie is stored so that we can ascertain your cookie preferences upon your next visit to our website.

This website uses Matomo (www.matomo.org) technology to collect and anonymously store data for marketing and optimization purposes. These cookies enable us to count page views and clicks so that we can measure and improve the performance of our website.

_pk_id Storage period: 13 months. This cookie stores information on the user, e.g., a unique user ID, visits to the website, and also the date and time (time stamp) of the creation of the cookie.

pk_ref Storage period: 6 months. This cookie stores information on the previously visited website (referrer), from which our website was accessed.

pk_ses Storage period: 30 minutes. This cookie stores temporary data while you are using our website.

Our website displays embedded content from Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram create cookies.

Our website contains embedded videos uploaded to our YouTube channel. During playback of these videos, the following cookies and others are created by YouTube.

VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE Storage period: 7 months. This cookie attempts to estimate the user’s bandwidth on pages with integrated YouTube videos.

YSC Storage period: The duration of the visit. This cookie creates a unique ID to retain statistics on the YouTube videos viewed by the user.

PREF Storage period: 8 months. YouTube uses this cookie to store information such as the user’s page configuration preferences and playback settings such as autoplay, randomized mix, and player size.

results Sorry, we didn't find a result for you!

${doc.title}

${doc.teaser}

Neckarmünzplatz (Neckarmünz Square)

Short facts.

Neckarmünzplatz is located on the banks of the Neckar in Heidelberg's old town.

Neckarmünzplatz (Neckarmünz Square) Obere Neckarstraße 31 - 33 69117 Heidelberg Deutschland

Phone: +49 6221 58 44 444 E-mail: [email protected]

More like this

Tourist Information Neckarmünzplatz

Heidelberg Castle

University Square

Bus stop Neckarmünzplatz

Marktplatz (Market Square)

​Heidelberg Castle Event Location

It appears that you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer as your web browser to access our site.

For practical and security reasons, we recommend that you use a current web browser such as Firefox , Chrome , Safari , Opera , or Edge . Internet Explorer does not always display the complete content of our website and does not offer all the necessary functions.

IMAGES

  1. Heidelberg Castle's Visitor Centre by Max Dudler

    heidelberg tourist office

  2. 10 Best Things to Do in Heidelberg

    heidelberg tourist office

  3. Tourist Information am Neckarmünzplatz Heidelberg • Tourist-Information

    heidelberg tourist office

  4. Visite Centro de Heidelberg: o melhor de Centro de Heidelberg

    heidelberg tourist office

  5. 10 Top Tourist Attractions in Heidelberg (with Map)

    heidelberg tourist office

  6. Die Top-Sehenswürdigkeiten in Heidelberg & meine Highlights

    heidelberg tourist office

VIDEO

  1. Heidelberg- Germany🇩🇪

  2. Heidelberg tour part ll…

  3. Heidelberg!

  4. Heidelberg✨

  5. Traveling to Heidelberg #travel #travelgermany

  6. Leute in Heidelberg: Shoppen und essen

COMMENTS

  1. heidelberg.de

    Tourist Info Central Station. Willy-Brandt-Platz 1. 69115 Heidelberg. [email protected]. +49 6221 58-44444. Opening hours: April to October : Monday to Saturday 9am to 7pm. Sunday and pubic holidays 10am to 6pm.

  2. 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 ...

  3. Tourist Information

    Tourist Information . The perfect starting point for every Heidelberg tour

  4. 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.

  5. Heidelberg Germany

    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 ...

  6. Welcome to Heidelberg!

    Tourist Information . Useful information . Free WiFi . Our service hours . Secure in Heidelberg . Brochures and flyers . Mobile in Heidelberg . Public transportation . ... Heidelberg is a melting pot of different cultures and ideas and despite or precisely because of that it is an international city of research and science. It is a prime ...

  7. 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.

  8. 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 ...

  9. 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 ...

  10. heidelberg.de

    What to see Favorite places in Heidelberg. Nothing is very far away in Heidelberg - and there are so many sights to discover and experience!. Heidelberg Castle and the extensive castle gardens are a magnet for visitors and the city's top attraction. Walk up one of the many paths - or take the Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Path) you have a breathtaking view of the city, the castle, the ...

  11. 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 ...

  12. Visitor Information

    11.00 am to 3.00 pm hourly. Mon - Fri. 11.00 am, 12.00 pm, 2.00 pm, 3.00 pm, 4.00 pm. Sat, Sun and public holidays. hourly 11.00 am - 4.00 pm. Guided tours in english.

  13. 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.

  14. Heidelberg Travel Guide

    According to the Heidelberg tourist office's "History and Facts" page, the city's history (or prehistory) goes back approximately 600,000 years to the "Heidelberg Man," the earliest human fossil in Europe. The Celts built a fortress in the area around 500 B.C., and the Romans showed up shortly after the time of Christ.

  15. heidelberg.de

    Guided tours. Don't hesitate to contact us: Heidelberg Marketing GmbH. Neuenheimer Landstraße 5. 69120 Heidelberg. [email protected]. +49 6221 58-40200. Homepage. Calendar of Events.

  16. Schloss Heidelberg

    Service-Center Schloss HeidelbergSchlosshof 1. Phone: +49 6221 / 65888 - 0. Fax: +49 6221 / 65888 - 18. E-mail: [email protected]. Majestätisch thront die Heidelberger Schlossruine über den Dächern der Altstadt. Fünf Jahrhunderte lang haben dort die Kurfürsten von der Pfalz residiert.

  17. Tourist Information in the city hall

    Our Tourist Information in the city hall has extensive information for you. Here you can book or reserve the following services: Reservation of tickets for city tours. Sale of tickets for the visit of Heidelberg Castle and for the use of the funicular railway. Sale of the HeidelbergCard. Accommodation servic e.

  18. Ultimate Travel Guide to Heidelberg, Germany

    Located in the southwest of Germany, incredibly close to the French border in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Heidelberg sits along the River Neckar. It's a small city, with just over 150,00 people - a lot of whom are students at its famous university. Despite being small, Heidelberg sits in quite a densely populated part of Germany and is ...

  19. Heidelberg Germany

    heidelberg easy, enjoyable and stress-free. Heidelberg. Its beauty and timelessness inspired the German Romantic Movement, and it continues to inspire people today. Known for its university and castle, Heidelberg celebrates both the old and the new, making it the perfect place for everyone. And tourism-heidelberg.com is the perfect place for ...

  20. How to find us

    By public transport: from Heidelberg central station, take bus line 33 or bus line 20 to the stop. Bergbahn. Take the Bergbahn (funicular railway) to Schloss (Castle) station. Please note: It is expected that Neue Schlossstraße will be closed to vehicles between the Schlossberg and Graimbergweg sections from March 1, 2024.

  21. Heidelberg Castle (Schloss Heidelberg Video Guide)

    October 3, 2022. 6 minutes. Heidelberg Castle (Schloss Heidelberg) is an incredible structure that sits perch 80 meters (260ft) above Old Town, on the Königstuhl hillside. This incredible piece of history has seen many kings, wars, and renovations, making it the structure that stand before us today. Heidelberg Germany was one of our favourite ...

  22. 10 Best Things to do in Heidelberg Germany

    While the city sees close to 11.8 millions visitors each year (per the Heidelberg tourism office), in my book this is never a reason to overlook a destination. Heidelberg is one of the few major cities in Germany that was spared the devastation of World War II. It was also a favorite of writers and intellectuals during the 19th century ...

  23. Neckarmünzplatz (Neckarmünz Square)

    Neckarmünzplatz is an important square in Heidelberg's Old Town, located directly on the southern bank of the Neckar River below the castle and home to a stop for tourist buses. For most visitors coming to Heidelberg by coach, Neckarmünzplatz is the starting point of their city tour and castle visit. At the bus terminal, which is about fifty ...