Your guide to the best things to do in Heidelberg, Germany
With its fairytale, picturesque setting on the banks of the Neckar river, Heidelberg is one of Europe’s most romantic cities.
Packed with historical sites, Heidelberg is a beautiful city and one that you should definitely visit at some point. It has a castle that sits high on the hill, a beautiful old town, and a plethora of fascinating museums. Whether you’re visiting for a short break or on day trip from nearby German cities, you’re bound to have a fantastic time here.
Read on to discover the top things to do in Heidelberg, Germany.
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Where is Heidelberg?
Heidelberg is located in southwest Germany. It is not far away from the Black Forest, which is just over an hour’s drive south.
The city is also within easy reach of both Frankfurt and Stuttgart by train, so visitors to either city should seriously consider putting aside some time to visit Heidelberg on a day trip (we did this on our recent trip to Frankfurt).
Frankfurt is around 90 kilometres north of Heidelberg, while Stuttgart is around 120 kilometres south.
How to get to Heidelberg
The most convenient way to get to Heidelberg is to fly into either Frankfurt or Stuttgart airport. If you plan to spend some time in those cities, then you can pick up a train from either of those cities’ main train stations: there are regular regional train services from both.
You’ll probably arrive at Heidelberg’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof) on Willy Brandt Platz. If you choose to, you can then walk to the central attractions in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch buses or trams right outside the station to different stops around the old town.
You may, however, find that your train stops at Heidelberg’s smaller (second) train station, Heidelberg Altstadt. This is much more convenient for the old town. You also have the option of changing trains at the main train station and travelling one stop to the Altstadt station.
Another direct option is the FlixBus, which you can also take from both Frankfurt and Stuttgart (from both the airports and the central stations).
Or if you’re staying elsewhere – for example in Frankfurt – you can opt to take a day tour to Heidelberg.
Top things to do in Heidelberg
Below are the top things to do in Heidelberg, covering the main historic sites and all of the other great things to do in the city.
We’d suggest starting with a visit to the famous castle, as we did. This is the main attraction in Heidelberg.
Best things to do in Heidelberg
– Visit the famous ruined castle and walk around its grounds
– See the world’s largest wine vat
– Learn about the history of pharmacy in the German Pharmacy Museum
– Wander around the beautiful old town
– Go into the Church of the Holy Spirit
– Get some good luck at the Old Bridge of Heidelberg
– Stroll along the river or up on Philosopher’s Walk
– Take a cruise along the River Neckar
– Visit a museum
– Go inside the Karzer, the city’s unique student prison
– Get some fresh air in the city’s botanical garden
– See the animals in the zoo
– Go for a swim in the thermal outdoor pool
– Get festive at the Christmas market
Start at Heidelberg Castle
There are several reasons why we would recommend you start your day trip to Heidelberg at the red sandstone palace/castle (Schloss Heidelberg) that sits in an incredible position overlooking the city.
The views
To start with, the ruined castle sits 80 metres above the old town. The spectacular views from the summit provide a fabulous introduction to Heidelberg.
From the different terrace viewpoints around the castle grounds, you can look out over the entire city, the River Neckar, and the surrounding area. You can identify where the top attractions are before descending to wander through the city’s picturesque medieval streets and visiting those sights.
Its location and convenience
The castle’s location overlooking the city, means it’s a steep climb to get there on foot. There is a winding path you can take called the Burgweg. However, this may be challenging for some, especially for those with mobility issues.
For this reason, there’s a small funicular that you can hop onto that will take you up to the castle. The bus from the main train station will take you to the funicular station (Bergbahn), a second reason why starting your sightseeing at the castle is recommended if you arrive into this station.
You can pick up bus number 20 or 33 immediately outside the station exit. This drops you right outside the Bergbahn’s entrance and ticket office.
You can ascend the funicular (it’s just a short train ride), explore the castle grounds, and then take the mountain railway back down. It’s then a short walk to the Kornmarkt square and the start of the old town.
Alternatively, you can book onto this guided bus tour that will take you to the castle (you return via the funicular).
Visiting the castle via the old town
If you decide to explore the old town before visiting the castle ruins, you’ll need to get a bus or tram from the main train station first to drop you on the edge of the old town. Then, you’ll need to make your way to the Kornmarkt, which is at the far end of the old town and find the entrance to the Bergbahn.
This will all take time, which you can save by picking up the bus from the main train station and heading straight to the Bergbahn and then the castle.
The castle funicular
The ticket for the funicular railway up to the Schloss station includes your return journey, admission to the castle courtyard, the barrel cellar, and a visit to the German Pharmacy Museum.
If you have time, you can also use the castle ticket to go beyond the castle station to Molkenkur station for city views higher up. We didn’t do this, so unfortunately can’t comment on how spectacular these are.
Visiting Heidelberg Castle
Schloss Heidelberg dates back to the early 13th century when the palatine Rhine counts – later the Prince Electors – became residents on the hilltop.
Although it has been described as ‘one of the grandest castles of the Renaissance’, it tragically succumbed to the ravages of European warfare. The toll wreaked on it by two massive lightning strikes completed its destruction and the palace fell into ruin.
Despite this, some of the castle/palace looked fairly intact to us and there is plenty to see.
After walking through the entrance beneath a spectacular red sandstone clock tower, you will enter the palace courtyard. Here, you can marvel at the façade of the stunning Friedrich Hall (Friedrichsbau) in front of you.
Surrounding this courtyard are other impressive Renaissance buildings: the Hall of Glass, Ottheinrich Hall, and the English Hall.
Some of these buildings only seem to be open to the public if you book onto a guided tour (in English and German). This includes the inside of Friedrich Hall (Elector Friedrich IV’s residential palace).
However, as mentioned above, the castle ticket does allow you to explore a few of the other surviving palace buildings. One of these is the German Pharmacy Museum (or German Apothecary Museum: Deutsches Apotheken-Museum).
See the world’s largest wine barrel!
When you visit the castle, it’s also possible to enter the barrel cellar. You can access this via a steep pathway down to the left of Friedrich Hall. Here you can stop for refreshments and try regional snacks such as pretzels, sausages, and apple strudel. You can even do short wine tastings.
For something quite different, you can climb up some stairs and stand on what we read is a wooden dance floor built on the top of the Great Wine Barrel (also known as the Heidelberg Tun).
This is the World’s largest wine barrel. The dance floor acts as a viewpoint over the face of the barrel.
A word of advice: don’t assume the first large wine vat you see when you walk in the barrel cellar is the Great Wine Barrel. You need to walk around the corner to see this, even bigger, one.
You’ll know it’s the right one when you are confronted by the wooden barrel’s colossal size. Apparently, it holds over 220,000 litres of wine!
Visit the German Pharmacy Museum (Deutsches Apotheken-Museum)
As part of your ticket to the castle, you can access this small, albeit superb, museum. It is just off the castle’s central courtyard.
Boasting “treasures from two millennia of the history of pharmacy”, the German Pharmacy Museum gives you information on the history of pharmacy and its importance in society. It also showcases many fascinating exhibits.
There is a wealth of pharmaceutical reconstructions in here, such as pharmacy counters surrounded by shelves with intriguingly labelled bottles and jars, and an early pharmacy laboratory. There are also lots of interesting facts you can learn from the information panels, which are in both German and English.
Don’t skip popping into this fascinating museum.
Stroll around the castle grounds
You should also stroll around the castle grounds when you visit. It has a striking setting, so you can spend quite a bit of time here if you wish.
The palace gardens (Hortus Palatinus) were never completed, but you get a sense of what might-have been by wandering through its attractive, landscaped terraces. Make sure you walk all the way around the side: there are some great views back over to the castle ruins and out over the river and old town below.
There is a café where you can buy something to eat and drink close to the entrance, and public toilets.
If you visit during the summer, you may fancy checking out the Heidelberg Castle Festival, which hosts theatre, concerts and opera. In June, July and September, there is also the Heidelberg Castle Illuminations.
Wander around the old town
When you go back down from the castle in the funicular, it’s a very short walk to the edge of the old town (aldstadt).
You can then wander around the area, or join a walking tour that will take you to the main sights in this area and slightly beyond.
Unlike many German cities, Heidelberg got off lightly from the destruction wreaked during the closing stages of the Second World War. So, what you see in the city is generally centuries-old historic buildings rather than post-war reconstructions (like you’ll find in Frankfurt).
The jewel in the crown is the old town of Heidelberg, which runs along the length of the River Neckar. The gateway into the old town from the main train station is Bismarckplatz – a transport hub where buses and trams stop. This is the best place to alight if you visit the old town before catching the funicular up to the castle.
The main street that runs from one end of the old town to the other is conveniently called Hauptstrasse (main street). This passes by many beautiful buildings and lots of the main sights you’ll want to include on your trip to Heidelberg.
Sights to see in Heidelberg old town
Running off the main street in the old town, you’ll discover lots of cobblestone streets and attractive historic buildings. We’d recommend pottering around some of these narrow streets just to get a feel for the place.
Heidelberg’s main (and central) tourist office is in Market Square (Marktplatz) at the far end of the main street. This is where you’ll also see the Hercules Fountain. There are quite a few enticing cafes here as well as in nearby Kornmarkt and Karlsplatz (where you get great views up to the castle).
Overlooking the market square is Heidelberg’s most celebrated religious landmark – the 14th century Gothic Church of the Holy Spirit (Heiliggeistkirche). It’s worth popping inside to look at its distinctive white and red sandstone interior. You can also climb to the top of its spire and look out over the city.
Facing the church in the market square is Heidelberg’s attractive Rathaus (City Hall). This was originally constructed in the early 1700s.
Get some good luck at the Alte Brücke
After exploring the old town, head over to the Old Bridge of Heidelberg – Alte Brücke (also known as Karl Theodor Bridge).
Although much of Heidelberg was untouched by the Second World War, sadly the same can’t be said about this attractive bridge. The reconstructed bridge, however, looks like it’s been standing over the River Neckar forever.
On the Heidelberg side, the entrance to this bridge is marked by two eye-catching white towers.
To the left is a bronze monkey sculpture that dates from 1979. Supposedly, prosperity comes to those who stroke the mirror. Or if you stroke its outstretched fingers, you are guaranteed a return visit to the city.
Walk along the river
You can walk along both sides of the river, but for the best views of the city’s skyline and the castle, cross the Alte Brucke and turn left. You’ll get great views back over the river to Heidelberg.
The castle will be on the far left. The old town’s other main landmarks – the Church of the Holy Spirit – and other church spires on the city’s attractive skyline, will stretch to your right.
You can walk along this side of the river before returning to the old bridge and crossing back into the old town. Or you could carry on to the next bridge (Theodor-Heuss) and cross back to Bismarckplatz.
Wander along Philosopher’s Walk
If you’re planning a walk along the river, you might also want to give the Philopsopher’s Walk a go. Again, cross the Old Bridge of Heidelberg to the opposite bank of the River Neckar. Then, join the Serpentine Path (or Snake Path – Schlangenweg).
This winding path takes you up a hill to what is known as the Philosopher’s Walk (Philosophenweg): so named after the philosophers that apparently used to stroll along here.
At the top, you can marvel at the panoramic views of Heidelberg and the surrounding hills. You can get more information on this trail, which is said to be easy, and takes you in a 3.1 kilometre circuit here.
Take a boat trip
Heidelberg’s position on the banks of the River Neckar contributes significantly to its fairytale allure. One of the best ways to admire the city’s picturesque setting is on the water, so a river cruise is a must if you have time, and the weather permits.
If you fancy this, you can book sightseeing boat trips that will take you along the river. You can take a look at the castle on the hill and see the old town from the water.
This trip lasts for 50 minutes – so is perfect if you’re short of time – and includes a drink for you as you sit back and relax.
Or there’s this breakfast cruise, which includes a breakfast buffet and some sparkling wine.
Visit a museum
Heidelberg has a great selection of museums you can visit. If you want to spend some of your time in the city exploring what’s on offer, we’ve highlighted a few you might want to pop into while you’re here.
Heidelberg University Museum and the Great Hall
Heidelberg is a university town. This is evident from its youthful atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. In fact, it is home to Germany’s oldest university.
If you want to know more about its history, you can visit the University Museum.
Its history is set out over three chambers that cover different periods from 1386 up to the 20th century. The third chamber covers the most recent period – the 20th century – which is notable for two major events. The first is that female students were finally admitted to the university, and the second is how the academic institution fared under the Nazis. There are audio tours in both English and German.
You can also visit the Great Hall which was built in the late 19th century and served as an academic lecture theatre.
The Palatine Museum art museum (Kurpfalzisches Museum)
Located on Heidelberg’s main street in the Morass Palace, the collection in this art museum covers everything from paintings and sculptures to watercolours and drawings. There is also an archaeological section.
In addition, you can learn more about the Electoral Palatinate, which ruled the region for around six centuries from the early 13th century.
Heidelberg Student Prison (Studentenkarzer)
This unique museum is a must visit if you are in the old town. It can be found just off the main street. If you are tight on time during your visit, still go: it’s not very big so it won’t take you long to explore.
According to the information panel near the entrance, when the University of Heidelberg was founded in the Middle Ages, one of its privileges was “the right to dispense justice over its members”.
The result was the Karzer, a student prison that was set up in the building’s attic in 1823.
On a visit here, you discover that the severity and duration of the student’s imprisonment depended on the type of ‘student crime’ committed. For example you can read that, “While political activities and getting into debt were occasionally punished, common punishable misdemeanours included inappropriate behaviour in public as a result of drunkenness, disturbing the peace at night with loud singing… smashing lanterns, night-time skinny-dipping in the marketplace fountain, engaging in illegal fencing duels or resisting the authority of the state.”
As the panel explains, most punishment involved spending a just few days in the Karzer. However, in severe cases, it could be as long as four weeks!
On your walk up the stairwell to the attic, you’ll see the walls and ceilings adorned entirely with drawings, inscriptions and paintings. The same goes for the top floor hallway and the five detention cells you can peer into. Some of these have old beds where presumably inmates slept during their stay. Some of the inscriptions describe practical jokes.
Apparently, every single one of the more than 2,000 wall and ceiling paintings and graffiti has been photographed and classified by the university and digitally stored in a catalogue that you can search.
The last inmate was held in February 1914 after the usefulness of the justice was questioned by the authorities.
Get some fresh air in the botanical garden
If you want some fresh air by visiting Heidelberg’s botanic garden (Botanischer Garten der Universitat), we’d advise you to go straight from the main train station on arrival as it’s a little bit out of the centre and requires you to cross the River Neckar.
The best way to get there is to pick up bus 31 from outside the train station in the direction of the Neuenheimer Feld district. Then get off at the Campus im Neuenheimer Feld stop and follow the road in the same direction until you see the entrance.
It is worth visiting the university’s botanical garden if you have time. It is one of the oldest in the world, having been founded in the late 1500s.
Free to visit, the garden’s “living collection” has almost 5,000 species and subspecies within it. The herbarium also holds 350,000 specimens.
See the animals in the zoo
If you’re visiting the botanical garden and have enough time, you could also pop over to see the animals in Heidelberg Zoo. This is not far from the garden on the same side of the river.
Boasting a collection of over 150 different species, there’s lots to see here. This includes lions and tigers, red pandas, elephants, zebras, flamingos, and various other species of birds. There is also a petting zoo and a museum for children.
Go for a swim
If you are visiting Heidelberg between mid-April and mid-October and fancy swimming in a heated outdoor pool, head to the Thermalbad. This is located a short walk from the main train station to the east of the Ernst-Walz Bridge on the Heidelberg (south) side of the River Neckar.
When it is open, you can bathe in 26 degrees temperatures in a 50 metre swimming pool. There is a second 50 metre pool for non-swimmers and a paddling pool.
Get festive at the Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkt)
Taking place from November through to December, the Heidelberg Christmas Market is held in various squares in the old town. There is also an ice rink.
This is a magical time to visit the city. However, if you find the cost of accommodation is beyond your budget, then this is something you could do on a day trip from either Frankfurt or Stuttgart.
Questions people ask
Below we’ve answered some of the questions that people often ask and that we hope will help you plan your trip and decide to visit Heidelberg (it really is worth it!).
How do I get around Heidelberg?
One of Heidelberg’s tourist offices stands right outside the main train station and this is a good starting point for your visit to Heidelberg. You can pick up a map and further information on the top things to do in Heidelberg.
Many trams and buses will take you to Bismarckplatz on the edge of the old town, and from here, it’s a straight walking route into its heart along the pedestrianised main street (Hauptstrasse).
Once you have got a bus/tram to Bismarckplatz or other stops on the edge of the old town, Heidelberg is easily walkable as city. You can either sightsee independently, or book a walking tour that will take you around the main sights.
However, if you decide to walk from the main train station, you should factor in that it will take about 30 minutes to get to the start of the old town. Another option, as noted above, is to get a train to the Altstadt station. It’s then it’s a short walk to the old town.
Is one day enough in Heidelberg?
Yes it is! If you only have time to spend a day in Heidelberg and you organise your time effectively, then it is possible to pack in all the major attractions in a short visit.
However, Heidelberg is a destination where you could easily spend a few days. This will mean you can explore at a more leisurely pace. You’ll also get to stay overnight and see the sights as the evening lights come on.
Is Heidelberg worth visiting?
If you are staying in, or visiting either Frankfurt or Stuttgart, then we’d strongly recommend catching the train or bus to Heidelberg.
Not only is it a great place, but it gives you a German experience that you won’t have by visiting many of the country’s larger cities that are arguably partial imitations of their former selves thanks to post Second World War reconstructions.
Heidelberg is a magical historic town. Once you’ve reached the old town where the main sights are, it is small enough to explore on foot in a day.
It’s also a perfect place for a romantic break away: its scenic setting adds significantly to its fairytale feel.
Other ideas for short trips and days out in Germany
I hope this travel guide to Heidelberg has helped you plan your visit. If you’re looking for more ideas for short breaks to Germany, check out some of my other posts, listed below:
Written by Nick Warburton and Emma Marshall
