- Frankfurt airport is about an hour away by train or shuttle
- Take the funicular up to the castle or walk up the steep path
- Walk the Philosophers' Walk for the classic view of the castle and Old Bridge
- Heidelberg University is the oldest in Germany, founded in 1386
- Airports
- Frankfurt (FRA)
- Best time to go
- April-June and September-October
- Type
- Town
Heidelberg is the picture of romantic Germany: a red sandstone castle rising above the River Neckar, a baroque old town of narrow lanes and an ancient university that gives the place a youthful energy. It inspired poets and painters, including Turner, and remains one of the most visited towns in the country.
It is small enough to explore on foot and works well as a short break or a stop on a wider trip through the region. See our Baden-Württemberg guide and the Germany guide for more.
Things to do
- Heidelberg Castle – partly ruined and partly restored, with gardens, terraces and the giant Heidelberg Tun wine barrel.
- German Pharmacy Museum – inside the castle, with old apothecary rooms.
- Old Bridge – the stone bridge across the Neckar with its twin-towered gate.
- Philosophers' Walk – a path on the north bank with the best views of the castle and town.
- Hauptstrasse – one of the longest pedestrian streets in Germany, running through the old town.
- Church of the Holy Spirit – the Gothic church on the Market Square.
- Student Prison – where misbehaving students were once locked up, with graffiti-covered walls.
- Königstuhl – a hill above the castle, reached by funicular, with views over the Rhine plain.
Where to stay
- Altstadt – the old town, ideal for atmosphere and walking to the castle.
- Neuenheim – across the river, residential and near the Philosophers' Walk.
- Bergheim and near the station – modern hotels and better value, a tram ride from the old town.
Getting there
Fly to Frankfurt, then take a train to Heidelberg, usually about an hour with a change in Mannheim or Frankfurt. Airport shuttle buses also run. Stuttgart airport is another option, around 90 minutes away. By train from London, travel via Brussels or Paris; it is a full day's journey.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn bring pleasant walking weather and fewer crowds than midsummer. In summer the castle is illuminated on several evenings with fireworks. Winter is quiet, with a small Christmas market in the old town squares.
Arrive early or late in the day to enjoy the castle and Old Bridge before tour groups arrive.
Top attractions in Heidelberg
LandmarkBrandenburg Gate
Berlin's neoclassical city gate, crowned by the Quadriga, once trapped behind the Wall and now the symbol of a reunited…
LandmarkEast Side Gallery
The longest surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall, painted in 1990 by artists from around the world and now an open-air…
LandmarkNeuschwanstein Castle
King Ludwig II's fairy-tale castle on a crag in the Bavarian Alps, the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Heidelberg on the map
Frequently asked questions
How long should I spend in Heidelberg?
One full day covers the highlights, but staying a night lets you enjoy the old town in the evening.
Is Heidelberg a day trip from Frankfurt?
Yes. It is about an hour by train, so a day trip is realistic.
How do I get up to Heidelberg Castle?
Take the funicular from Kornmarkt station or walk up the steep path in about 15 minutes.
Is Heidelberg good for families?
Yes. The castle, funicular rides and boat trips on the Neckar suit children well.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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