Heidelberg Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Heidelberg with this ultimate travel guide featuring the best places to visit, things to do, hiking and biking routes, food scene, where to stay, and much more.
- Introduction to Heidelberg
- List of Places to Visit in Heidelberg
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Heidelberg
- Heidelberg Philosopher’s Walk
- Heidelberg Altstadt Route
- Best Things to Do in Heidelberg: Activities and Tours
- Tour Heidelberg by Segway
- City Tour of Heidelberg
- Heidelberg Castle Fireworks
- Week-Long Itinerary for Heidelberg
- Food and Drink Scene of Heidelberg
- Where to Stay in Heidelberg: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Heidelberg: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Heidelberg
- Best Time to Visit Heidelberg
- Do’s and Don’ts of Heidelberg
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Heidelberg: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Heidelberg
- Where to Go Next from Heidelberg: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Mannheim
- Baden-Baden
- Conclusion
Introduction to Heidelberg
Heidelberg, a picturesque city on the banks of river Neckar is located in the Rhine-Neckar region of Baden-Württemberg in Germany. It is a lively university town with a rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The city has received numerous accolades for its beauty and charm, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany.
List of Places to Visit in Heidelberg
Heidelberg has a plethora of attractions that cater to visitors of all ages. Here are some of the top recommendations:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle, which was constructed in the 16th century, is a stunning example of German Renaissance architecture. It consists of a collection of buildings, towers, and a courtyard, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle and learn about its rich history.
Old Town
The Old Town of Heidelberg is a great place to explore the city’s history and architecture. With narrow streets, restored medieval buildings, and numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants, it resonates with a classic European charm.
The Heidelberg University Library
The Heidelberg University Library, dating back to the 14th century, is one of the oldest and largest academic libraries in Germany. Visitors can take a guided tour of the facility and see over six million volumes of literature.
Karl Theodor Bridge
The Karl Theodor Bridge, also known as the Old Bridge, is a historic arched bridge which spans the river Neckar in Heidelberg. It is an iconic landmark of the city and provides stunning views, especially at sunset.
Natural Attractions of Heidelberg: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Philosophers’ Walk
Philosophers’ Walk is a scenic pedestrian pathway on the southern side of the river Neckar, which offers beautiful views of Heidelberg city, Heidelberg Castle, and the Neckar River valley. It is a popular destination for hikers and photographers and has a rich history- it was a favorite walking spot for many famous philosophers.
Neckarwiese Park
Neckarwiese Park is a large, grassy park situated on the banks of the river Neckar. It is an excellent place for picnic-goers and sunbathers to relax and admire the beautiful scenery surrounding them.
Heiligenberg mountain
Atop the Heiligenberg mountain, visitors will be rewarded with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. For those interested in ancient ruins, the hill is home to Heidelberg’s oldest Celtic settlement.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Heidelberg
Heidelberg is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of biking and hiking trails.
Heidelberg Philosopher’s Walk
The Philosopher’s Walk mentioned earlier is a 2.5km trail that leads from the Old Town to the Neuenheim district, offering stunning views of the Neckar River.
Heidelberg Altstadt Route
Heidelberg Altstadt Route is a 3km long trail that consists of the city’s main attractions, including the Church of the Holy Ghost, Karl Theodor Bridge, and Heidelberg Castle.
Best Things to Do in Heidelberg: Activities and Tours
Tour Heidelberg by Segway
Explore the city on a Segway tour, which allows you to take in the sights and sounds of Heidelberg in comfort.
City Tour of Heidelberg
Take a classic city tour to see all the major landmarks, including the Old Town, University of Heidelberg, and Heidelberg Castle - all in one convenient package.
Heidelberg Castle Fireworks
On certain occasions, Heidelberg Castle has a thrilling fireworks display. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the picturesque views and classic German cuisine while watching the colorful sky light up.
Week-Long Itinerary for Heidelberg
For an optimal experience in Heidelberg, we’d recommend staying at least a week. Here is an example itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Heidelberg, relax, and explore the Old Town.
Day 2: Take a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle and visit the University of Heidelberg.
Day 3: Explore the Philosopher’s Walk and Neckarwiese Park.
Day 4: Take a guided bike tour to explore the surrounding countryside.
Day 5: Join a Segway tour and explore the city.
Day 6: Visit the Heidelberg Zoo, Germany’s oldest zoo, home to numerous species and an aquarium.
Day 7: Visit the Königstuhl, the highest peak in the Odenwald Mountains, with a phenomenal view over the Heidelberg area.
Food and Drink Scene of Heidelberg
Must-Try Dishes
Schupfnudeln
These small dumplings made of potatoes are often served with sauerkraut, bacon, and onions. They are a local favorite!
Spätzle
Spätzle is similar to Italian pasta, made with flour, eggs, salt, and fizzy water. It is served with a variety of sauces or potato salad.
Local Beverages
Wine
The nearby town of Weinheim is famous for producing some of the best white wine in Germany. Wine enthusiasts can take a day trip to visit vineyards and sample local varieties.
Beer
Germany is famous for beer, and Heidelberg is no different - try local brews like König Pilsener or Bitburger.
Where to Stay in Heidelberg: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Heidelberg has no shortage of accommodations for travelers of all budgets:
Budget options
Heidelberg 4 You is a centrally located hostel popular with backpackers.
Mid-range options
Hotel Zum Ritter St. Georg offers a historic and relatively affordable stay near Heidelberg’s Old Town.
High-end options
The Crowne Plaza Heidelberg City Centre offers luxury amenities and impressive views of the city.
What to Buy in Heidelberg: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Here are some of the best souvenirs to bring home from Heidelberg:
Steins
A classic German souvenir is the stein, or beer mug. Heidelberg, with its many pubs, is a great place to find a decorative version.
Handcrafted items
In the bustling marketplace of Heidelberg Old Town, you can find many handcrafted items, including jewelry and leather goods.
Local Culture and Customs of Heidelberg
The residents of Heidelberg are known to be friendly and hospitable, and the city has a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere that visitors often find welcoming.
Best Time to Visit Heidelberg
The best time to visit Heidelberg is spring and fall. In the spring, the flowers bloom and the trees change colors in the fall, making for beautiful sights.
Do’s and Don’ts of Heidelberg
Do:
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When in a restaurant, don’t forget to tip but 5-10% would suffice.
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Say ‘Guten Tag’ or ‘Guten Morgen’ when entering a store, and don’t forget to say ‘Danke’ (thank you) while making a purchase.
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Carry cash, not all businesses accept credit cards.
Don’t:
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While driving, don’t forget the stop signs and lane markings, they are strictly enforced.
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Do not smoke while walking, and don’t litter cigarettes without properly extinguishing them.
Safety and Health
Safety in Heidelberg
Heidelberg is considered a safe city, with low crime rates. While travelling, always take the necessary precautions, such as keeping an eye on your valuables and taking well-lit, busy streets at night.
Health in Heidelberg
The city has many hospitals and clinics, offering high-quality care. Always keep your travel insurance up to date and be sure to know the contact numbers of medical and emergency services in the area.
Getting to Heidelberg: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Heidelberg
The nearest international airport to Heidelberg is Frankfurt Airport, which is served by numerous international airlines.
Bus Stations Near Heidelberg
Flixbus connects Heidelberg with most major cities in Germany.
Other Options
Driving is also an option for those coming from nearby European cities.
How to Get Around in Heidelberg
Heidelberg is well-connected, making it easy to get around the city by public transport. Biking and walking are also options to explore the city and its surroundings.
Where to Go Next from Heidelberg: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Mannheim
Mannheim is a vibrant city, less than half an hour’s drive from Heidelberg and offers a great selection of museums, galleries, and parks.
Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden is known for its therapeutic hot springs and natural beauty. A visit to the spa is a must-do while visiting this historic town.
Conclusion
Heidelberg is a charming and picturesque city, which is steeped in history and has something for everyone. With its vibrant cultural scene, welcoming locals, outdoor activities, and stunning architecture, travelers are sure to fall in love with this enchanting destination.
