Heilbronn between experimentation, wine and the Neckar
Accommodation in Heilbronn
Heilbronn brings together hands-on science, art and architectural history with wine trails, green spaces and experiences on the Neckar. You can explore the city in many different ways: at interactive stations, in collections, outdoors in the Köpfertal valley or on a guided canoe tour. Families will also find plenty to enjoy, including playgrounds and hands-on experiments. The experiences that interest you most make a good starting point for planning your trip and accommodation.
Experiments, art and city history
At experimenta, around 275 interactive stations invite you to experiment for yourself and explore the world hands-on. At the Science Dome, laser and science shows are presented on a 360-degree dome projection. There are also labs and an experimental kitchen for kindergarten groups and school classes: with expert guidance, they can program robots, examine DNA or make gummy bears in more than 70 courses. If you plan to attend a course, it is worth checking the specific offer in advance.
The Kunsthalle Vogelmann offers a different perspective: across around 800 square metres on three floors, it presents temporary art exhibitions. Its focus includes sculpture exhibitions and survey exhibitions spanning Classical Modernism to contemporary art. At the Deutschhof, a museum and architectural history come together. The complex was built in the early 13th century and was once the seat of the Teutonic Order. It has served as a museum since 1991; since January 2026, it has brought together the four collections of the Heilbronn museums—archaeology, natural history, cultural history and art history—under one roof, where visitors can experience them together.
Landmark buildings also tell stories of different eras. St Kilian's Church is known for its octagonal tower and is considered the first building north of the Alps to feature Renaissance elements. The Götzenturm was built in 1392, probably using stones from the former Klingenberg Castle. Until the 19th century, it was known as the Square Tower; it received its current name in connection with Goethe's play Götz von Berlichingen.
Wine trail, the Neckar and green spaces
At just under six kilometres long, with around 100 metres of elevation gain, the Wine Panorama Trail is manageable even for less experienced hikers. From April to October, wines from the Wein-Villa businesses are served in rotation at the Martin-Heinrich-Wengerthäusle along the trail. Red Wengerter sausage, cheese and pretzels are also available. As wine service is seasonal, it is best to check the latest information before your trip.
On the water, the guided canoe tour of the city follows the Neckar waterfront, passes Inselspitze and goes through the hand-operated König-Wilhelm lock on the Neckar. The tour is suitable for beginners and can be booked for groups of ten or more from late April to mid-October. Check dates and availability in advance. The Wine Panorama Trail and canoe tour offer two different ways to enjoy active experiences in Heilbronn.
There are several places to spend time outdoors, each with different facilities. The 15-hectare Wertwiesenpark on the Neckar has playgrounds, a halfpipe for skaters, a minigolf course and a Kneipp facility. At Pfühlpark, families will find a large sand playground, a giant slide, a large climbing net and table tennis tables. The Köpfertal in eastern Heilbronn combines more than 30 hectares of urban green spaces with valuable natural areas. In the lower valley, meadows, wetlands and forests alternate, while the upper reaches lie in the forest. The area has been protected since 1985 to preserve its wetlands, ravine forest and rocky gorge; it also provides space for recreation and the protection of rare species.
Regional discoveries in the wider Heilbronn destination
Beyond the city of Heilbronn, the wider Heilbronn destination offers more ways to choose different kinds of outings. In the district of Heilbronn, the Neckar Valley Cycle Route is one of the featured cycling routes. There are also around 1,000 kilometres of signposted circular day-trip routes in Kraichgau, Zabergäu, the Weinsberg Valley and Schozach-Bottwartal. For those interested in water, the area is also home to Lake Breitenau: it is the largest of the seven bathing lakes listed in the district and is described as the largest bathing lake in northern Württemberg.
Other regional destinations cater to a range of interests. At the visitor salt mine in Bad Friedrichshall, an interactive tour takes visitors through former mining areas 180 metres underground; light displays and laser shows are also part of the experience. In Brackenheim, the 1,500-square-metre jump arena offers a variety of trampoline attractions and is suitable for children aged three and up. The Eppingen Forest Sensory Trail is a three-kilometre circular route with 13 stations.
Heilbronn is also home to traditional Besenwirtschaften, or seasonal wine taverns. Wine is served directly by the producer, and these establishments open seasonally or on selected days. Culinary traditions include dishes such as Maultaschen with potato salad, boiled pork and freshly baked Besen bread. At the Martin-Heinrich-Wengerthäusle, seasonal wine service is paired with a specific selection of sausage, cheese and pretzels.
Discover more destinations: Biberach, Roigheim, Erlenbach, Ilsfeld, Kirchardt, Bad Rappenau, Cleebronn.
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