Heidelberg is located in Southeastern Germany along the Neckar river, in the region of Baden Wurttemberg, an hour south of Frankfurt. Heidelberg is part of Germany’s Castle Road. It is a lively university town overlooked by evocative castle ruins.

Airports Nearby Heidelberg

The closest international airport is Frankfurt Airport (Flughafen) Frankfurt Rhein-Main, situated 80km away and reachable in one hour. TLS offers transport from the Frankfurt airport directly to your hotel in Heidelberg for 29 Euros per person one way.

Lufthansa Airport Bus operates between the Terminal 1 arrival area and the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Heidelberg every hour. At the time of writing, the bus fare is 22 Euros one way if you hold a Lufthansa air ticket.

Ryan Air utilizes the smaller Airport Frankfurt Hahn, which is 1.5 hours away from Heidelberg. Transport to Heidelberg is available through “BKK Buses”: phone 01805 – 225287, with a fare of 16 Euros one way.

Heidelberg HBF – The Train Station

Heidelberg’s central train station (Hauptbohnhof) is located at Willy-Brandt-Platz 5. Buses and taxis are accessible from the front of the station. The distance from the station to the old town is about 25 minutes on foot. In front of the station, you will find a stop for buses and trams. Taking any transportation indicating “Bismarckplatz” will lead you to the main street in Heidelberg’s old town.

The Tourist Information kiosk is located just outside the train station for further assistance.

Where to Stay

There are numerous hotels in Heidelberg, making it relatively easy to find accommodation during the off-season. However, if you plan to visit during the summer, it is wise to reserve a room in advance to secure your stay.

For those wishing to extend their visit, or for families and groups of friends in need of extra space, consider a self-catering vacation rental that provides more room to spread out.

The Heidelberg Card

Three types of Heidelberg cards are available: for 1 day, 2 days, 4 days, and a family option. Each card offers discounts at various shops and cafes, along with free entrance to some of Heidelberg’s main attractions.

Heidelberg Top Tourist Attractions

• Heidelberg Palace (Schloss) – Renowned for its romantic ruins, Heidelberg’s castle has not been fully restored, contributing to its captivating charm. Inside, visitors will find a remarkable Pharmacy museum and the world’s largest wine barrel, with a capacity of 195,000 liters (approximately 51,514 gallons). A wine bar inside the palace and a quaint café outside offer light meals and drinks. Admission is 2.5 Euros at the time of writing.
• Heidelberg University – Established on June 24th, 1712, the “Old University” area is filled with intriguing cafes and shops. The university features a museum and a unique Student’s Prison, where students were confined for minor infractions like late-night drinking. The free Botanical Garden at the University of Heidelberg is also a lovely spot to explore but is closed on Saturdays.
• The Old Bridge (Carl Theodor Bridge) – Constructed between 1786 and 1788 under Prince Elector Karl Theodor, Heidelberg’s first stone bridge connects to a well-preserved medieval gate on the town side.
• Shopping in der Hauptstrasse – Heidelberg boasts the longest pedestrian zone in Europe, ideal for an enjoyable shopping experience.
• Museums – As a university town, Heidelberg is home to numerous museums, with the Bonsai Museum being a noteworthy highlight as the only one of its kind.

Plan a Trip to Heidelberg, Germany: The Travel Planning Toolbox

Learning German is advisable; understanding local language basics and polite expressions can enhance your travel experience, especially regarding food and drink.

German Rail Passes can be a cost-effective choice for longer rail journeys. However, keep in mind that rail passes do not always guarantee savings. Planning your itinerary to utilize the pass for longer distances and using cash or credit for shorter runs is essential.