Do you want to know which are the best places to visit in Heidelberg Germany, have a look at our article. Heidelberg is not only one of the most romantic cities in Germany, but also one of the most popular travel destinations for foreign tourists with its many postcard motifs.
From the symbol of German Romanticism, the Heidelberg Castle, to the picturesque old town and the Philosophenweg to the Königstuhl, Heidelberg in Germany offers a particularly large number of sights. Without exaggerating, the city on the Neckar can be described as the only open-air museum.
With the imposing Heidelberg Castle, the incredibly well-preserved old town, and the close proximity to nature, there is beauty and diversity here that amazes visitors from all over the world. Heidelberg is located in southwest Germany in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Let’s discover together some places to visit in Heidelberg Germany.
1. Heidelberg Castle
The Heidelberg Castle – or rather the castle ruins – is known far beyond the borders of Germany and is particularly popular with tourists from all over the world. Like hardly any other castle, it stands for the sentimental longings of German Romanticism.
Not least because the most important representatives of this genre, Achim von Arnim and Clemens Brentano, often stayed in Heidelberg. Presumably built as a castle in the 13th century, the palace underwent numerous structural changes over the centuries. King’s chair.
2. King’s chair in Heidelberg
From the castle, a steep staircase (also called the ladder to heaven) leads up to the Königsstuhl. At 567.8 meters, this mountain is not the highest elevation in Heidelberg, but it is definitely one of the most beautiful vantage points and attractions.
Once at the top, there is a breathtaking view of the entire city with its sights. The Fairy Tale Paradise amusement park with many playgrounds, fairground rides, and, of course, fairy tale characters awaits you at the top.
3. Kornmarkt
At the foot of the Schlossberg, very close to the cable car that takes you to the castle, is the Kornmarkt in Heidelberg’s old town. This former specialty market is one of the most popular photo opportunities for tourists in Heidelberg.
In the center of the square is a baroque Madonna statue from the early 18th century. It was erected by Elector Karl Philipp as a symbol of the Counter-Reformation. The Kornmarkt is also a magnet for visitors in winter, as a picturesque Christmas market takes place here every year.
4. Uni Heidelberg
The University of Heidelberg, or “Ruperto-Carola”, was founded in 1386 by Elector Ruprecht I, making it the oldest university in Germany. The University of Heidelberg has a pretty good reputation and was listed as number 1 in the American ranking for international universities, for example.
5. Holy Spirit Church Heidelberg
The Heiliggeistkirche is the largest and most important church in Heidelberg, as it dates back to the 13th century. Like so many other older buildings in Heidelberg, it is made of the Neckar sandstone typical of the region, which gives it its red hue.
Just like at Heidelberg University, denominational disputes have also made themselves felt at the Heiliggeistkirche. It’s hard to believe, but until 1936 the interior of the church was separated by a wall into a Catholic and a Protestant part.
6. German Pharmacy Museum
Inside the Heidelberg Castle is the German Pharmacy Museum. It is included in the admission to the castle and you should not miss it. The museum was founded in Bamberg in 1937 but only came to Heidelberg in 1957.
It shows pharmacies, pharmacists, workplaces, and accessories from the Renaissance, Baroque and Biedermeier periods. It is listed as a place to visit in Heidelberg Germany.
7. Philosopher’s Path Heidelberg
A city trip to Heidelberg means a lot of culture and cute restaurants. But if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and the museums, you should go to the Philosophenweg. A snake path leads from the Old Bridge up a steep slope – not for jogging, but more for leisurely strolling, hiking, and breathing deeply in the midst of nature.
8. Old bridge (Selected as one of the best attractions in Heidelberg)
A special highlight in Heidelberg is the Old Bridge. When the sun slowly sets in the evening and the Heidelberg Castle is illuminated, it is best to stand on the riverbank of the Neckar, look across from the Ziegelhäuser Landstraße and enjoy the wonderfully romantic and almost fairytale view. Then walk over the bridge and get to the old town bank of the Neckar, where you will be greeted by the famous Heidelberg Bridge Monkey.
9. Neckar Valley Heidelberg
Heidelberg is an ideal starting point for hikes and day trips into the surrounding Neckar Valley. Here you will find romantic little towns and impressive castles that line the course of the Neckar.
In the Middle Ages, numerous famous minnesingers lived there, including Bligger II von Steinach, who researchers believe to be the creator of the Nibelungenlied. With its romantic view, it is considered as one of the most interesting places to visit in Heidelberg Germany.
10. Heidelberg Main Street
The pedestrian zone in Heidelberg is another impressive sight in Baden-Württemberg city. With a length of around 1.6 kilometers, it is the longest pedestrian zone in Europe.
As in any other big city, you will find well-known brands on Heidelberg’s main street, but also many small boutiques and gourmet shops. In summer, the numerous cafés and restaurants with their Mediterranean flair invite you to linger. At Christmas time in winter, the street is festively decorated.
Places to visit in Heidelberg Germany
- Heidelberg Castle
- King’s chair
- Kornmarkt
- Uni Heidelberg
- Holy Spirit Church Heidelberg
- German Pharmacy Museum
- Philosopher’s Path
- Heidelberg Old bridge
- Neckar Valley
- Heidelberg Main Street