17 Top Attractions & Things to do in Heidelberg

Heidelberg is an ideal destination for any traveler who wishes to experience the scenic beauty of the lush woodlands, old-town architecture and ruined castles of Germany’s Rhineland. The city’s picturesque location on the Neckar River in southwest Germany has made Heidelberg a top destination for tourists since the 1800s.

Praised by poets like Goethe, painted by artists like Turner and rhapsodized by composers like Schumann, Heidelberg embodies the spirit of the romantic Rhineland. As the country’s oldest university town, it’s a surprisingly lively city too, boasting an enticing array of pubs and restaurants that cater to the student population. With all the things to do in Heidelberg, it’s no wonder that so many consider this Germany city an essential stop on any European tour.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Heidelberg

17. Jesuitenkirche

Located right in the historic heart of Heidelberg is the absolutely gorgeous Jesuitenkirche. Set just a stone’s throw from the castle, it lies just off of the lively Hauptstrasse and Universitatsplatz.

Built between 1712 and 1759, the beautiful church showcases some exquisite Baroque architecture. While its fine facade is made out of red sandstone, its interior is painted a blindingly bright white with only a handful of paintings and statues adorning its walls. This understated look makes it feel very elegant with just a few glittering treasures catching your eye here and there.

Asides from admiring its impressive altar painting and enormous organ, you can see its pretty pulpit and sparkling chandeliers. Its serene ambience makes it a great place to stop by when exploring the Altstadt.

16. Palatinate Museum

For those interested in the city’s rich history and artistic heritage, the excellent Palatinate Museum is an absolute must. Lying just a short walk from the church, its three floors are packed with fabulous paintings, sculptures and porcelain.

Founded in the late 1870s, its unique and extensive collection now occupies the magnificent Palais Morass along Hauptstrasse. Once a residence for university professors, its grand rooms now contain everything from ancient archaeological findings and detailed drawings to fetching period costumes, coins and glassware.

Phenomenal paintings and centuries-old sculptures also lie alongside interesting exhibits on human history in the Lower Neckar Valley. There are also several stately suites to wander around, full of fine furniture and decorations from the 1700s and 1800s. The highlight however is its intricately carved Altar of the Apostles made by master sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider in 1507.

15. Thingstatte

Perched high atop a hill overlooking Heidelberg is a rather astonishing open-air amphitheater known as Thingstätte. Hidden away amidst the vast, verdant forest, it can be reached either by hiking along the Philosophers’ Way or driving up to near its summit and walking the rest.

Just one of Heiligenberg’s many attractions, the colossal structure was constructed in 1935, during the Third Reich. Unveiled by Joseph Goebbels himself, it hosted special theatrical performances and propaganda events as part of the short-lived Thingspiel movement. This pretty much romanticised German folklore and promoted Nazi culture and ideals.

After WWII, American forces held jazz concerts at the arena before Walpurgis Night became popular in the eighties. Each year, its fire dancers and jugglers still attract large crowds to the almost endless stone seats of the amphitheatre. Its staggering size and the resplendent nature surrounding it make Thingstätte well worth hiking to if you have the time.

14. Student Jail

Back in the center is another fascinating historic attraction for visitors to check out: Heidelberg University’s former Student Jail. Known in German as the Studentenkarzer, its tiny graffiti-covered rooms are now protected as part of a museum.

The oldest prison of its kind in the country, it kept unruly students locked up between 1778 and 1914. While some minor offenders stayed for just two days, other misdeeds warranted up to a month in the dingy jail. To pass the time, the inmates scrawled humorous comments, observations and drawings on its grimy old walls.

In time, it became an almost rite-of-passage for students to spend a couple of nights in the jail. This could be for drunken behaviour, cheeky pranks or even for duelling – a particularly serious offence. We thought the Student Jail was a fun, quick stop on our tour around the university town.

13. Zoo Heidelberg

One of the best things to do in Heidelberg with families, Zoo Heidelberg boasts an large collection of animals from every corner of the world. Situated along a bend in the river, its spacious enclosures replicate their natural habitat with playgrounds and snack stands also dotted about.

Established in 1934, it now houses over 2,000 animals, birds and reptiles of some 150 or so different species. These include not just lions and Sumatran tigers but Asian elephants, gorillas and red roos too. Guests can also watch fun feeding sessions and listen to informative keeper talks starring some of the zoo’s friendly residents.

Very well-maintained, its lush, leafy grounds are a joy to walk around with the animals appearing very happy and relaxed. After all the sightseeing, watching its cute critters is a very pleasant change from the Altstadt’s museums and historic buildings.

12. Schloss Schwetzingen

Just fifteen minutes drive directly west of Heidelberg is the stunning Schloss Schwetzingen and its immaculately manicured grounds. Asides from ambling around its famous gardens, visitors can also explore resplendent rooms full of old artifacts, original furniture and elegant furnishings.

The summer residence of the Electors of the Palatinate, the vast palace was built between 1700 and 1750. On guided tours, you learn about its exceptional architecture and all the influential counts who lived here over the years. The highlight though is definitely its remarkable Rococo-style theater which is overlooked by grand arcades and a gorgeously painted ceiling.

Sprawling across an absolutely enormous area, its grounds encompass both English-style landscape gardens and French formal gardens. Besides basking in their beauty, you can also see the ornate old mosque, amazing theater of Apollo and Italianate bathhouse that lie amidst its lawns and fountains.

11. German Pharmacy Museum

A rather unusual but interesting place to visit is the German Pharmacy Museum on the grounds of the Heidelberg Castle. Its extensive artifacts and exhibits impressively cover over 2,000 years of history of using herbs as medicine.

Very well done, its dozen or so rooms are delightfully decorated with old equipment pieces, porcelain containers and antique pharmacy kits lining their walls. While some intriguing utensils were used for distilling and blending, others were for grinding plants or preparing remedies with minerals.

What makes it so wonderful to wander about is that some of the small museum’s rooms are made to look like apothecaries from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. As it is included as part of your ticket to the castle, definitely don’t miss the 20,000 items displayed.

10. Kornmarkt

A bustling grain market in the Middle Ages, the Kornmarkt square was later home to a hospital run by Catholics in the 16th century. The layout of the hospital’s chapel can still be identified by the paving in the square.

In the 17th century, a statue known as Madonna at the Grain Market was erected as part of a Jesuit campaign designed to promote Catholicism. Today, the Madonna is regarded as a fine work of art that provides the perfect centerpiece to this pleasant town square.

Visitors gather here to eat at open-air cafés and enjoy views of the Heidelberg Castle on the slopes above the Kornmarkt.

9. Heiligenberg

Also known as All Saints’ Mountain, Heiligenberg rises above the city on the north shore of the Neckar River. Offering great views of both the river and the plains of the Rhine Valley, the mountain has long been valued for its defensive position.

Artifacts have been excavated dating back to the Neolithic Era. Visitors can explore remnants of medieval monasteries, an ancient Roman temple and a Celtic fort built in the 4th century, B.C. The open-air theater known as the Thingstätte built during the Third Reich is on view as well.

8. Heiliggeistkirche

Located in the city’s Market Square, the Heiliggeistkirche, or Church of the Holy Spirit, is Heidelberg’s most famous place of worship. The original construction of the Gothic church began in 1398, but it wasn’t completed until 1544.

The church’s Baroque steeple was added after a fire in 1709. Visitors can climb the 208 steps to the top of the spire for city views. The Heiliggeistkirche is unique in that has been used by both Catholics and Protestants at the same time. A partition wall separating the two congregations stood in place for more than 200 years.

7. Konigstuhl

Heidelberg’s famous castle is situated on the slopes of Königstuhl (Kings Seat Mountain), the second-highest peak in Germany’s low Odenwald mountain range. An historic wooden funicular train takes visitors to the top for breathtaking views of the Neckar river valley and of the Black Forest beyond.

There’s a restaurant and kid’s play area at the summit as well as a tight network of hiking trails. The clear air makes Kings Seat Mountain a great location for viewing the stars too. The Heidelberg-Königstuhl State Observatory opened here in 1898.

6. Old University Heidelberg

As the city has long been a famous center of learning, you can hardly visit and not check out the Old University Heidelberg. Centered around Universitatsplatz in the Altstadt, it has a magnificent museum, Great Hall and student jail for you to explore.

The oldest university in Germany, the prestigious institute of higher education was founded in 1386 following the instructions of Pope Urban VI. The large building now known as the ‘Alte Universitat’ or Old University was only erected in 1712 however. Inside, you can see the student jail and learn about the university’s 600-year-old history in its splendid museum.

The real showstopper though is its Old Assembly Hall which features lots of lovely wood panelings, fine paintings and portraits of the university’s founders. Coating the ceiling too are colourful frescoes representing the Old University’s four faculties – theology, law, medicine and philosophy. For us, this beautiful room alone was well worth the entrance fee.

5. Philosophenweg

Located to the north of the Old Bridge, the zigzagging Schlangenweg, or Snake Path, leads visitors up to the Philosophenweg, a picturesque path that stretches along the side of All Saints’ Mountain.

The Philosophers’ Way is named after the great thinkers and educators of the university town who have walked and talked here for hundreds of years. The walking trail ends at the Philosophers’ Garden, a sheltered place where warm-weather plants and flowers thrive.

Many find the views offered here of the river valley and of the red-topped roofs of the city reminiscent of the Tuscany region in Italy.

4. Heidelberg Marktplatz

Located in the center of the Altstadt, or Old Town, the Heidelberg Marktplatz has been the city’s main gathering place since the Middle Ages. Accused criminals were once dragged from the town hall on one side of the market square or from the church at the other to meet their fate.

Those accused of heresy were burned at the stake. Others were left chained to the still-standing Herkulesbrunnen, a Baroque fountain that features a statue of Hercules. Nowadays, visitors come to the Marktplatz to shop. Fresh flowers, fish and produce are sold here on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

3. Carl Theodor Bridge

A Heidelberg landmark, the Carl Theodor Bridge was named after the Prince Elector who ordered the bridge’s construction in the 1780s. Spanning the Neckar River, the pedestrian-only sandstone bridge connects the old town quarter with the hilly landscapes on the north side of the city.

The twin-towered medieval bridge gate on the old-town side was once part of the town’s fortifications. West of the gate, visitors often pause to have their photograph taken before the Heidelberg Bridge Monkey.

The bronze statue holds a mirror as a reminder that people are much the same wherever their travels take them.

2. Heidelberg Castle

Once of Germany’s most imposing castles, the hulking great Heidelberg Castle, its grounds and gardens sprawl across the hillside overlooking the riverside city below. An absolute treat to stroll around, its ruddy red sandstone buildings were once the home of Heidelberg’s imperial rulers.

While the earliest foundations here date to the 1200s, most of the current castle was built during the Renaissance era. Over the centuries, it was expanded and renovated numerous times with fires, wars and lightning all having left their mark. Due to the schloss’ huge size, scale and splendour, the romantic nature of its ruins has captivated and inspired countless writers, painters and poets.

Other than ambling about its courtyard and admiring its amazing architecture, visitors can also enter some wonderfully restored old rooms. The lavish Gothic-style King’s Hall for instance highlights how royals used to live and entertain guests in years gone by. Here too, you can see a big ol’ barrel which is impressively the largest wine barrel in the world.

The highlight of most people’s visit to the city, Heidelberg Castle also has some lush grounds for you to see. From their prominent hillside setting, you can gaze out over the city, river and forested valley all around you.

1. Heidelberg Altstadt

The oldest part of the city, the Altstadt sits just below the castle. It extends along the river for a mile, with Karlstor on one end, and Bismarckplatz on the other. In between, is a wonderful combination of baroque buildings, narrow streets, market squares, shops, restaurants, pubs and the most popular attractions in Heidelberg.

After having been all but destroyed by French troops in the 1690s, the Old Town was built pretty much from scratch during the 18th century. Unlike the vast majority of German cities, it emerged from WWII almost undamaged. The Hauptstrasse is the main pedestrian street through the Altstadt, and is where most of the shopping is centered.

Where to Stay in Heidelberg

As much of Heidelberg is quite compact and walkable, you are best off staying in its atmospheric old Altstadt. From here, you can see most of its main sites, the castle and the vibrant university area without even having to hop on a bus.

A comfy, cool, central place to stay is the four-star Arthotel Heidelberg. Once past its historic-looking facade, you’ll find spacious modern rooms, an exceptional restaurant and a relaxed rooftop terrace. Its friendly staff are also only too happy to give recommendations on what to see and do in the area.

Even closer to the castle is the fittingly named Hotel am Schloss. A brilliant budget option, the 3-star hotel lies at the bottom of the funicular up to Heidelberg Castle. From its rooftop terrace, guests can also enjoy outstanding views of its ruddy red walls towering far above it. Besides its superb location and views, clean but basic rooms and big buffet breakfasts ensure you have a great stay.

How to get there

Tucked away in the narrow Neckar Valley, the lively university town can easily be accessed from both Mannheim and Frankfurt. While the former is just a fifteen-minute train ride away, the latter lies about an hour away.

Both of these are important transport hubs with Frankfurt Airport being the main international airport serving the region. Stuttgart to the southeast also has a busy airport and is only a ninety-minute train journey away.

Once you arrive, the city’s Altstadt is very charming and convenient to walk around.

Approximate travel times:

• Mannheim – 20 minutes by car, 20 minutes by train
• Frankfurt – 1 hour by car, 1 hour by train
• Stuttgart – 1.5 hours by car, 1 hour 30 minutes by train
• Strasbourg (France) – 1.5 hours by car, 2 hours by train
• Freiburg – 2 hours by car, 2 hours by train
• Munich – 3.5 hours by car, 3 hours by train
• Paris (France) – 5 hours by car, 3 hours 30 minutes by train
• Zurich (Switzerland) – 2.5 hours by car, 2 hours 30 minutes by train

Best Time to Visit Heidelberg

Located in the narrow Neckar River Valley, the charming university city of Heidelberg is most popular to explore during its long, hot and mostly dry summer months. June to August sees temperatures average 22 to 24°C (71-75°F), ideal for visiting wineries and taking boat trips to see castles along the river.

Although busy and pricey, its historical center has a lovely, lively feel with Heidelberg Castle putting on a packed schedule of plays, concerts and operas. Hundreds of classical musical performances are also held as part of the Heidelberg Fruhling Liedfestival.

Both spring and autumn are delightful times to visit with temperatures remaining at around 15 to 20°C (so 59-68°F). The colours of the surrounding forests look stunning during these seasons with the Heidelberg Wine Village in October also allowing you to sample some of its delicious local produce.

From November onwards, the increasing cold and rain put most people off. The month-long Christmas market does help to raise spirits though with all its colourful decorations and cozy wooden cabins selling seasonal treats, gifts and handicrafts.