Summary of Best Things to Do in Heidelberg
Up there with Germany’s most favored tourist locations, Heidelberg is a historic university town that has remained intact since the 18th century. The city is renowned for its Baroque architecture and stunning ruins of the Renaissance castle, which served as the residence for the Imperial Prince Electors of Heidelberg for centuries.
These ruins have captivated countless individuals, most notably the Romantics in the early 19th century. The encanting scenery is further enhanced by the Odenwald terrain, as Heidelberg nestles in a picturesque valley by the Neckar River, flanked by hills that provide enchanting views of the city.
Let us examine the top activities to engage in while in Heidelberg:
1. Altstadt
Heidelberg’s charming old town lies in the shadow of the ruins of Schloss Heidelberg.
The Altstadt features many of the elements that visitors appreciate about German historical districts; lively squares with bar terraces at Kornmarkt and Marktplatz, cobblestone streets, and a plethora of historic landmarks.
These include Gothic and Baroque churches, as well as monuments like the statue of Mary at Kornmarkt from 1718, which reflects Heidelberg’s complex historical relationship with Catholicism.
A fascinating characteristic of the Altstadt is its conventional Baroque aesthetic, which is a result of the fires caused by a French attack in 1693 during the Nine Years’ War.
The Town Hall, constructed in the aftermath, dates back to 1701 and still showcases the electoral coat of arms sculpted by Hungarian artist Heinrich Charrasky.
2. Schloss Heidelberg
Situated 80 meters above the Altstadt and Neckar, this former seat of Heidelberg’s Prince Electors is now regarded as one of the most exquisite ruins globally.
The castle was initially established as a fortress in the 13th century and was transformed into a palace suitable for Heidelberg’s imperial rulers during the 15th and 16th centuries.
The proceeding 300 years were not particularly benevolent to Schloss Heidelberg, as it endured fires caused by lightning strikes and repeated destruction during the Thirty Years’ War in the 1600s and the Nine Years’ War shortly thereafter.
Following these events, the complex underwent partial reconstruction, and its ruins inspired German Romantics, with notable depictions by Turner during his visits.
Visitors can take an audio tour of these remarkable Renaissance ruins and explore the Pharmacy Museum, which will be detailed later.
3. Alte Brücke (Old Bridge)
Connecting the Altstadt and the Neuenheim district on the right bank of the Neckar, the Alte Brücke, in its current form, dates back to 1788 during the reign of Elector Charles Theodore.
Despite its age of over 200 years, this structure represents the ninth bridge built at this location.
Each preceding bridge, constructed between the 1200s and 1700s, was destroyed by ice in the spring, whereas this one has survived due to it being the first entirely stone structure.
The bridge features two sets of sculptures, one honoring Charles Theodore and another depicting the Roman goddess Minerva.
These are replicas, as the originals were moved to the Kurpfälzisches Museum for preservation.
At the bank of the Altstadt, a pair of towers from Heidelberg’s medieval fortifications can also be observed.
4. Kurpfälzisches Museum
Heidelberg’s Palatinate Museum, housed in the 18th-century Palais Morass, features a diverse collection of painting, sculpture, applied arts, and archaeology that chronicles the extensive human history of the Lower Neckar Valley and Heidelberg’s role as the Electoral Palatinate residence.
Bridging various disciplines, there are numerous noteworthy exhibits to observe, such as the Renaissance sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider’s Altar of the Apostles from 1509 and artworks by Lucas Cranach the Elder, Anselm Feuerbach, and Max Beckmann.
Additionally, the museum hosts rooms furnished in the styles of the 1700s and 1800s, replete with glassware, period clothing, and porcelain produced by the esteemed 18th-century Frankenthal Factory.
5. Deutsches Apotheken-Museum
Spanning across 11 rooms within Schloss Heidelberg, this museum documents the historical development of pharmacies and medical science in Germany.
Displaying 20,000 pieces, the collection includes seven complete pharmacy sets, the earliest of which dates back to the Renaissance.
The museum is said to house the world’s largest collection of 18th-century earthenware, in addition to valuable majolica, faience, and technical glass containers and equipment from the 1600s to the 1800s.
Among the exhibits are intriguing home or portable pharmacy kits, including a remarkable example predominantly made from silver in Augsburg in 1640. Visitors can also uncover details about the peculiar items that were housed in these containers, such as bezoar stones, mandrake root, and mummia (which was sometimes made from powdered Egyptian mummies!).
6. Heidelberg Tun
Within the cellar of Schloss Heidelberg lies an extraordinary marvel that merits distinct attention.
The Heidelberg Tun is an enormous wine barrel.
Constructed in 1751 during the reign of Charles Theodore, it was originally designed to hold 221,726 liters of liquid.
Over time, its capacity has decreased by several thousand liters due to aging wood.
Such a substantial vessel required wood sourced from 130 oak trees! The Heidelberg Tun is the fifth in a succession of large wine barrels at the palace, dating back to the first barrel from the 16th century which was destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War.
Throughout its history, the barrel has only been utilized for wine a few times, having been filled on three occasions through a ceiling hole from the floor above.
7. Philosophenweg
On the right bank of the Neckar, a two-kilometer path on elevated terrain offers stunning views of the city and Schloss Heidelberg across the river.
This path ascends from the Neuenheim district up the Heiligenberg Hill, with access also available from the Alte Brücke on the eastern side.
If commencing the hike in the west, travelers will pass through affluent neighborhoods featuring villas and the university’s physics institute.
Continuing along the trail leads to the Philosophengärtchen, an exceptional terrace garden boasting the finest views of the Altstadt and the expansive Upper Rhine Plain.
Among the garden’s monuments is a bronze relief honoring Freiherr von Eichendorff, a renowned Romantic who frequented this walkway for contemplation, alongside a sandstone platform from which the 17th-century engraver Matthäus Merian surveyed the city.
8. Heiligenberg
Visitors can divert from the Philosophenweg to explore the Heiligenberg.
This sandstone hill rises to 440 meters and contains the oldest signs of habitation in Heidelberg.
The ancient Celtic defensive wall, dating back to the 4th century BC, is among the oldest remains. Ascend to the peak to find the ruins of the 11th-century Monastery of St Michael, which was abandoned nearly 500 years ago.
The site also features two climbable viewing towers: the Heiligenbergturm, constructed in the 19th century using sandstone blocks from the long-gone 11th-century Monastery of St Stephen, and a tower honoring Germany’s first chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, erected in 1903.
9. Church of the Holy Spirit
Heidelberg’s principal church was initially erected in the 13th century, but its current Late Gothic style emerged in the early 15th century.
For centuries, this structure served as the final resting place for the Palatinate’s Prince Electors.
Presently, only the tomb effigy of the 15th-century Rupert, King of Germany, remains, as the 53 others were destroyed during a French attack in the Nine Years’ War.
Despite being a Protestant church today, it has undergone several denomination changes throughout its past; for over 200 years until 1936, a barrier existed to facilitate worship for both Catholics and Protestants.
From Monday to Saturday, it is also possible to ascend the tower and enjoy the views of Heidelberg from a platform 38 meters high.
10. Studentenkarzer
Located at Augustinergasse, in a Baroque building behind the Old University, lies a small jail where students were temporarily confined for minor offenses.
This jail operated from the 1770s until the onset of the First World War, with students incarcerated for a variety of infractions.
Many found themselves here due to drunken antics, practical jokes targeting university or city authorities, or dueling, which remained a prevalent practice until 1914. While incarcerated, students were released to attend lectures, but were expected to return to serve the remainder of their sentence, which could last up to a month.
The reason for visiting the Studentenkarzer is to appreciate the graffiti and artwork adorning the walls, created by students boasting of their escapades.
11. Haus zum Ritter (House of the Knight)
A visit to Heidelberg’s Altstadt is incomplete without a stop at this magnificent structure, recognized as the oldest burgher house in the city.
The Haus zum Ritter was constructed in 1592 for cloth merchants Franziska and Carolus Belier, Protestants who fled from Habsburg-controlled Valenciennes.
This is the sole burgher house to have withstood the fire in Heidelberg during the Nine Years’ War in 1693 and has only recently assumed its current role as a hotel, despite having served as a guest house for part of its 300-year existence.
The house derives its name from the pediment, which features a bust of St George in knight’s attire.
12. Neckarwiese
The largest green space in central Heidelberg boasts a picturesque location along the right bank of the river at Neuenheim.
The Neckarwiese extends inward for approximately 50 meters and incorporates extensive lawns alongside groves of alders, lime trees, poplars, and willows, along with chestnut-lined avenues.
This area was historically the site of an ancient ford for Heidelberg’s Roman bridge, which collapsed in the 3rd century.
One reason the Neckarwiese remains free of housing is due to the frequent annual floods that occasionally inundate the park in spring.
On sunny summer days, the park is vibrant with individuals enjoying picnics and barbecues.
13. Jesuitenkirche
Situated in what was once Heidelberg’s Jesuits’ quarter, this Baroque church was constructed in two phases between 1712 and 1759. Notably, the Jesuitenkirche is oriented southward rather than the traditional east orientation observed in most churches.
Inside, the church is relatively modest for a Baroque edifice, save for the 18th-century altar painting.
In the northeast corner of the building, one can find the simple tomb of the 15th-century Elector Palatine Frederick I (The Victorious).
14. Königstuhl
On the opposing side of the Neckar Valley from Heiligenberg lies another prominent hill, topped with communications masts.
This hill, known as the King’s Seat, rises to 567 meters, with Heidelberg Palace situated on its lower slopes, providing yet another breathtaking view of the city.
Visitors can reach the summit via the Heidelberger Bergbahn, a two-part funicular railway departing from Kornmarkt in the Altstadt and also servicing the palace.
However, Königstuhl offers more than just picturesque views: It features forest walking trails, a small amusement park named “Märchenparadies” for young children, and a falconry.
Perhaps most intriguing is the observatory where astronomer Karl Wilhelm Reinmuth made nearly 400 significant discoveries between 1912 and 1957.
15. Heidelberg Thingstätte
An additional point of interest at the summit of Heidelberg is a remnant from the Nazi era.
The Thingstätte is an amphitheater constructed between 1934 and 1935 for Thingspiele.
Essentially, these were theatrical performances serving as propaganda, often rooted in romanticized German folklore.
Very few of these structures still exist, and this particular amphitheater boasts impressive dimensions.
Heidelberg’s Thingstätte can accommodate 8,000 individuals and can host an additional 15,000 standing visitors.
On Walpurgis Night, April 30th, the arena fills with attendees celebrating the occasion by igniting traditional bonfires.
