Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg

Castle ruins above a romantic university town on the Neckar river.

  • All year
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
TübingenGermany · Hidden townTübingen102 kmWürzburgGermany · CityWürzburg102 kmLoreley (Rhine Gorge)Germany · Nature spotLoreley (Rhine Gorge)107 kmRothenburg ob der TauberGermany · Popular townRothenburg ob der Tauber109 kmStrasbourgFrance · CityStrasbourg114 kmCochemGermany · Popular townCochem136 kmBlack Forest (Triberg)Germany · Nature spotBlack Forest (Triberg)145 kmTrierGermany · CityTrier152 km

Things to do

2 days in Heidelberg

Day 1

  1. MorningTake the funicular up to the castle and see the giant wine barrel.
  2. AfternoonCross the Old Bridge and walk the Philosophers' Walk on the other side.
  3. EveningHave dinner in a student tavern in the old town.

Day 2

Take a boat trip on the Neckar to Neckarsteinach's four castles.

What to eat

A Studentenkuss chocolate and a local beer.

Local tips

Make the most of Heidelberg

Beat the crowds

The castle is busiest midday. Come early or in the late afternoon.

Best photo spot

The Philosophers' Walk on the opposite hill gives the classic view of the old bridge, the old town and the castle.

Getting there

Trams and buses run from the station. A funicular goes up to the castle.

Don't miss nearby

The Neckar valley with small castles along the river.

Good to know

Heidelberg is a student town with a lively evening atmosphere. The castle ruins are lit up on some summer evenings.

Secret spots

1 secret spot near Heidelberg

Our most hidden places around Heidelberg: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Heidelberg to take with you.

98 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Heidelberg

Getting there

  • Mannheim-City Airport (MHG)14 km away
  • Frankfurt Main Airport (FRA)70 km away
  • Würzburg100 km away
  • Strasbourg115 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryGermany

Questions

Heidelberg: good to know

Is Heidelberg worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns. Castle ruins above a romantic university town on the Neckar river.

How many days do you need in Heidelberg?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Heidelberg?

You can visit all year. The castle is busiest midday. Come early or in the late afternoon.

How do you get to Heidelberg?

The nearest airport is Mannheim-City Airport (MHG), about 14 km away. Trams and buses run from the station. A funicular goes up to the castle.

What is there to see near Heidelberg?

Nearby hidden places include Tübingen (102 km), Würzburg (102 km) and Loreley (Rhine Gorge) (107 km).

Day trips from Heidelberg: 6 hidden places nearby
More hidden places in Germany (50)