Vacation Packages and Escorted Tours to Heidelberg, Germany

Discover Heidelberg's Wonders

The romantic, picturesque city of Heidelberg provides an exquisite setting for your vacation to Germany. Tour the Heidelberg Castle ruins, the Old Bridge and the famous Philosopher’s Walk. Located on the banks of the River Neckar in the Rhine Valley, Heidelberg is a historic city and also home to the well-known university.

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Description

The poet Goethe praised Heidelberg almost modestly as having "something ideal" about it. But Mark Twain, the pragmatic Mississippi river pilot, speaks of "the last possibility of the beautiful." Today a city with some 155.000 inhabitants, Heidelberg was once the royal residence of German Prince Electors, and for hundreds of years it was a focal point of German history. Closely connected with Heidelberg are the names of such houses of nobility as Wittelsbach, Stuart, or Medici, of theologians such as Martin Luther, or political figures such as Friedrich Ebert. Strikingly evident is the beauty of Heidelberg’s setting and architecture: edged north and south by the forested hillsides of the All Saints’ Mountain and the King’s Chair, Heidelberg lies where the Neckar river leaves the Odenwald Forest and flows onward into the Rhine valley. The baroque silhouettes of the houses, the elegant sweep of the bridge over the river, and the stately ruin of the regal castle towering above the town, blend with the surroundings to present a visual image that is almost ethereal. Amidst this magical setting, the town pulsates with modern life. In the angular lanes of the Old Town, students, tourists, and long-time residents cross paths day and night. Numerous stages beckon citizens and passers-by alike to enjoy the annual festivals for classics, jazz, film, theater, and literature. In Heidelberg’s oldest university, founded in 1386, research at the highest level is being actively pursued. At present some 38,500 students are matriculated, roughly a fifth of the population. It is largely the students who vest the city with its cosmopolitan, international, and youthful atmosphere. Positioned in one of the most dynamic economic regions of Germany, Heidelberg is among the most attractive conference and convention sites in the land. With the HeidelbergCARD, the visitor can become acquainted with the city’s famous sights and attractions simply, comfortably, and economically. Heidelberg Marketing GmbH is your competent on-site partner. Our friendly team of qualified experts is on hand to discuss with you our comprehensive programme of tours, and is glad to offer suggestions and assistance during your stay. Tel.: +49 6221 58 44 444 E-Mail: info@heidelberg-marketing.de Internet: www.heidelberg-marketing.com Heidelberg4you facebook.com/Heidelberg #heidelberg4you instagram.com/heidelberg4you HEIDELBERG4you youtube.com/heidelberg4you

Useful information

Population:

Approximately 160.000

Currency:

Euro, €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

Police emergency call 110
fire brigade and rescue service 112

Opening Hours:

Larger shops such as department stores are open from Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. some remain open longer. On Sunday, shops are generally closed, with the exception of smaller souvenir shops. Filling stations (gasoline/petrol) and the main train station also offer a small selection of grocery and household products beyond regular opening hours.

Do & See

City and Castle Sightseeing Tour

Open view on the “Heidelberg scenery“ – Act one: The focus shifts to the romantic castle, which is majestically enthroned above the Karlsplatz. Enjoy a comfortable city tour by bus, accompanied by a tour guide. Act two takes you up to Heidelberg Castle. In addition to an exterior tour, you will visit the inner courtyard and the famous Great Barrel. Take advantage of your castle ticket with a visit of the German Pharmacy Museum and the funicular ride back to the Old Town (Kornmarkt station).

Heidelberg Castle (with the Barrel Cellar and the German Pharmacy Museum)

The Castle was erected on a medieval fortress complex high above Heidelberg. For five centuries, the powerful Prince-Electors of the Palatinate region, members of the House of Wittelsbach, resided here. In 1693, during the War of Palatinate Succession, the Castle with its towers was destroyed. The magnificent ruins became the symbol of an entire epoch, the German Romantic period. Today during the annual summer Castle Festivals the Castle is an enchanting stage setting for numerous open-air performances.

Heidelberg Concert Hall

For over 120 years, Heidelberg Concert Hall has been at the heart of the city's cultural life, located in the historic Old Town – a place where history has been made and where new stories continue to unfold. Following more than five years of extensive restoration and refurbishment, the venue reopened in February 2026, presenting itself as a state-of-the-art concert and cultural venue of international standing. The restoration was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of Heidelberg entrepreneur Wolfgang Marguerre, whose family and company, Octapharma, fully funded the project with a contribution of more than €57 million. Today, the listed historic building is brighter, more open and more welcoming than ever before. Its newly created connection to the Neckar River offers breathtaking views across the river, the Neckar Valley and the Philosophenweg (Philosophers' Walk), providing a spectacular backdrop that makes every visit a memorable experience. Whether you are attending an elegant gala, a concert of any musical genre or a special cultural event, Heidelberg Concert Hall offers unforgettable experiences in an extraordinary setting.

Heidelberg Funicular Railway and the Königstuhl Mountain

Aim High – Reach the Top with the Heidelberg Funicular Railway For over a hundred years, a ride on the Funicular Railway has been a special experience in Heidelberg. From the romantic Old Town, the railway takes Heidelberg’s visitors and residents first to the Castle station, then to the Molkenkur station, and finally to the top of the Königstuhl (King’s Chair) Mountain, at a height of some 400 meters or 1,300 feet above the Neckar valley. Along the way, there is much to discover. With the attractively priced Castle Ticket, the newly renovated railway transports you quickly and comfortably to the Castle and back again to the Kornmarkt station. The entrance fee for the Castle courtyard, the Barrel Cellar, and the German Pharmacy Museum is included in the price. Those wishing to go higher can take the railway up to the next stop, Molkenkur. Here, where in earlier times guests partook of a coveted whey cure (Molken-Kur) in the hotel, today’s visitors can enjoy coffee and cake on the spacious, sunny terrace looking onto the town. While the lower funicular presents its streamlined form in dynamic silver grey, a change of trains at the Molkenkur station propels you into nostalgia. From here onward, the historic original car designed of venerable wood in 1907, and completely restored in 2005, takes the visitor to the peak of the Königstuhl and the surrounding forests. The spectacular view, from a height of 567 meters or 1,860 feet above sea level, is sublime. From the terrace of the funicular station, the panorama stretches over the entire Rhine-Neckar area to the chain of hills of the Palatinate Wine Route.

Kornmarkt with Madonna statue

The Madonna statue on Kornmarkt was erected in the course of recatholisation efforts under Prince Elector Karl Philipp. Created by Peter von den Branden in 1718, the Corn Market Madonna is considered the most beautiful baroque statue in Heidelberg. On the western side of the Kornmarkt stands the stately Palais Prince Carl – from 1788 an inn, till 1915 one of Heidelberg’s leading hotels, today an event venue with a magnificent Mirror Hall - and on the far eastern corner is the pale yellow house of the French Count de Graimberg. Charles de Graimberg became by his own volition and immense efforts the conservator of the castle and the founder of the city’s art collections. Graimberg died in 1864, having lived to see his dream of preserving the castle come true.

Market Square with the Church of the Holy Spirit

One of the city’s oldest squares, Market Square is framed on the east by the town hall and on the west by the Church of the Holy Spirit. In the center of the square stands the majestic Hercules Fountain, erected between 1706 and 1709 as a reminder of the immense efforts required to rebuild the city after its almost destruction in the War of Palatinate Succession, 1689-1693. The Church of the Holy Spirit was constructed from 1400 by Ruprecht I as both a collegiate church and a final resting place. The distinctive feature of the church is its loft galleries, where originally the famed Bibliotheca Palatina was housed as a safely enchained library, until its abduction and transport to the Vatican during the Thirty Years’ War. Today the Church of the Holy Spirit is the city’s main Protestant church and attracts visitors in large numbers to its concerts and church services.

Philosophenweg (Philosophers’ Walk)

Philosophers’ Walk is considered one of the most beautiful walkways in all Europe. The famed pathway that meanders along the sunny side of the Heiligenberg has inspired countless scholars and poets through the centuries, and today offers visitors an unimpaired view of the castle and town, as well as numerous benches on which to linger and enjoy the matchless panorama. Above Philosophers’ Walk is the Heiligenberg, 439 meters or 1,440 feet above sea level. On its the many footpaths, visitors can explore the still partially preserved celtic ring wall, the Roman Temple of Mercury, from the Mithra cult, the Thingstätte – a gigantic open-air stage from the time of National Socialism – and the ruins of the monasteries of St. Michael and St. Stephan.

Studentenkarzer (Student Prison)

From 1778 to 1914, the university’s young students were briefly imprisoned here for minor offenses, such as willfully disturbing the peace of the citizenry. Many of the inmates passed the time away by immortalizing themselves on the walls of the prison with drawings, silhouettes, and expressive phrases. Their spirited artwork can be admired today on a visit to the prison. A combination ticket is available for entrance to the Alte Aula and the prison (Karzer).

Events

Dining

Cafés

Bars & Nightlife

Pub Mile "Untere Strasse"

Untere Strasse ("Lower Street", parallel to Hauptstrasse) is reminiscent of a mediterranean old-town alleyway. Unusual boutiques are side by side with novel student pubs, and night life pulsates here throughout the week.

Shopping

Brückenstraße

Selected products and service on the other side of the Neckar. The Neuenheim district, which is located at the foot of the Heiligenberg, opposite the Old Town, is connected to the center of Heidelberg by a bridge over the River Neckar. Neuenheim's central axis and shopping street is the Brückenstraße. Here you will find magnificent houses, where small but fine shops are located. Impressive is the versatility of the offer around the Brückenstraße: high-quality and fancy fashion, jewelry, perfume, flowers, trends in home decor, toys, books, sporting goods, galleries and much more. Personal contacts and service are very important for the mainly owner-operated shops. The interesting specialty shops are also complemented by a broad gastronomic offer in the surrounding streets and alleyways as well as around the historic Neuenheimer Marktplatz, where the weekly market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Haspelgasse

Small but beautiful - very close to the Old Bridge, between Heiliggeistkirche and Neckar, the Haspelgasse is located off the bustling Hauptstraße. In this "Altstadtgasse" is a well-known candy at home, the "Heidelberger student kiss". It is sold in the house of the same name (Studentenkusshaus). In addition, there are several restaurants and small shops.

Hauptstraße

The main shopping street in Heidelberg. The car-free main street, lined with bistros, cafes and restaurants, is one of the most beautiful and longest pedestrian zones in Europe and Heidelberg's shopping street par excellence. In addition to well-known chain stores, there are also interesting owner-managed shops that invite you to shop between Bismarckplatz square and the market square.

Märzgasse

The fact that a few steps beyond the main shopping streets of Heidelberg are always worthwhile, is shown by a walk through the Märzgasse. It is located about halfway between the Bismarckplatz and the Universitätsplatz and is a connection from the main road to Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage. The traditional side street invites you to stroll with its cafés, bistros and customer-friendly shops.

Neugasse

Interesting, versatile offer on a few meters: "Side streets are the shopping oases of every city", stated the business owner Theodora Fotoglidi some time ago. She is right: you can find here mostly owner-managed businesses, in which the utmost importance is placed on advice and individual service. And the offer stands out pleasantly from the widely sown mass-produced goods. Small boutiques and specialty stores dominate the picture in the Neugasse.

Sofienstraße

High-quality and unusual clothing: Immediately between Bismarckplatz and Hauptstraße you cross the Sofienstraße. It is therefore easily accessible by bus or train. Here are numerous high-quality clothing stores settled with a special offer. Stylish interior design ideas from well-known manufacturers as well as tickets for Heidelberg events are also available in the Sofienstraße with personal and professional advice.

St. Anna-Gasse

Small, fine and noble - that's the best way to describe it. Very close to the Bismarckplatz and at the beginning of the pedestrian zone is the St. Anna-Gasse. It is therefore fast, easy and convenient for anyone who comes by bus or train within walking distance. The eye-catcher is the statue that sits here reading. The small "square", which is located directly on the main street, is also popular among artists and buskers. The right side of the St. Anna-Gasse is determined by the back of the houses lining the Sofienstraße. On the left side there is also a hotel and several small shops.

Steingasse

Old town cosiness at the Old Bridge. On the way from or to the Old Bridge, you can almost automatically pass through Steingasse with its cozy cafes, bistros and small shops. Southern flair is omnipresent in the cobbled lane between the narrow old town houses.

Tourist Information

Public transport

Heidelberg’s short-distance transport network, consisting of the S-Bahn railway and the streetcar and bus system, is optimally developed. From outside the main railway station, you have quick and easy access to the Old Town and the various parts of the city, reaching the Old Town in 5 to 7 minutes.

Arriving by car

The motorways A5/A6, with interconnected highways, serve much of the greater Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. Motorways A5/A6, direct motorway on-ramps and exits from/to Heidelberg via the A5/A656. Heidelberg has an environmental zone, into which only vehicles which meet certain emissions standards are permitted to drive. Cars which are used in the Green Zone must be equipped with a sticker that indicates their emissions group. The center with its diverse shopping opportunities around the Bismarckplatz (Bismarck Square) includes the parking garages P0 to P7, P14, the underground car park P15 in the old hospital and the P16 right at the start of the Neuenheimer Neckarseite. For an old-town stroll or a visit to the Castle, it is best to park in the Old Town car parks P9, P11, P12 or P13. You can check for free parking places on www.heidelberg.de/parken.

Arriving by train

Heidelberg is well integrated into the German and European railway systems. Examples: Frankfurt to Heidelberg in one hour, Cologne to Heidelberg in two hours, Zurich or Paris to Heidelberg in three and a half hours, Amsterdam to Heidelberg in five hours. www.bahn.de

E-Scooter

Spread over locations throughout the city, Heidelberg has numerous e-scooters from various providers available for rent. To rent a scooter, you have to register via the app of the respective rental company, drivers must be at least 18 years old and only one person is allowed to ride the scooter. www.tier.app/de www.zeusscooters.com www.bird.co/de www.li.me

Pharmacy

Most pharmacies observe the usual opening hours for shops, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Some may choose to remain open until 8 p.m. Pharmacies are closed on Sunday, but an emergency service on a rotating basis is always available, see below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Heidelberg?

The best time to visit Heidelberg is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures for exploring the city's historic sites and enjoying outdoor activities.

What are the must-see attractions in Heidelberg?

Heidelberg's top attractions include the Heidelberg Castle, the Old Bridge, and the Philosophers' Walk. The castle offers stunning views of the Neckar River and the city, while the Old Bridge is a picturesque spot for photos. The Philosophers' Walk provides a scenic path with beautiful vistas of Heidelberg.

How many days should I spend in Heidelberg?

A stay of two to three days is ideal for exploring Heidelberg. This allows enough time to visit the main attractions, enjoy the local cuisine, and take leisurely strolls through the historic Old Town. If you have more time, consider exploring nearby areas or taking a day trip to the surrounding region.

What local dishes should I try in Heidelberg?

In Heidelberg, try local specialties like Maultaschen (German dumplings), Sauerbraten (pot roast), and Flammkuchen (a type of flatbread). For dessert, don't miss the opportunity to taste a slice of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, also known as Black Forest cake, which is a regional favorite.

How can I get to Heidelberg from major German cities?

Heidelberg is well-connected by train, with frequent services from major cities like Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Munich. The nearest major airport is Frankfurt Airport, from which you can take a direct train to Heidelberg in about an hour. Alternatively, driving is also an option, with good road connections.

What is the best way to get around Heidelberg?

Heidelberg is a walkable city, especially in the Old Town area. For longer distances, the city's public transportation system includes buses and trams that are convenient and efficient. Biking is also popular, with numerous bike paths available for exploring the city and its surroundings.

Are there any day trips I can take from Heidelberg?

Yes, there are several great day trips from Heidelberg. Consider visiting the nearby city of Mannheim, the picturesque town of Schwetzingen with its beautiful palace gardens, or the scenic Neckar Valley, which offers charming villages and hiking opportunities. Each destination is easily accessible by train or car.

Trips

Germany And France Festive Holiday Markets

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