Heidelberg. Romantic idyll between the Neckar and castle ruins

Heidelberg, the city of German Romanticism and Germany’s oldest university town, attracts thousands of visitors every year. Picturesquely situated on the Neckar River, the old town with its numerous historic buildings and winding alleyways invites you on a voyage of discovery. As the birthplace of famous poets such as Eichendorff, Brentano and Hölderlin, Heidelberg is still a place of longing for travelers from all over the world.

For a successful start to your stay in Heidelberg, we recommend a city tour, during which you can discover famous sights as well as hidden corners of the romantic old town. Enjoy the impressive city panorama against the backdrop of the castle ruins and get to know the cultural, architectural, historical and culinary specialties that the pearl on the Neckar has in store for its visitors.

Heidelberg is known for its charming city skyline and attractive location between the river and mountains. First mentioned in a document in 1196, the old town is characterized by its medieval layout and many winding alleyways. After being destroyed twice by French troops at the end of the 17th century, the town was rebuilt in the Baroque style while retaining its medieval layout. Heidelberg is one of the few major cities in Germany that was not destroyed in the Second World War, so you can still admire the magnificent baroque buildings today. At 1.6 kilometers long, the main street in Heidelberg is one of the longest pedestrian zones in the world. It stretches from Bismarckplatz to the town hall. Here you will find many of the city’s important buildings.

The most famous sight is Heidelberg Castle, which towers over the city on the slope of the Königstuhl. Destroyed several times in the 17th and 18th centuries, it now only exists as a ruin. However, this does not dampen the enthusiasm of tourists from all over the world. On the contrary, the winding building has become the epitome of romance for many.

On the other side of the Neckar, you can reach the Heiligenberg via the Philosophenweg. From here you have an incomparable view of the castle and the old town. After a short, steep climb, the approximately three-kilometre-long path leads you to a natural balcony, the so-called Philosophengärtchen. In the Mediterranean climate created by Heidelberg’s location, even exotic plants such as figs, lemons and almonds thrive in this park.

Heidelberg is also famous for its university. It was founded in 1386 by Elector Ruprecht I, making it the oldest university in Germany and one of the oldest in Europe. Today, people from all over the world study and teach here and shape the cityscape. Visitors to Heidelberg particularly enjoy visiting the old Studentenkarzer. Students who were guilty of mischief or drunkenness served their sentences in these detention cells until 1914. They immortalized themselves on the walls of the dungeons with sayings and drawings that have been admired by countless tourists ever since.

You can also explore the surrounding area of Heidelberg on a boat tour with the White Fleet. After just 25 minutes on the Neckar, you will reach the Neuburg Monastery stop. From the landing stage, there is a short climb up to the monastery grounds. Guided tours of the monastery or the farm store with regional specialties and an inn invite you to linger.

The Königstuhl, Heidelberg’s local mountain, is an oasis of peace above the lively Old Town. Hikers and nature lovers will get their money’s worth here, as will families with children. If you fancy some sporting activity, choose one of the hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Alternatively, you can take the traditional mountain railroad to the highest point of the town. In addition to an impressive view of the castle and the old town, you will also find attractions such as the national observatory, a falconry and the fairytale paradise theme park.