Top Things to Do in Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg, Germany is a beautiful city tucked into a valley along the Neckar River. It’s picturesque, not only in its natural surroundings, but also in the architecture of the city’s Old Town as well. There are so many things to do in Heidelberg which makes it a fantastic destination for a day trip or for staying a little bit longer. Heidelberg is in the history books dating all the way back to the 5th century BCE and early hominids. From there, the history spans the Celts, the Romans, Germanic Tribes, The Reformation, wars and so much more.

NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEIDELBERG, GERMANY

⋙ GETTING TO HEIDELBERG – There isn’t an international airport here, but Stuttgart and Frankfurt both have one and are both close by. There are several trains to Heidelberg from both cities each day. Frankfurt is slightly closer and the fast train can get you to Heidelberg in just under an hour. You can also get there by train from many, many other German cities. We arrived by train from Wiesbaden! You can also rent a car, obviously.
⋙ WEAR GOOD WALKING SHOES – I highly recommend Teva sandals in the summer months. I wear them daily for months and months on end. These snow boots are perfect for walking in the winter. They have great grip, are waterproof and suitable for loads of walking!
⋙ CONSIDER PICKING UP A HEIDELBERG CARD – There is a city card that gets you discounts at over 50 places, covers admission to Heidelberg Castle + the funicular and you get free public transportation!

TOP THINGS TO DO IN HEIDELBERG

Because of its unique history and natural beauty, there are a lot of interesting things to do in Heidelberg that vary greatly. Here are my top things to do in Heidelberg.

CATCH A STUNNING VIEW FROM THE PHILOSOPHERS WAY

 
The Philosophers Way is a hike that climbs the mountain across the Neckar River that offers an exceptional view of Heidelberg’s Old Town. The hike is easy to moderate, depending on your fitness level. The trail takes you up the hill to a stunning viewpoint and there are several stops along the way or just off the path. These stops include a garden where professors and poets sat and pondered, monastery remains, Celtic fort remains and even a Nazi theater. It’s an interesting walk that will let you enjoy nature and the city. Don’t forget to get your Travel Insurance before you travel abroad, especially if you’re hiking!

MARVEL AT HEIDELBERG UNIVERSITY’S OLD ASSEMBLY ROOM

Heidelberg University is actually one of the oldest educational institutions in all of Europe. It was founded in the late-1300’s and is still going strong today! There is an Old Town campus and you can visit the museum there. The museum has a lot of information on the campus and the people who graduated from and/or founded the school. The highlight of visiting, though, is getting to see this architectural beauty: the Old Assembly Room. It’s so beautiful and easy to appreciate the renovations done in 1886.

VISIT THAT SAME UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT PRISON

Yes, you read that right. The student prison (or Studentenkarzer in German) was Heidelberg University’s solution to rowdy students causing issues with the citizens of Heidelberg. It was a part of the university for several hundred years before closing in 1914. Although the building itself has moved on more than one occasion, the last location of it has become a part of the University Museum. Students would be incarcerated for periods from 3 days to 4 weeks depending on the severity of their unruliness. Inside you can see how the prison looked just before WW1 complete with some original furniture and loads of original graffiti by the students. Before you start feeling too bad for these students, it was considered a rite of passage to be put in Stdentenkarzer.

CLIMB TO THE TOP OF THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY GHOST

The Church of the Holy Ghost is easy to spot as it towers over much of the old town and is just up from the Old Bridge. The inside of the church is very pretty. It’s simple, but in an elegant way. However, the best part of visiting the Church of the Holy Ghost is climbing the tower to scope out the view of Heidelberg. The climb up is tight in some places, so be mindful of that if you get claustrophobic. There has been a church in this location as early as 1239 when it was first mentioned in history. The structure as it stands now, though, was finished in 1709 after it was burned down during a war.

EXPLORE HEIDELBERG CASTLE’S RUINS

 
On my first visit Heidelberg we visited the Castle Ruins. The remains sit up on the side of the hill and have some really notable myths, stories, history and more. The castle was originally constructed in the early 1200’s and was destroyed a few hundred years later during the 30 Years War. Try to take a tour of the castle to really get into the history of it.

CHECK OUT THE WORLD’S LARGEST WINE BARREL

Housed within the remains of Heidelberg castle is the world’s largest wine barrel. The photo with me in it, isn’t it – the actual barrel. The actual barrel (the one in the photo without me) is so huge there’s a dance floor on top of it! It was built in 1751 and it holds over 58,000 gallons of wine and stands over 20 feet tall! That’s a piece of wine amazing-ness if you ask me. You can check it out with your Heidelberg Castle ticket.

STROLL ACROSS THE OLD BRIDGE

photo source
Crossing Heidelberg’s Old Bridge, which was built in 1877, is an easy choice to add to your Heidelberg itinerary. It’s free, it’s a great bridge – pun, absolutely intended – to connect the Philosophers Way to any Old Town exploration and it’s a pedestrian walkway, so it makes for a nice, leisurely stroll. Plus, look at it; it’s a work of art in itself.

LOOK INTO THE MIRROR OF THE MONKEY

At the end of Heidelberg’s old bridge there is a sculpture of a monkey. This concept dates back to the 15th century when a stone monkey statue stood in the Old Bridge Tower. The myth is that the monkey’s behind was facing away from Hedielberg and toward Mainz, telling the Bishop of Mainz that they didn’t have any power over the people of Heidelberg. The mirror was to remind everyone that we’re all “monkeys” and encourage self-reflection. The bronze monkey that stands here now was constructed in a way that you can stand beneath it and the monkey’s face creates a mask. The legend attached to this new statue is if you touch the hand of the monkey, you’ll return to Heidelberg. If you touch the mirror, it’ll bring you wealth and if you touch the mice by the monkey, you’ll be very fertile.

ENJOY A WALK THROUGH OLD TOWN

Heidelberg’s old town is often referred to as one of the most romantic old towns in all of Germany. I have to say, out of all the German towns I’ve been to, this is definitely near the top! The architecture is stunning and I love all the darling, pastel colors that adorn the facades. There are cute signs all around the town and bikes propped all over. It’s just a super cute town that you’re sure to enjoy strolling through.

POP INTO THE JESUIT CHURCH OF HEIDELBERG

Another beautiful church in Heidelberg’s old town is the Jesuit Church. It’s free to enter and worth stopping into. The facade is this gorgeous pink stone and the inside is beautiful in its monochromatic simplicity. It’s a great stop in during your walk through Heidelberg’s old town.

TAKE THE FUNICULAR UP FOR A VIEW

The exceptionally-alliterative Heidelberger Bergbahn is a two-part funicular that goes up the hill directly behind Heidelberg Castle. This funicular gets to up to the top with a viewpoint of Old Town and beyond. You can actually bundle your funicular ticket with a visit to the castle. It’s a great addition to your trip to the castle because it’s all right there.

WHERE TO STAY IN HEIDELBERG

HOSTEL DORM: LOTTE – THE BACKPACKERS – There are several options of dorm rooms at this 9.5-rated hostel. A bunk at this hostel is only $27 each! Plus, it’s located only 1,000 feet from Heidelberg Castle! How can you beat that?
ROMANTIC GETAWAY: HOTEL VILLA MARSTALL – This gorgeous hotel is rated 9.6 for couples. It’s located in the heart of Old Town and although the decor is classic and simple, the food and service are supposed to be over-the-top amazing! It sounds like the perfect place to cuddle up with your loved-one after a day of exploration.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY PRIVATE OPTION: CITY PARTNER HOTEL HOLLÄNDER HOF – This hotel is a great option for someone looking for a private room/private bath and also wanting to stay within a reasonable budget in the heart of Old Town. You can get a basic double room with a private bath for only $114!

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GREAT TOURS TO TAKE IN HEIDELBERG

Heidelberg is a beautiful addition to any Germany itinerary. There is so much history to dive into, so much beauty to see and things to explore. I hope this guide helps you experience the greatness that is Heidelberg.

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