Heidelberg

Introducing Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a famous tourist and cultural capital in Germany.

Heidelberg is situated on the banks of the Neckar River, where it flows from the narrow, steep Odenwald Valley into the Rhine Valley. The Neckar joins the Rhine at Mannheim, 20 kilometers northwest of Heidelberg. The famous Heidelberg Castle, perched 200 meters above the Neckar River, overlooks the narrow Old Town.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle, a reddish-brown castle, is the symbol of Heidelberg. Perched on the wooded Koenigsstuhl Hill (Königsstuhl) by the Neckar River, it occupies the remains of the Elector's Palace. Constructed primarily of reddish-brown Neckar sandstone, the castle boasts a complex interior structure encompassing fortifications, living quarters, and a palace. Construction began in the 13th century and took 400 years to complete. Its architectural style evolved, resulting in a unique blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles, making it a representative example of German Renaissance architecture. In the 17th century, the castle was twice destroyed by the French, and the Elector's family, who owned it, relocated to Mannheim. Parts of the abandoned castle were later restored, and it was not until the late 19th century that the main structure was restored to its original state and operational.

Most of the castle's rooms are open to visitors, and some well-preserved halls are still used for banquets and artistic performances. Unrestored sections remain in ruins, with only a single exterior wall remaining in some upper rooms. This is a magnificent castle, yet a ruin steeped in history. Mark Twain wrote of Heidelberg Castle: "Ruined yet regal, like King Lear in the Tempest."

Heidelberg Old Bridge

(Alte Bruecke or Karl-Theodor Bruecke)

This nine-arch stone bridge spans the Neckar River, built between 1786 and 1788 by Elector Karl Theodor. A bridgehead stands majestically on the south bank, juxtaposed against the Heidelberg Castle on the hill. The bridgehead features two round towers. The gateway beneath them once served as the entrance to Heidelberg's old town, and the towers were also used as prisons. Two statues adorn the bridge: one on the south side depicts Elector Karl Theodor, and the other on the north side depicts Pallas Athene, the goddess of wisdom. The Heidelberg Bridge is a natural addition to Heidelberg's beauty and aura, becoming a symbol of the city. The poet Goethe was particularly fond of the bridge, and Hölderlin eulogized it in a poem.

Heidelberg Old Town

Heidelberg's Old Town stretches along the south bank of the Neckar River, forming a long strip. Despite its modern character, the streets, alleyways, and major buildings retain their original, historic character. Hauptstrasse, the main street, runs parallel to the Neckar River for approximately 1.6 kilometers and is a pedestrian mall. Bismarckplatz ends at its west end, while Market Square is at its east end.

Bismarck Square

Bismarckplatz, a major transportation hub for the area and the entire region, boasts a bronze statue of Bismarck, the 19th-century Chancellor of the German Empire. Nearby is Heidelberg's only five-star luxury hotel: Hotel Europaeische Hof (Hotel Europa).

Market Square (Marktplatz) is the central square of the Old Town, paved with cobblestones. In the center of the square is the Hercules (Herkulesbrunnen) fountain, and around the square are the Town Hall, the Viktualienmarkt, the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, and the Knights' House.

Knight's House

Also known as the Knight's House of St. George (Hauz Zum Ritter St. Georg), this Renaissance building, named for the knight's portrait painted on its exterior, is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city. Built in 1592 by a German cloth merchant named Charles Beryl, who specialized in Chinese silks and satins, it later became a private residence. In 1705, it was converted into a hotel, which remains in operation today.

Holy Spirit Church

The Heiliggeistkirche, located across from the Knight's House, was built in 1398 in the Baroque style with a beautiful spire. It houses the burial area of ​​successive electors and features stained glass windows depicting the tragic atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan.

Elector's Museum

The Kurpfaelzisches Museum, located on the main street of the old town, houses art from the 15th to 17th centuries and items used by the nobility. Its most famous exhibit is the Homo heidelbergensis fossil, discovered near Heidelberg in 1907 and dating back approximately 500,000 years.

Heidelberg University is located in the Old Town. When it was founded in 1386, it had only four faculties: the Faculty of Theology, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Philosophy, and the Faculty of Medicine. Scholars and students from across Europe gathered here, and by the 16th century, Heidelberg had become a major cultural center in Europe. At the end of the 18th century, the university was closed due to war and other reasons. Since the 19th century, it has vigorously developed disciplines in natural sciences and applied sciences, and today it has become a comprehensive university with nearly 20 faculties. The Faculty of Medicine's clinical medicine and cardiac research are world-renowned. Many large research institutions closely associated with the university, such as the European Laboratory for Molecular Biology and the German Cancer Research Center, are also well-known. Heidelberg University has two campuses, the old and new, with the new campus built in the 1930s. The campus architecture is also very beautiful.

University Square

Universitatsplatz is a T-shaped square located on the west and south sides of the old university and extends southward. There is a lion fountain on the square. Martin Luther and the Augustinian monks once debated in the square.

Student Prison

Located on the east side of the old university, the Studentenkarzer (Studentenkarzer) served as a de facto prison, though it was truly unique. Due to extraterritoriality, students committed minor crimes without police intervention. Citizens expressed dissatisfaction with the university administration, leading to the establishment of this prison. Criminal students were required to attend classes during the day and return home at night, where they were incarcerated with only bread and water. Their sentences ranged from one to 30 days, depending on the severity of their offenses. Since this wasn't a true prison, there were no restrictions on bringing in food or visiting students. As a result, the prison quickly became a haven for students, with nights of feasting, drinking, and rowdy activities. Many students deliberately caused trouble to earn their "imprisonment." This student prison, first used in 1712, ceased use in 1914 with the outbreak of World War I. Inside, old iron beds, desks, and chairs can be seen, while the walls and ceilings are covered in student graffiti.

Philosopher's Path

The Philosopher's Path is located on a hill on the north bank of the Neckar River, across from Heidelberg Castle. From the path, you can overlook the town on the other side of the river. Throughout history, many poets and philosophers, such as Hegel and Goethe and Hölderlin, have often walked and contemplated here.

Printing Horse

Standing tall in the open square in front of Heidelberg's Print Media Academy (visible upon exiting the train station), the S-Printing Horse is the world's largest horse statue. Standing 13 meters tall, 15 meters long, and 4 meters wide, it weighs 90 tons. It is crafted from steel and aluminum through a variety of manufacturing processes, including casting, grinding, polishing, partial gold plating, and painting with a metallic paint containing mica. Designed by architect Jürgen Goertz, construction began in 1998 and was completed in 2000, erected in the square in front of the office and teaching complex of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG.

Composed of stainless steel, the Print Horse symbolizes the printing press and the printing process. For example, the holes in its neck allude to the holes in the printer's side panels for the cylinder bearings. The rotating parts on its sides represent the rotational process inherent in printing. The Print Horse's tail signifies the end of the printing process. Its square structure symbolizes the printed book, illuminated in the evening by three colors: cyan, magenta, and yellow. Behind the book, a face reading, completes the purpose of the entire statue.

The Printing Horse statue also represents the relationship between thought and printing. It draws inspiration from the inescapable mythical horse of Greek mythology, the winged Pegasus, which poets rode. Today, it represents the poet's soaring imagination. But inspiration alone is not enough for poets; they must also communicate their ideas, a desire first widely realized by Gutenberg, the inventor of letterpress printing.

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Most Popular FAQs for Heidelberg

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Heidelberg is a historic city in southwestern Germany, renowned for its medieval Old Town, Heidelberg Castle, and as home to Germany's oldest university, founded in 1386. It has been a center of culture, education, and Romanticism in Europe.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Heidelberg is located in Baden-Württemberg along the Neckar River. Accessible by train from major German cities like Frankfurt and Stuttgart, by bus, car, or walking within the city center.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Most attractions are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The best time to visit is spring and early autumn when weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

• Heidelberg Castle: approx. €8–12, tickets available online or at the entrance
• Funicular railway to Königstuhl: approx. €7–10, tickets at the station
• Boat cruises on the Neckar River: approx. €15–20, tickets at the dock or online

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking is recommended for Heidelberg Castle and river cruises during summer, ideally 1–2 weeks ahead.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

1–2 days are sufficient to see the main attractions, enjoy the Old Town, and take a river cruise.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Heidelberg Castle
• Old Bridge and Old Town
• Student Jail (Studentenkarzer)
• Church of the Holy Spirit
• Königstuhl and funicular area
• Kurpfälzisches Museum

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in German and English. Audio guides are often available in English, German, and sometimes French or Spanish.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Königstuhl hill for panoramic city views
• Old Bridge with the Neckar River
• Heidelberg Castle gardens and terraces
• Marktplatz and Altstadt streets

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start in the Old Town, visit Marktplatz and the Church of the Holy Spirit, walk to the Old Bridge, ascend to Heidelberg Castle, then take the funicular to Königstuhl for views.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night tours of Heidelberg Castle are available during summer, along with seasonal light events and cultural festivals.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Heidelberg is busiest in summer and weekends. Least crowded times are weekdays in spring or autumn, and early mornings.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Public toilets, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and rest areas are available throughout the Old Town and near major attractions.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The Old Town is walkable; some streets are cobblestone. The funicular and castle have partial accessibility, but steep paths may be challenging for some visitors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted. Small vendors may prefer cash.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Wirtshaus zum Nepomuk – traditional German dishes
• Café Knösel – coffee and pastries
• Restaurant Schnookeloch – regional cuisine in Altstadt
• Hotel Molkenkur restaurant – panoramic dining near Königstuhl

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in several restaurants. Halal options are limited; inquiry in advance is recommended.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg
• Qube Hotel Heidelberg
• Hotel am Schloss
• Guesthouses and B&Bs in Altstadt

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Neckar Valley scenic walks
• Heidelberg University and Botanical Garden
• Schwetzingen Palace and gardens
• Mannheim city for museums and shopping

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

• Heidelberg-themed postcards, magnets, and mugs
• Local wines and chocolates
• Miniature castle models and crafts
• University merchandise

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Train connections to Frankfurt, Mannheim, and Stuttgart
• Bus or taxi for nearby towns in Rhine-Neckar region
• Car rental for exploring the surrounding countryside