Heidelberg, situated on the banks of the Neckar river within the German state of Baden-Württemberg, is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. Surrounded by rolling forested hills, the picturesque city is home to history, a vibrant food and drink scene, and plenty of things to do.
From the picturesque settings to the more adventurous activities, as well as cultural experiences, Heidelberg has a fantastic array of attractions and slightly more unusual things to do; certainly, enough to fill several days or a long weekend.
Where to visit and stay in Heidelberg
How to get to Heidelberg
Being a popular destination for national and international tourists, along with a bustling student city, Heidelberg is extremely well connected despite there being no direct commercial airport to the city.
Getting to Heidelberg by plane:
The nearest major airport to Heidelberg is Frankfurt Airport, located roughly 50 miles northwest of the city. A major hub that is really well connected to airports from around the globe, there are plenty of flights to Frankfurt (FRA) to choose from.
After arriving at Frankfurt am Main Airport, it’s easy to connect to national and regional train and bus services to reach Heidelberg.
Getting to Heidelberg by train:
Heidelberg Hbf is well-serviced by many long-distance trains such as the InterCityExpress (ICE) and the InterCity (IC), with regional S-Bahn lines also running to Heidelberg.
If staying in the Old Town (Aldstadt), you’re best to catch an S-Bahn train to Heidelberg Aldstadt station and walk the 10-15 minutes into the centre of the Old Town.
You find really convenient rail routes and rates on Omio.
Getting to Heidelberg by bus:
There are several bus companies that can get you to and from Heidelberg, connecting you to many other German cities and other countries. Probably the best (and most commonly used by backpackers) is Flixbus, with routes running daily.
Getting to Heidelberg by car:
If you’re looking to road trip to Heidelberg, the A5 motorway is your best route. However, if you’re north or south, take the A656 motorway and you’ll be in the city in no time. It’s worth noting that the Old Town is (as you might expect) pretty tight for cars.
Built around the medieval streets and locked between the hills and river, parking is at a premium and many roads are either car-free or one-way. In my opinion, you’re better off leaving the car at home, or “commuting” into the city and staying slightly further out or in the “new town”.
Best places the visit in Heidelberg
Over the course of three days – as part of my three-month European Interrail adventure – I explored the gorgeous and historic city of Heidelberg. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll be happy to know that there are many great things to do in this beautiful city.
Here are my top picks of things to do in Heidelberg:
Visit the Heidelberg Castle
This impressive castle is one of the most popular attractions in Heidelberg. Overlooking and imposing the city, the castle dates back to the 13th century and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding region.
For the standard entry (€9 for adults, €4.50 reduced) you get access to the interior courtyard of the castle and palace, allowing you to explore and experience the funicular railway that runs from the city, the courtyard, Great Tun, and German Apothecary Museum.
For an extra €6 for adults (or €3 reduced), you can get a guided tour of more of the castle and palace, which helps explain more about the history of the castle, its residents, and access to additional halls and rooms.
Personally, if you’re looking for views of the city, don’t worry too much about getting a ticket. The best views (in my opinion) are all free to access. The gardens that surround the castle have some incredible views, while the northern gate and the walls before the ticket booth provide uninterrupted views of the old town and region.
For the latest information about tickets and opening times, visit: https://www.schloss-heidelberg.de/en/visitor-information
Explore the Old Town
The historic centre of Heidelberg is full of charming character, with cobbled streets lined with picturesque buildings, along with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Hidden among the streets are a number of squares (such as the Kornmarkt), where you can enjoy a beer or a coffee at one of the local cafes or bars.
The spires of Heidelberg can also be found in the Old Town, the three churches dotted throughout the city centre.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during the holiday season, the Heidelberg Christmas Market is one not to miss, the squares filling with various vendors of treats and gifts.
Visit the Heidelberg Church of the Holy Spirit
One of the three churches located throughout the Old Town, this beautiful church is located in the very heart of the historic Old Town. Featuring a beautiful Gothic-style interior, the Church of the Holy Spirit is visited by between 1–3 million guests annually, making it among the most visited churches in Germany.
Entry to the church is typically free, however, if you’d like to get a view of the city from within the Altstadt, you can pay a few euros to climb the tower. The opportunity to climb the tower is restricted to between March and October, so for winter visitors, this might not be possible.
Visit the Heidelberg University
Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is the oldest university in Germany and one of the most prestigious institutions in Europe. With this in mind, it shouldn’t be surprising how much of the city is made up of university buildings, with many of the most historical and scenic centres for learning or administration.
Dotted throughout the heart of the city, the university’s main campus features many beautiful buildings and gardens, that captivate visitors every year. There is even a museum dedicated to the university’s history, detailing its formation in the 14th Century through to the modern day.
Check out the student prison (Studentenkarzer):
Under renovations during my trip, the student prison is a small, cell-like room located on the grounds of Heidelberg University; the entrance close is to that of the university museum.
Formerly used to hold students who broke the university’s rules, the Studentenkarzer became a hotspot for students who wanted to avoid class. Covered in graffiti left by students that were “locked up” in the prison, the Studentenkarzer tells a fascinating story as to how powerful and influential the university was in regard to the city administration.
*The university museum provides a free audio guide, that you can listen to via a smartphone, to help tell the story of the Studentenkarzer. The files for the Studentenkarzer can be accessed when visiting the university museum, just in case, it is still being renovated when you visit.
Stroll along the Neckar River
Flowing through the heart of Heidelberg, the Neckar River offers beautiful city views. Strolling along the banks, you’re surrounded by beautiful scenery, with the Northern bank leading up towards the Philosophers’ Walk, while the Southern is home to the old town; while the castle overlooks your every step.
As you take a walk along the river banks, it’s not uncommon to find yourself watching local kayakers and boats make their way up and down the waters and pass under the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke).
Wander along the Philosophers’ Walk (Philosophenweg)
A gorgeous and spectacular path along the northern bank of the Neckar river, the Philosophers’ Walk offers excellent views of the city and the castle – especially around sunset when the sandstone appears to glow.
Not the easiest climb, the steep steps (Schlangenweg) wind up from the bank of the Neckar past several small sheep enclosures, allotments and gardens, before reaching the tarmacked road that forms the main part of the Philosophers’ Walk.
During the walk up to the Philosophers’ Walk and along the main route, there are plenty of stopping points. Perfect for a picture or a pit stop, the stopping points are frequently occupied with couples taking pictures or enjoying a romantic moment as the sun sets across the city.
Take a trip to Heidelberg Mountain (Königstuhl)
Located behind the castle (on the South bank of the Neckar), the Königstuhl offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding region. While there are some paths to the top of the mountain, the easiest route to the top is taking the funicular railway that stops at Heidelberg Castle.
Found close to the Kornmarkt, and Hostel LOTTE, the funicular makes its way up to the castle before going on to reach the top of the mountain, where you can find a restaurant, a park for kids and various walking paths.
Visit the Thingstätte
Build atop the Heiligenberg hill, the Thingstätte was built during the 1930s by the National Socialists for propaganda events and speeches, while today it is seen as a reminder of the city’s history and a site for concerts and performances.
Taking the Schlangenweg up from the North bank of the Neckar, the Thingstätte can be reached by a road or through the wooded paths. Personally, the paths are worth the effort as you get some great views of the city and the castle opposite.
Visit the Michaelskloster
Not far at all from the Thingstätte, the Michaelskloster (Monastery of St. Michael) is a ruined monastery dating back to 1023, however, the site dates back much much further.
The top of Heiligenberg hill was previously a Celtic hit fort, from as far back as the 4th century BCE, with the ruins of the Michaelskloster showing traces of a Roman temple to Mercury.
Visit the Sammlung Prinzhorn
The Prinzhorn Collection museum (Sammlung Prinzhorn) is dedicated to art created by people with mental disorders, the pieces of work created by inmates of psychiatric institutions. The initial collection was curated between 1840 and 1940.
Today, the exhibition boasts approximately 20,000 having been revived since the works were rediscovered in the 1960s and additional pieces of art added since the 1980s.
Entry into the Prinzhorn Collection museum (Sammlung Prinzhorn) costs just €8 for adults or €5 at a reduced rate, with the collection often hosting various special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Go hiking in the Odenwald Forest
The Odenwald Forest is a beautiful nature reserve located just outside of Heidelberg. Offering many hiking and biking trails through the forest, as well as beautiful scenery.
Unusual Things to do in Heidelberg
Check out the Heidelberg Tun
Located within the cellars of the Heidelberg Castle, the Heidelberg Tun is the largest wine barrel in the world. Holding some 58,000 litres of wine, you can visit the tun as part of a trip to the castle.
Visit the Friedrich Ebert Memorial
Found in the house where he grew up, the Friedrich Ebert Memorial documents Friedrich Ebert’s life and work, as well as the history of the working class movement and political environment during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Tick off the towers of Heidelberg
The hills and mountains surrounding Heidelberg feature a number of lookout towers. While I’ve already mentioned some of these in this post, a fun activity whilst visiting Heidelberg is to tick off all the towers.
Both the Heiligenberg Tower and Bismarck Tower can be found to the North of the city, the Heiligenberg Tower is close to the Thingstätte while the Bismarck Tower can be found close to the Philosophengärtchen (Philosophers Garden).
To the South West of the Old Town, the Gaisbergturm tower is a lovely hike, giving you a great view of the city and Heiligenberg hill.
Gaze down the Heidenloch
Located just a few meters from the Heiligenberg Tower, the Heidenloch is a 55-meter-deep historic shaft cut into the hill, with researchers believing it was used to supply water to the nearby Stephen’s Monastery.
When visiting the Heidenloch, you’ll likely just see the deep black hole and shrug. However, look out for the large button affixed to the wall, as this switches on the lights that line the shaft, giving you a real sense of just how deep and far it goes down.
Visit the Tiefburg Handschuhsheim
Did you know Heidelberg has two castles? No, neither did I. Across the Neckar river from the Aldstadt, you can find the Tiefburg Handschuhsheim, a ruined moated castle dating back to the Middle Ages.
Entry to the castle is free (according to Tourism Baden-Württemberg) and is open Fridays and Tuesdays for visitors/ Sadly it was shut during my days in Heidelberg.
Take a picture with the Brückenaffe
Dating back to the 15th century the Heidelberg Bridge Monkey (Brückenaffe) sits beside the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke). Originally designed to mock the city and Bishops of Mainz, the monkey’s backside facing the North side of the river, while the mirror is supposed to encourage critical self-reflection.
Sadly the original was destroyed in the Nine Year’s War. However, in 1979 a new bronze version was installed next to the bridge towers. In contrast to the original versions, the monkey’s right hand no longer grasps its backside, instead showing the sign of the horns, which is supposed to ward off the evil eye.
Places to stay in Heidelberg
Attracting millions of visitors every year, Heidelberg has a great selection of places to stay, including one of the best-rated hostels in Germany and Europe.
Hostel LOTTE, Heidelberg
This was my accommodation of choice in Heidelberg, and boy was I happy with it!
Hostel LOTTE is an incredibly homely hostel in a great location and offers a great night’s sleep. Made up of eight retro-modern designed guest rooms, with the largest rooms being 6-beds, you don’t really feel as though you’re in a hostel, more like you’re in someone’s home.
The rooms come with bedding – though you will need to make the bed yourself – and the hostel itself features a well-sized kitchen (including a coffee machine and free cereal), a comfortable common room, and a good number of shared showers and toilets.
The kitchen and common rooms are great for meeting other travellers, there was/is nearly always someone to meet in the social hubs of the hostel, making it a great place for solo travellers or as part of a small group.
Across the hostel it’s cleaned really well, the rooms are fresh and common areas tidy, which along with the location (in the shadow of the castle), service and comfort, explains why it has been rated as one of Germany’s best hostel.
If you’re after something more private, Hostel LOTTE does have a couple of private rooms. However, I know some of you may prefer a hotel, for the best offers check out Booking.Com’s feature search box below.
Additional things to do in Heidelberg:
Free things to do in Heidelberg
- Enjoy the castle grounds and outer perimeter. Take the steps up to the castle wall and the garden for an incredible sight of the region and old town.
- Hike up to the Thingstätte and Michaelskloster on the Northern Bank of the Neckar river.
- Check out the views from the Aussichtsturm auf dem Heiligenberg.
- Explore the Old Town, meandering through the old streets as you window shop and explore the historic centre of the city.
- Take a “free” walking tour of the old town
- Discover the Philosophers’ Way, towards the Philosophengärtchen, taking in the incredible views from the viewing points found along the Schlangenweg.
Romantic things to do in Heidelberg
- Take in the astonishing sunset from the Philosophers’ Way and the Schlangenweg viewing points.
- Go on a wine tour in Germany’s wine region.
- Take a riverboat along the Neckar river. Either join a tour or even hire your own.
- Go on a hike in the forested hills on either side of Heidelberg. With romantic viewing points and comfortably challenging routes, hikes within the local woodlands are perfect for active couples.
- Meander through the castle grounds. With amazing views, the castle gardens are a relaxed and beautiful spot for couples.
- Take a picnic to the Neckarwiese, enjoy a great
- Place a love lock at Heidelberger Liebesstein, a sandstone structure found on the north side of the Old Bridge.
Overall, there are many great things to do in Heidelberg and nearby, both well-known and lesser-known. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or just trying some delicious local food and drink, you’ll find plenty to do in this beautiful city.
