Top Attractions in Heidelberg

The Heidelberger "Schloss" (Castle) rises up on a rocky hilltop over the city's Old Town. Heidelberg's "Schloss" is one of the most impressive castles in Europe and a highlight along the German Castle Road.

Profile of the Heidelberg Castle

Explore Heidelberg’s historical city center, the "Altstadt" (Old Town), which is filled with architectural gems. Visit the Town Hall, the Old University, historic buildings like the Renaissance townhouse “Knight St. George” from 1592, and market squares with open-air cafes. The best starting point for exploring Heidelberg’s historic heart is "Bismarckplatz", right next to Heidelberg’s main pedestrian street.

Follow the footsteps of Heidelberg’s many philosophers and poets on the 300-year old "Philosophenweg" (Philosopher's Walk). It is a scenic, but quite steep walk, which leads you to the top of a hill. Thanks to Heidelberg’s mild climate, exotic plants like Japanese cherries, cypresses, bamboo, and gingko and lemon trees blossom along the way. Luminaries such as Hegel, Jaspers, or Hannah Arendt came up here to contemplate – and to enjoy the breathtaking views of the river valley and the Heidelberg Castle.

Heidelberg's "Alte Brücke" (Old Bridge), an impressive stone bridge built in the 18th century, dates back to the Middle Ages – the original wood structures were destroyed by fire, but you can still see a medieval gate, which was part of Heidelberg’s original town wall. The bridge, which spans the river Neckar and leads to the Old Town, has several towers, (some with dungeons in it), and various monuments and sculptures: Look out for the famous Heidelberg monkey!

Dueling, excessive drinking, playing pranks – until 1914, Heidelberg's students had to do time for minor transgressions like these in the so-called "Karzer", the student prison. They were allowed to attend class, but had to return to their cells afterward, which they decorated with paintings, graffiti, verses, and artwork. The prison is located in the street “Augustinergasse”, right behind the Old University in the Old Town.

Take a break on the "Neckarwiese", the banks of the river Neckar close to the Old Town: Besides unobstructed views of the Heidelberg Castle, the grassy stretch along the river offers plenty of space to relax, sunbathe, and take in the tranquility of the river valley and the forests beyond. If you want to be more active than that, you can also rent a rowing boat.

Heidelberg is home to Germany's oldest university, which today has more than 30,000 students. If you want to get a taste (and maybe a drink) of Heidelberg’s vibrant university live, head to "Untere Strasse". The narrow cobble stone street, which runs parallel to the river and the main pedestrian street in the Old Town, is filled with great bars, coffee shops, and inexpensive eateries.