The Philosophers Way in Heidelberg isn’t always what you see at the top of a list of things to do in Heidelberg, Germany. However, while we were in Germany I wanted to get back to Heidelberg for a couple of different reasons. One, on my last visit to Germany, I loved this city. It was so beautiful and cozy in the winter and I wanted to visit in the summer. Second, Matt’s grandma loved this city. We talked many times about loving Heidelberg and I wanted Matt to see it for himself. Because I had already been before, I sought out some new experiences to have. A hike called the Philosophers Way topped the list. Matt and I love hiking, so it seemed like a perfect urban hike/path to take – and guess what? It was! In fact, I would say, it makes for the best view of Heidelberg’s Old Town!
Need to Know for the Philosophers Way in Heidelberg
⋙ DISTANCE: The Philosophers Way is 2.5 kilometers or just over 1.5 miles.
⋙ DIFFICULTY: This isn’t an especially strenuous path. Most of it I would classify as easy, with a couple of the uphill parts being potentially moderate depending on your fitness level. It is uphill, but not a climb. The path is paved at the beginning and turns into dirt. There are stairs involved.
⋙ NAME IN GERMAN: Philosophenweg. This is important to know because it’s what the signage for the path will say.
⋙ ADMISSION: It’s 100% free to visit and it’s open all day! However, I would definitely be careful if you take it on at night as there are loads of tripping hazards and some drop offs. I never recommend traveling abroad without travel insurance, especially if you’re hiking!
Getting to the Philosophers Way
This hike takes you across the Neckar River from Heidelberg’s old town. You can drive to the start of this trail as it starts at the end of a road the same name. We walked all the way there from the train station. However, I would recommend taking a taxi to the start of the path. If you’re staying in Heidelberg’s Old Town there’s a cute winding, walkway straight up from the Old Bridge and it takes you almost directly to the most scenic spot of the Philosopher’s Way. However, I recommend starting at the beginning so it isn’t anti-climactic and going down the windy path. Staying on the path is easy because there are blue blazes painted on buildings, walls and trees and signs along the way as well!
What You Can Expect to See on the Philosophers Way in Heidelberg
At the beginning of Philosophers Way there’s a bench sitting area. At this area, there are some busts/memorials of the professors and others who sat up there to find inspiration. There, you’ll be able to sit on one of the many benches in this area known as the Philosopher’s Garden. Then you continue on down the path (you’ll see a little sign that says Philosophenweg with an arrow) and you’ll come across some other monuments. There are remains of several monasteries, some of which are about 1000 years old, as well as the Celtic hill fort that dates all the way back to 4th century BCE. Plus, there’s a Nazi theater that you can go up and see. It’s such an interesting walk with so much history and stellar views of Heidelberg.
The tower pictured above, you can climb up and explore. It’s a little bit dark in there, and sort-of creepy, to be totally honest, because it’s just out in the middle of the woods. But it was still really fun to explore once you get past the creepy factor.
This view of Old Town is the highlight of the hike. It’s just so unbelievably stunning. You can see Heidelberg Castle perfectly propped up on the hill. The old bridge was under renovation, but it was still beautiful to see. The church also dominates the landscape. It’s just striking to see all the orange roofs, the traditional architecture and colorful paint.
You can follow the path along to see all the other monuments. We only had one full day in Heidelberg, so we jumped off the trail after that iconic Heidelberg overlook. Heidelberg just has this romance to it and nothing adds to that romance like a beautiful stroll with the one you love.
The Philosophers Way is a beautiful addition to any trip to Heidelberg. It’s easy to see why this path was an inspiration to thinkers, hikers and wanderers for years and years. I’m very excited to share this path to help continue the tradition of inspiration in Heidelberg. I mean, how many paths can you walk and instantly become a philosopher, a thinker or a dreamer in your own right?
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