Take a trip to the town on the Neckar – it’s worth your while

Heidelberg has always enchanted visitors. Rich in art, culture and sights, the city situated on the River Neckar in southwest Germany is a place that breathes history. Heidelberg is one of the most popular city break destinations in Germany. The harmonious combination of castle, historic city centre, and river tucked between the hills provided inspiration for the poets and painters of the Romantic period and still draws millions of visitors from around the world today. The city is home to Germany’s oldest university, founded in 1386, and looks back on over 800 years of history. Its scientists, among them a number of Nobel Prize winners, have made Heidelberg synonymous with first-class research in Germany and throughout the world. Modern Heidelberg impresses with pioneering science and research, is a business location with strong development potential, and forms the lively centre of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. The city’s cosmopolitan and international character ensures that it is always full of new surprises. We give you the best tips for your city break in Heidelberg and show you the most beautiful sights.

Discover Heidelberg

Heidelberg Castle and Castle gardens

World-famous and the embodiment of German romanticism – the Heidelberg Castle. The castle ruin reigns majestically above the rooftops of the Altstadt. The electoral princes of the Palatinate resided there for five centuries. Today, the mysterious castle enchants the city’s guests every year. The castle gardens are famous for their geometrically structured terraces: “Hortus Palatinus”, designed by the well-known landscape architect Salomon de Caus, was considered as the eighth wonder of the world by his contemporaries. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe loved these gardens, he visited them on several occasions. A bust on the terrace commemorates the great poet and thinker.

Altstadt

It’s the heart and historical centre of Heidelberg – the Altstadt (Old Town). It was first mentioned in a document in 1196 and is world-famous for the unique trinity of an urban environment, hills and the river. The medieval layout of the town with narrow streets and old baroque buildings, the bourgeois buildings on the hillside of the Königstuhl, the castle reigning over the Altstadt, and the monuments and sights attract about three million visitors every year.

Philosophers’ walk

It’s a natural balcony: When walking along the philosophers’ walk, everybody has a first-row seat and can let nature and the view of the picturesque town sink in. The path is one of the warmest places in Germany and allows exotic plants to grow, such as the Japanese Loquat, Portuguese cherry, lemon or pomegranate. Even palm trees, pines and bamboo can thrive here. Everything blooms earlier than in the valley, and the climate and vegetation remind us of Tuscany. You can enjoy the “Heidelberg trinity” of the Altstadt, river and hills wonderfully here.

Old Bridge

The Old Bridge is one of the last examples of classical stone bridge construction and was originally constructed by electoral prince Karl Theodor in the 18th Century. The bridge, made of sand stone from the Neckar valley, connects the Altstadt with the Neckar bank at the east end of the Neuenheim district. The medieval bridge gate, which was part of the early city wall, is located on the city side of the bridge. The original bridge was bombed during the last days of the Second World War by German soldiers. Only two years after the war was over, donations from the citizens enabled the city to open the newly rebuilt bridge..

Königstuhl

Heidelberg’s highest mountain, the Königstuhl, is located only a stone’s throw away from the Altstadt, with a height of 567.80 m above sea level. Hikers have a wonderful view of the valley and of Heidelberg from its summit. There are various ways to reach the top: From the castle, you can take the stairs known as the “Himmelsleiter” (“sky ladder”) right up to the summit. And those who prefer a more less strenuous journey can always take the funicular railway. In addition to the the spectacular view, the Königstuhl has further attractions: a falconry which offers public flight shows and the State Observatory.

Market Square

A fountain, constructed between 1703 and 1706, with the statue of Hercules standing on a pillar forms the centre of this historic square. The hero known for his strength from the Greek myth stands for the huge effort of Heidelberg’s population during the reconstruction of the destroyed town after 1700. Today’s Hercules is a copy, the original can be found in the Palatinate Museum. Market day is twice a week and on other days, the space is used for street cafes.

Studentenkarzer (Students‘ prison)

The Students‘ Prison is located in the Augustinerstraße, on the back side of the Old University. Between 1778 and 1914, students were severely punished there for disturbing the peace at night-time. The arrest could take up to four weeks, during which the students were at least allowed to attend their university lectures. Then, they went back to the Karzer, where they “decorated” the walls with comments and drawings. These can still be seen today.

Heidelberger Zoo

Big cats and meerkats, giant tortoises and chimpanzees: Heidelberg Zoo is known for its variety of species. In addition to the African steppe with zebras, kudus, blesbocks, pelicans and the elephant enclosure with the elephant house known all over Europe, the South American sea lions also are one of the main attractions of the animal park. On top of that, one of the region’s nicest playgrounds is located within the zoo, including true-to-nature installations and steppe and jungle themes.

The best time to visit Heidelberg is definitely in the warmer months between April and October. The vineyards, gardens and forests of the city on the Neckar blossom abundantly in spring. Many cultural events also draw visitors. During advent, too, Heidelberg’s Christmas market is a real crowd puller and the most wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Discover the cultural highlights that Heidelberg and the Europäischer Hof Hotel have to offer, whether it’s the Heidelberger Frühling international music festival, the Heidelberger Herbst street festival, or other artistic events.

Culture and events

The university town is full of exquisite restaurants and cosy wine bars offering everything from local pot roast to maultaschen filled pasta or seasonal specialities like asparagus with hollandaise sauce. Combine your weekend break to Heidelberg with a culinary wine tour for a true taste of the region. Tip: Restaurant tables and hotel rooms are quickly booked out so it’s worth booking in good time. Gastronomy & Cuisine

Hotel-Angebot für Ihre Städtereise nach Heidelberg

Our Heidelberg Special offer for your city break provides two nights’ accommodation at the Europäischer Hof Hotel and the HeidelbergCARD, which grants you free travel through the city on public transport and discounts for many of the most popular sights. Enjoy a three-course dinner, gourmet breakfast, and a welcome glass of sparkling wine at our hotel. You can use our PANORAMA SPA to relax for free after your city trip. Practical: The Europäischer Hof Hotel is located in the centre of the Old Town so Heidelberg’s most beautiful sights are just a stroll away. Hotel offer

You can reach most of the sights on foot or by public transport. Free parking is rare but there are plenty of parking garages. Arriving by train is particularly convenient and relaxing – enjoy the panoramic view of the Neckar from your seat and from the main station it’s just a short walk to the city centre. If you are travelling by car, you can use one of the many parking garages, including right at the Europäischer Hof Hotel. Contact

Our Portfolio

Heidelberg Special

Heidelberg as city of culture

City break in Heidelberg

Sights

Heidelberg Castle and Castle gardens

Altstadt

Philosophers’ walk

Old Bridge

Königstuhl

Market Square

Studentenkarzer (Students‘ prison)

Heidelberger Zoo

A delight at any time of year

A delight at any time of year

Culture and events

Culture and events

Eating out in Heidelberg

Eating out in Heidelberg

Hotel offer for your city break in Heidelberg

Hotel offer for your city break in Heidelberg

Travelling to and around Heidelberg

Travelling to and around Heidelberg

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