Discover Heidelberg
Accommodation in Heidelberg
Discover Heidelberg from several different angles: castle gardens and hilltops open up sweeping views, while the Old Town, the Neckar and cultural attractions each offer something different. There is also the zoo and activities on the river. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth asking which of these sides of Heidelberg you would most like to experience.
Castle views and paths to the heights
The gardens of Heidelberg Castle are freely accessible; check for any exceptional closures before your visit. From the terraces, you can see the castle and the Neckar Valley. The Stückgarten also offers views of the castle and down over the Old Town on the banks of the Neckar. The restored masonry shell of the Rondell in the Stückgarten now serves as a terrace and offers sweeping views across the Rhine Plain. The castle gardens are also associated with the once-famous Hortus Palatinus—here, modern viewpoints meet garden history.
You can reach Heidelberg Castle on foot or by funicular. It runs from Kornmarkt up to the castle and continues to the Königstuhl, with increasingly wide-ranging views along the way. The Königstuhl is Heidelberg’s highest point. From there, the view extends across the castle, the city and the Rhine Plain. For a different perspective, head to the Philosophenweg on the southern slope of the Heiligenberg, which offers views of the city, river and mountains. A hike along the Philosophenweg is also one of the activities on offer in Heidelberg. If you plan to take the funicular, check the timetable in advance.
Old Town, culture and history
The Old Town invites you to stroll, linger and explore. Short distances bring together history and culture, while museums and theatres are part of the varied cultural scene. The Kurpfälzisches Museum houses Heidelberg’s art and cultural history collections. The Old Bridge, a sandstone bridge, offers another view of the castle and Old Town.
The summit area of the Heiligenberg is also shaped by historic sites: the ruins of St. Michael’s and St. Stephen’s monasteries are among its landmarks. The Thingstätte is also located on the summit. It is a large open-air theatre dating from the Nazi era. Heidelberg therefore offers a range of cultural and historical discoveries alongside its viewpoints and urban cultural attractions.
The Neckar, excursions and activities
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Neckar. The Neckarwiese is ideal for picnics and walks along the riverbank, and offers a view of the castle. Cycling along the Neckar and boat trips on the river are also among the activities available in Heidelberg. The options range from a break by the river to getting active along its banks or taking a trip on the water.
Heidelberg Zoo is located on the Im Neuenheimer Feld campus and is a popular destination for a day out. Visitors can discover more than 160 animal species from around the world. The Zoo-Akademie offers bookable workshops, holiday activities and tours for different age groups, interests and occasions; the activities explore the zoo’s animal or plant life. If one of these activities is a key part of your plans, check the dates currently on offer.
Find accommodation to suit your plans
When looking for accommodation in Heidelberg, it helps to decide on your priorities first: will your trip focus mainly on the Old Town and culture, views of the castle and surrounding heights, or the Neckar and its activities? Then, when choosing a place to stay, check its location in relation to your plans. If the zoo or a Zoo-Akademie activity is important to you, factor the specific activities into your plans as well.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Reilingen, Waibstadt, Edingen-Neckarhausen, Ladenburg, Leimen, Neidenstein, Laudenbach, Walldorf.
For the regional travel overview: Rhein-Neckar District.
