Best things to do in Heidelberg
Find out more about those top places in Heidelberg
Heidelberg: Germany's Romantic Heartthrob Where Castle Ruins Whisper Sweet Nothings (and Students Keep the Beer Gardens Lively!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide!
Picture this: a picturesque university town nestled in the dreamy, wooded gorge of the River Neckar. It's no wonder Heidelberg has been the muse for romantic writers and artists from all corners of the globe for centuries! This place practically oozes inspiration, like a poet with a really good thesaurus.
Now, here's a fun fact: unlike most other German towns that emerged from World War Two looking like they'd lost a serious argument with some explosives, Heidelberg, thanks to its relatively chill location and lack of heavy-duty industry, pretty much shrugged off the whole thing. The result? An absolutely enthralling medieval townscape that looks like it's been plucked straight out of a fairytale, complete with uniform red roofs that look like a sea of cheerful hats, charming half-timbered houses that seem to lean in for a gossip, and ancient bridges gracefully crisscrossing the Neckar River like elegant stone necklaces.
But let's be real, Heidelberg's main squeeze, the head-turner that everyone comes to see, is undoubtedly its distinctive, half-ruined castle. This majestic beauty perches dramatically on the hillside, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside that will make you want to burst into song (or at least take a really good panorama photo).
And if all that romantic scenery wasn't enough, Heidelberg is also a brainy bunch! It's home to not one, not two, but five universities, including the oldest one in all of Germany. This influx of bright young minds gives the town a lively buzz and a youthful energy that you don't always find in Germany's smaller towns. Think bustling cafes, lively beer gardens filled with students debating philosophy (or maybe just the best local brew), and a general air of intellectual curiosity mixed with a healthy dose of fun.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most delightful things to do in this captivating German gem. Get ready for some seriously romantic sightseeing, from exploring castle ruins with a view to soaking in the vibrant student life, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Heidelberg a truly unforgettable destination.
Top Attractions: Castle Grandeur, Medieval Charm, and Brainy Buzz!
Heidelberg offers a delightful blend of historical romance and youthful energy. Here are some of the top places to visit you absolutely shouldn't miss:
Heidelberg Castle (Heidelberger Schloss): Ruins with Seriously Good Views!
This iconic, partially ruined castle is the undisputed star of Heidelberg. Explore its impressive courtyards, massive wine barrel (seriously!), and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the Neckar Valley. It's a top attraction that offers both historical intrigue and stunning sightseeing opportunities.
Old Town (Altstadt): Cobblestone Charm and Lively Squares
Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Heidelberg's Old Town, lined with picturesque half-timbered houses, quaint shops, and bustling cafes. Don't miss the Hauptstrasse, the main pedestrian street, and the lively Marktplatz (market square). Getting lost in the Altstadt is one of the best things to do in Heidelberg.
The Old Bridge (Alte Brücke): Iconic Views and Monkey Business!
This historic bridge, with its impressive gate towers, offers iconic views of the castle and the Neckar River. Keep an eye out for the Heidelberg Bridge Monkey statue – rubbing its outstretched hand is said to bring good luck (and maybe a chuckle!). It's a must-see for your Heidelberg sightseeing.
Heidelberg University: Germany's Oldest Seat of Learning
Take a stroll through the historic buildings of Heidelberg University, founded in 1386. Soak in the academic atmosphere and imagine the countless scholars who have walked these halls. The University Museum offers insights into its fascinating history. It's a unique place to visit for a dose of intellectual history.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks: Romantic Walks, Scenic Railways, and Student Shenanigans!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Heidelberg vibe:
- Take a Romantic Walk Along the Philosopher's Way (Philosophenweg): Enjoy a scenic walk on this hillside path offering stunning views of the castle and the Old Town – perfect for pondering life's big questions (or just taking pretty pictures).
- Ride the Bergbahn (Funicular): Ascend the Königstuhl mountain via the funicular railway for even more spectacular views and access to hiking trails and a falconry show.
- Explore the Studentenkarzer (University Prison): Discover the quirky history of the University Prison, where unruly students were once confined – their graffiti-covered walls tell some interesting tales!
- Indulge in Local Cuisine and Beer: Heidelberg has a vibrant food and drink scene. Sample traditional German fare and enjoy a local beer in one of the many charming pubs and beer gardens, often filled with lively students.
- Take a Boat Trip on the Neckar River: Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Neckar River for a different perspective of the town and its picturesque surroundings.
So, if you're looking for places to visit in Germany that offer a perfect blend of romantic scenery, captivating history, and a lively student atmosphere, Heidelberg is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an adventure filled with unforgettable sightseeing and delightful things to do. Just be prepared to fall in love with its charm and maybe even brush up on your German beer-ordering skills! Prost!
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Schloss Heidelberg
Perched on the verdant Neckar Valley hillside above the Altstadt, Schloss Heidelberg is Germany’s renaissance castle par excellence. Alongside the breathtaking views it offers, the semi-ruined palace complex houses life-size sculptures of the German kings and emperors of past and an atmospheric central courtyard built in the Gothic style. The only way to view the interior of the castle is as part of a tour, which departs regularly from the Altstadt during summer months.
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Alte Brücke
Heidelberg’s Alte Brücke, translated in English as Old Bridge, was built in 1786 to connect the glorious Altstadt with the Neckar’s right bank. Today the bridge throngs with visitors and locals alike and crossing its 300 meters length is one of Heidelberg’s most enthralling experiences.
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Ruprecht Karls Universität
Comparable to England’s Oxford and Cambridge or America’s Ivy League colleges, Heidelberg’s Ruprecht Karls Universität is Germany’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institute. Founded in 1386, the university’s most impressive sights can be found in the old quarter, including the infamous Karzer where badly behaved students were imprisoned during the 19th century. To get to grips with the institution’s history, and hear a roll call of its most famous students, take a guided tour.
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Heiliggeistkirche
For the best views of the Altstadt, take a tour to the top of the 14th century Heiliggeistkirche, translated in English as the Church of the Holy Spirit. If you are brave enough to climb the near 300 steps to the top of the precipitous steeple you will be rewarded with a bird’s eye view into the old town’s romantic squares and courtyards.
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Philosophenweg
One of Germany’s most iconic gardens, the Philosophenweg that sprawls along the banks of the Neckar is a joy to explore. Peppered with romantic 19th century monuments, atmospheric beer gardens and ruins of palatial pavilions, the gardens are a glimpse into the Heidelberg of days gone by. Despite their tranquility, the Philosophenweg also holds a dark history as its amphitheater was built during the 1930s to hold Nazi Party rallies.
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Schloss Schwetzingen
Just west of Heidelberg and sandwiched between the Neckar and Rhine lies Schloss Schwetzingen, the grandiose summer residence of the 18th century Prince-Elector Carl Theodor. Built in a baroque style, the palace’s numerous banquet halls, grand reception rooms and other gilded interiors can be visited as part of a regular guided tour.
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Boat Tour
For the best views of Schloss Heidelberg and the Altstadt, take to the waters on a romantic boat tour. For the best experience, go at sunset when the castle looks at its most photogenic.
