Heidelberg is a city in the region Rhein-Neckar in the state of Baden-Württemberg in the Federal Republic of Germany. Heidelberg lies on the River Neckar in a steep valley in the Odenwald. Over 148,000 people live in the city.
View of the "old town" (Altstadt) with Heidelberg Castle
Karl-Theodor-Brücke and Schloss in the background
It is no secret that Heidelberg is a jewel among German travel destinations. Heidelberg is in the Neckar river valley right where the legend-rich Odenwald (Forest of Odes or Odin) opens up towards the plains of the Rhine Valley. Heidelberg is home to the oldest university in Germany (est. 1386). With 28,000 students, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität (or Ruperto Carola, the Latin equivalent of its name) is one of Germany's larger academic institutions and boasts the full spectrum of an ancient academy, from Egyptian Studies to Computer Linguistics. The faculties for Medicine, Law and Natural Sciences are considered to be among the best in Germany. The university fostered the establishment of several other world-class research institutions such as the German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), the European Molecular Biological Laboratory (EMBL), the Centre for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), Max Planck Institutes for Medicine, Astronomy, Nuclear Physics, among others. Generally speaking, Heidelberg is an academic city with a long and rich history and is similar in many ways to cities such as Cambridge or Oxford (Heidelberg and Cambridge, England are twinned).
During WWII, the city was almost completely spared allied bombings which destroyed many of Germany's larger inner cities. As a result, Heidelberg has retained its baroque charm of narrow streets, picturesque houses, and of course the world-famous Schloss (castle ruins). After World War II, the US Army built large barracks at the southern end of the city which housed up to 30,000 US military personnel and their families for more than six decades—up until 2012. In 2015, the US military housing was given to the German government. This massive area of town is currently largely abandoned (as of winter 2017) and it remains sealed off behind barbed wire fences and cameras (though the cameras may be vestigial). Heidelberg's 150,000 inhabitants include roughly 38,000 students between the university and the other research institutes. With hundreds of thousands of tourists flocking to the city annually, Heidelberg is truly a culturally diverse and international destination, despite its small size.
Over the years, Heidelberg has attracted numerous artists, intellectuals, and academics from all over Europe and has sometimes been referred to as Germany's unofficial intellectual capital. People who have lived and worked in the city include the poet's Joseph von Eichendorff, Jean-Paul, Goethe, and Iqbal, scientists such as Bunsen and Kirchhoff, philosophers such as the founder of the "Illuminati" order von-Knigge, atheist Ludwig Feuerbach, existentialist Karl Jaspers, political theorist Hannah Arendt, architect Albert Speer, and many more. Mark Twain wrote in A Tramp Abroad: "Out of a billowy upheaval of vivid green foliage ...rises the huge ruin of Heidelberg Castle, with empty window arches, ivy-mailed battlements, moldering towers—the Lear of inanimate nature—deserted, discrowned, beaten by the storms, but royal still, and beautiful."
Frankfurt (IATA: FRA) - The nearest intercontinental airport.
Stuttgart (IATA: STR) - nice for European 'EU-domestic' flights.
ICE Train from Frankfurt or Stuttgart Airport to Heidelberg[edit]
You can travel to Heidelberg via ICE (InterCity Express), Germany's fastest train, running at 300km/h (180mph).
Both Frankfurt and Stuttgart airports have train stations inside the terminal. Frankfurt Airport even is a major ICE-train stop.
Reservations are not necessary; just buy your ticket at the counter or machine after you land. Credit cards are accepted; most staff speak English. It might be necessary to change trains (only once) at Mannheim, Stuttgart, or Frankfurt Central Station, but it is still likely to be faster than the bus. One-way prices: Frankfurt €24.50 (ICE), Stuttgart €26 (IC) €38 (ICE).
If you don't like trains, but prefer to see the German Autobahn, Lufthansa provides a shuttle bus from Frankfurt to Heidelberg for €23 one way and €42 round trip. If you have a Lufthansa Ticket, you get €2 discount.
Frankfurt-Hahn (IATA: HHN) - An airport in the middle of the beautiful green mountains of Hunsrück is a major hub for low-cost carrier Ryanair and also served by Wizzair. The Hahn Express bus is no longer operational. The best transportation from Flughafen Frankfurt Hahn Airport (HHN) to Heidelberg, Mannheim, Ludwigshafen, and Alzey, is now by bus to Mainz or Frankfurt Airport and then continue by train.
Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden (IATA: FKB) - an airport served by Ryanair and a number of other low-cost carriers and charter flights. There are bus connections between the airport and Heidelberg Hbf; the trip takes less than 2 hours and the ticket price starts from €5 if purchased in advance (as of 2016) [1].
The main train station Heidelberg Hbf is located in the western part of the city, from there you can take a tram to any place downtown e.g. Bismarckplatz (taxis are not recommended as they are far more expensive than trams!) Check for connections to "Heidelberg Bismarckplatz" on German Railway Website [2]
For most long-distance destinations it is useful to take the regional train to nearby Mannheim Hbf (S-Bahn, about 15 minutes), from where there are frequent direct high-speed connections to all major cities in Germany and some places in the nearby countries (e.g. Paris, Zurich, Amsterdam).
Taking slow trains will be much cheaper on a Saturday or Sunday, especially if you have a five-person group ticket, "Schönes Wochenende", for €42 total or every day "Länderticket Baden-Württemberg" for € 22 - 38 total.
DeinBus.de is offering a bus to heidelberg from Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Cologne and many other cities. Tickets start at €9 one way and can be purchased directly from the driver.
The city runs a small but rather effective system of trams and buses. The two most important nodal points are the main station and Bismarckplatz. Bus #32 and #33 connect the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) with the old city area; detailed maps, schedules, and routes can be found online. A mountain railway runs between four stations (including the castle), linking the old city on the level of the river with the summit of the Königstuhl Mountain, about 400m (1312 feet) above the city.
Taxi service is available in Heidelberg. There is a taxi stand in the main train station. You can also hail a taxi in the street. Taxi fare in Heidelberg is 2.80 EUR flag fall plus 2.50 EUR per kilometer. The kilometer price decreases for long-distance rides.
The "Heidelberg Card," a tourist pass that includes public transportation, many museums, and the lower section of the mountain railway (a separate fare is required for the upper section), can be bought at the tourist information center located just outside the main station.
Heidelberg's bike rental system works well. Up to four bikes may be rented from a Kiosk in central locations around the city. It cost two euros an hour. Bikes can be returned at any location throughout the city. Kiosks near busy transit hubs like the train or bus lines tend to rent out of bicycles more quickly than interior Kiosks located off the beaten path.
While tours and tour guides are available in German and English, you should plan ahead if you are visiting on a Sunday. English language guides are very hard to find them.
Altstadt (historical city centre) and Hauptstraße (main street). The Hauptstrasse leads from Bismarckplatz across the old town. Approximately one mile in length, it is reputedly the longest pedestrian shopping street in Germany.
Castle: an audio guide tour of the castle and its grounds is available for a fee near the entrance. It is available in several languages, including English. One can also take the guided tour that gives you access to the interiors of the castle not available otherwise. There is also a statue of the German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in the castle gardens. Currently covered with unsightly scaffolding [Sept 2012] but this is very normal.
Heiligenberg mountain which boasts a wonderful view over the old town.
Heiligenberg the remnants of a wall ancient Celts built to keep Germanic tribes out, the Heidenloch, a deep well with unknown origins, and the ruins of a 10th-century cloister.
Heiliggeistkirche church is only one of many large and small churches, but definitely the one with the most interesting history. During the dark ages, it was the shelter of the Bibliotheca Palatina, Germany's oldest library. The Bibliotheca was stolen and brought to Rome but eventually returned in pieces. Today, parts of it can be visited in the University Library (also the oldest and probably the most valuable of its kind in Germany), which is situated close to the old university.
Jesuitenkirche has 1712 Baroque construction with modern touches inside.
Kurpfälzisches Museum on the Hauptstraße contains interesting exhibits of items from Heidelberg's pre-history to modern times.
Old university on Universitätsplatz in the old city and the adjacent old armory which is now a student cafeteria (but also open to the public).
Philosophenweg (walking path) which can be found on the northern side of the city. It provides a wonderful view across the oldest part of the city. Here you can find the site of the famous Merian Stich (engraving) which is a popular illustration of Heidelberg.
Thingstätte on top of Heiligenberg (an open-air theatre built by the Nazi regime in 1934 to host propaganda events)
You can get a great view of the Heiliggeistkirche, Old Town, and the Neckar river bridge from the castle (Schloss Heidelberg).
There are also many progressive culture hubs, including the famous Karlstorbahnhof in the east-end of the old city.
Königstuhl-Mountain, 568m (1560 ft) high, 450m (1480 ft) above Heidelberg, is a nice option to escape the hustle and bustle of Heidelberg downtown. The mountain top of Königstuhl offers a nice view over Heidelberg and the Rhine Valley. In good weather conditions you can see the Northern Black Forest. The same funicular railway that carries visitors to the castle continues to the mountain top. You will have to change trains once -- the final one to the top is a historical wooden funicular train. (A separate fare is required for the historical funicular.) On the top you can have a look at the more-than-100-year-old engine that just pulled you up. (No worries -- made in Germany!)
If you feel more energetic, you can take the Himmelsleiter (Heaven's Ladder or Sky Ladder) -- a stairway of 1200 steps winding up 270m (890 ft) up to Königstuhl. It ends 10m east of the mountain top funicular station. The lower end of stairs is just above the castle, but a bit hidden - ask locals or look it up on this map.
BBQ & Beer - On sunny summer days the "Neckarwiese" ('Neckar meadow', northern bank of Neckar river, just west of Bismarckplatz) is full of people relaxing in the sun, having a Barbecue or a beer... This place also offers a nice view to the castle. You will have to bring your own grill, beer and steaks. Cheap grills to use once are availible at the "Bauhaus" do-it-youself store at Kurfürsten-Anlage 11, just 200m south of Bismarckplatz. Nice way to mix with locals.
Snacks: Along the Hauptstrasse, which runs through the centre of town, you will find several bakeries that serve local specialities including “Brezeln” (pretzels). Department stores have a nice selection of delicatessen stalls called “Markthallen” where you can eat everything on the spot.
Many of the cafes in Heidelberg set up outside tables when the weather is fair, and these are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. A popular destination for summer cafe beer sipping and lounging is the Marktplatz, which is adjacent to the Heiliggeistkirche.
Meals: The Haupstrasse is plentiful with an amazing variety of restaurants. Dishes tend to be served in large portions, relatively inexpensive and of good quality. You can find something for almost every taste including Japanese, Indian, Italian, Chinese, German and Bavarian. American fast food and "Döner" restaurants cater to the budget conscious and late-night crowds.
Mensa im Marstallhof Maybe the most beautiful University Canteen in Germany, offering food and beer at low prices in a historic building and a Beer Garden!. Everybody is welcome, Open till late...
Sunisas Thai Imbiss, Speyerer Straße 1, 69115 Heidelberg, [0] 6221 / 6555533: if you want a change from German food: an authentic, tasty Thai diner and takeaway with reasonable prices. It also has terrace, pool tables and cocktails. Open at 11am till late at night.
Korean/Sushi restaurant, Heiliggeiststraße 3, close to the Marktplatz, next to the Hotel zum Rathaus, a seemingly little-known, but great sushi place (also serves Korean food).
Zum Goldenen Anker, Rungenweg, [0] 6221 / 4862
Elia, Promenadeplatz, [0] 6221 / 7820
Turmstube, Schützenstr. , [0] 6221 / 20114
Kashmir, Strasse, [0] 6221 / 20719
Rizo, Lorchheimer-Str, [0] 6221 / 8801
Eatery, Breisacherstr. , [0] 6221 / 10079
Nabucco, Eichenweg, [0] 6221 / 18191
Perazza, Buschkoppel, [0] 6221 / 7234
Roter Ochs, Kumlbacher Str., [0] 6221 / 6528
Die Eselin, Aberlestraße , [0] 6221 / 13489
Bierhelder Hof, Schönfeldstrasse , [0] 6221 / 811
Kao Kao, Haupstr, [0] 6221 / 14012
Falafel, Heugasse . Serves lebanese cuisine with good vegetarian options.
BrunnenStube (Restaurant BrunnenStube), Kranichweg 15 (see website for directions), ☎ [0] 6221 734222, [x]. Mon.-Sat. from 17:00, closed Sundays and some public holidays;. Nice restaurant with modern German cuisine and moderate prices. Great fish, lamb and many seasonal specials. Located to the west of Heidelberg's centre in a living area. Patio dining in summer.Main course from 7.90 EUR to 18.90 EUR.
Indian Palace (Indian Palace), Karlsruher Straße 74, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany.
More than 300 bars, pubs, clubs, discotheques and the like, from Bavarian-style tourist restaurants with deer antlers on the walls to extremely left-wing student bars which reserve the right to refuse police officers entry to the bar. You name it. Find your place and enjoy yourself. Heidelberg knows no curfew. Most bars close at 1am, but especially the students bars are often open until the early morning. Although the locals -- even the police officers -- are used to drunk tourists as well as to drunk students, please be calm on your way home and do not riot. As a remnant of the student revolts, Heidelberg has the largest ratio of policemen per capita and you may find yourself in the arms of an officer much faster than you think.
If you are a young person and happen to discover one of the student parties (which are quite numerous but advertised mostly by word-of-mouth), you scored the jackpot. Get inside, get a (dirt cheap) beer and have fun. But try and avoid being recognized as a tourist. No party ends before 3am and many run until 6 or 7am. Either Untere Straße or the Zieglers (Heidelbergs oldest students' bar) are frequently crowded with students.
Old Bridge
Wines are produced around Heidelberg (e.g. Schriesheim, Wiesloch), but it might be difficult to get hold of them - unless you simply go to a vineyard... When you buy wine, always a safe bet is a Riesling from Pfalz or some white wine from Baden instead, or try any of the numerous wines from other German wine regions.
Vineyards Vineyards are usually located in the middle of small towns along Bergstraße (Highway B3). Fruit farmers sell wine right on their farm e.i. vineyard - make sure you also ask for Apple Wine (Hesse specialty) and New Wine (wine still in process of fermentation - sold from the barrel, bring a canister!) which you can sometimes drink in some 'wine-beergarden' right on site. Take a tram (5/5R) northbound to any place between Schriesheim and Lützelsachsen or a local train (S3/S4) southbound to Wiesloch - or (even better, if you have the time) S1 or S2 to Neustadt, where you will find yourself in an endless landscape of vine stocks.
Next to the Old Bridge, there are two small breweries: The Kulturbrauerei[3] in the Leyergasse and Vetter's Brauhaus in the Steingasse. Vetter's is famous for having one of the strongest beers in the world (Vetter 33).
Mensa im Marstallhof Maybe the most beautiful University Canteen in Germany and maybe also Heidelberg's cheapest Beer Garden. Serving Welde-Beer (the Beer with screwed bottle necks and answering any question... ) Everybody is welcome, Open till late...
If you want to mix with the locals, try the Untere Strasse, which runs between the Hauptstrasse and the river, parallel to both. It is packed with the student bars, including the crowded:
Großer Mohr. Small but highly recommended. Tuesday night the odds are high to find the Mohr besieged by medical students. Thursdays are also Ladies Night, where girls receive free Sekt, making it a popular destination leading up to the weekend.
Sonderbar. The latter boasts a huge collection of absinthe, whiskeys, and whisky, as well as a very distinctive atmosphere.
Destille[4]. There is a tree in in the center of the establishment.
O'Reillys, [5]. An Irish pub north of the river, just over the bridge from Bisi (Bismarckplatz).
Dubliner A good Irish pub at the center of Heidelberg Mainstreet (Downtown)
Ham Ham's A great place to chill, drink, and smoke.
Nektar A very relaxed and chill place to enjoy a drink and party
B.J.Z. Bar Great place to party in Emmertsgrund, its a B.Y.O.A. (Bring your own alcohol) and you can crash anywhere in the house
Heidelberg Castle Cellar The cellar in the castle, where you get to see the Heidelberg Tun, also sells local Wines. Be sure to taste the Eiswein they have.
If you are looking for coffee rather than alcohol, Star Coffee[6] has two branches, one off Bismarckplatz and the other on the Hauptstrasse, serving a variety of coffees and offering free WiFi access. Fewer computers but more style are found in the two Moro Cafes[7], directly at the Alte Brücke and one on the Hauptstraße.
Recently, most pubs close much earlier in the night, even on the weekends at around 2am. Just move to one of the numerous clubs, which usually have no entrance fee this late at night.
Jugendherberge Heidelberg International, Tiergartenstrasse 5, 69120 Heidelberg, ☎ +49 6221 65119-0 ([email protected]). checkin: 13:00; checkout: 10:00. Large, well maintained hostel, located next to the zoo on the eastern bank of the Neckar River, 25min walk away from the central rail station. Public transportation: take bus 32 from central rail station towards north (Sportzentrum Nord), get off at Jugendherberge stop. Dorms from €24.00 including breakfast and linen, various concession apply. Pre-booking recommended. Towels can be rented from the reception for additional €2.>
Steffi's Hostel Heidelberg, Alte Eppelheimer Str. 50 (Just walk straight out of the station and cross the big street and the tram rails in front of you. On the other side there's a modern building, where you enter a shopping arcade (Kurfürstenpassage – Jack Wolfskin / Backpacker Store). Again you walk straight ahead through the passage and leave it on the opposite side. From the exit you can already see a big brick stone building in front of you. Here on the third floor above the Lidl supermarket, Steffi's Hostel Heidelberg is situated.), ☎ +49 (0)6221/7782772 ([email protected]), [x]. checkin: 10am - 1pm and 5pm - 8pm; checkout: until 12. Dorms from €20, everything included.
Hotel ISG, [x]. Hotel ISG is located in the suburb of Boxberg is about a 15 minute taxi ride from central Heidelberg. Fitted out in the Bauhaus style the rooms are comfortable enough (and the bathrooms are excellent) but there is nothing to do in Boxberg.If you are visiting the EMBL, however, it is very convenient, as a free shuttle runs from the hotel to the institute.
Hotel Restaurant Scheid. Hotel Restaurant Scheid is a nice, quiet, reasonably priced hotel in the suburb of Schriesheim, a short tram ride north of Heidelberg. Schriesheim is built on a hill so if you are hitting the clubs, don't forget about the late 30 min. night walk up the hill from the tram stop (Schriesheim Bahnhof) to Hotel Scheid. Phone +49 (0)6203 6050.
The Ritter, Hauptstraße 178, ([email protected]), [x]. The Ritter is the oldest building (1592) in Heidelberg that has outlasted all fires and wars that have haunted the city over the times. It can get a little noisy considering its location directly at the heart of the Altstadt. Also a picturesque photo opportunity.
Hip Hotel, Hauptstrasse 115, [x]. This was revamped in 2005 as a boutique hotel. Each room is modeled after a famous city, the most interesting room being the Zermatt (for Heidi and skiing fans).
Hotel Neu Heidelberg, [x]. Hotel Neu Heidelberg is located in the west of Heidelberg's center. Recommendable 3 star hotel with lovely restaurant, nice breakfast buffet, terrace, garden, wlan, bicycles for guests, free parking, various int. tv channels, etc. Easily reachable by car and public transportation.
NH Hotel Heidelberg, [x]. Located about 1km west of the edge of the Altstadt, situated in an old brewery. However its been totally renovated and fitted out in a modernist decor, all glass, wood floors and exposed metal. Some of the rooms are very pleasant, though the ones overlooking the main road can be noisy. Food in the bar is disappointing.
Crowne Plaza, [x]. A fairly standard anonymous business hotel is located just off Bismarckplatz. Rooms near the lifts can be extremely noisy, so are best avoided.
Holiday Inn Heidelberg, Pliekartsfoerster Strasse 101, (toll free: 0800 181 6068), [x]. checkin: 15:00; checkout: 11:00. Standard hotel that's about 5km outside of the centre of Heidelberg. Amenities include a sauna and gym. Internet access comes at a hefty minimum price of €10 for 60 minutes or €17 for 24 hours if travellers are only looking to browse. For business users, it's even more expensive. €198 +.
Holländer Hof Heidelberg Hotel, Neckarstaden 66, ☎ +49 6221 60500, [x]. The hotel has a unique view of the Neckar River and the Philosopher´s Walk. It is located in the middle of the historical old city centre, just opposite the Old Bridge. The famous Heidelberg castle, as well as all sights of Heidelberg can be reached within a few walking minutes. The Restaurants and the pedestrian area are located around the corner.
Der Europäischer Hof, [x]. Located just on the edge of the Altstadt Der Europäischer Hof a classic privately owned five star hotel. Pleasant atmosphere and attentive staff. Most of the rooms look out over the courtyard and are therefore admirably quiet. Since 1865 Europäischer Hof has been a home from home for cultivated travelers in search of timeless traditional charm, atmosphere, and service. The name of the establishment stands for all that is best in European hotel culture and for exceptional standards of service. Official listings have rated the hotel as the finest hotel in Heidelberg and in the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region. The hotel is a Certified Business Hotel, Certified Conference Hotel, and certified as conforming to the pharma code. Accordingly, they have everything you expect of a professional business hotel.
Hirschgasse Heidelberg, Hirschgasse 3 - 69120 Heidelberg, ☎ +49 6221 4540, [x]. checkin: 3 PM; checkout: 12 AM. The Hirschgasse is the oldest Hotel of Heidelberg and the oldest student dwelling house of Germany. It was first mentioned in a love story in 1472 and is nestled in a little side valley of a select residential area opposite the Heidelberg castle. An impressive walk along the River Neckar will take you to the Altstadt on the other side of the river. Mark Twain wrote about this in his book "A Tramp Abroad." The rooms are all unique and will delight Laura Ashley fans and the ones seeking a good shot of authentic romantic ambiance. It comes along with two restaurants: the historic Mensurstube with regional dishes and over 250 year old tables, even Count Otto von Bismarck carved his name into. The elegant Le Gourmet is a classic French restaurant with attentive but yet uncomplicated service and will delight your credit cards with a good value for a swipe. A vineyard only a stone's throw away from the hotel "Sunnyside upon the Bridge" provides a good local Riesling or Late Burgundy.from 125 to 335.
Heidelberg is an extremely safe city (even by German standards). However, women walking alone at night should take the usual precautions they would do anywhere else. Walking along the northern Neckar banks at night would not be advised, except in groups, particularly by the Studentenwohnheime (dorms). The shrubs are thick and it is very dark.
Usually, there won't be any problem. If you are a bit 'paranoid' you can take a Taxi. If you are from New York, you might think they are cheap - if you are from East-Europe or Asia you will feel like they are ripping you off... use as needed. There are also "Frauentickets" available for women, you can buy these coupons for 8€ and they will cover the fare for anywhere in the city.
Don't walk on bicycle lanes (they are often painted in red, but always separated from the pedestrian lanes by a white line): Heidelberg has more cyclists than motorists, and many of them have a rather cavalier way of riding. The southern parallel street to Hauptstrasse (called Plöck) is the main traffic channel for student cyclists between Bismarkplatz and University Square. During the day it can be such a buzz, it's already a sight worth visiting. But watch out: Many cyclists feel safe from the tourists there and lose all their good manners.
Heidelberg is a charming and lively town by itself. If you have more time and feel like exploring, there are some nice small towns around Heidelberg which can make great day trips by the regional train which runs parallel to the Neckar river. Some of the towns like Neckargemund, Eberbach, Mosbach etc. are great locations to spend a day.
Bertha Benz Memorial Route - Follow the tracks of the world's first automobile journey (Mannheim - Pforzheim - Mannheim) back in 1888, leading right through Heidelberg
Weinheim - A small city between Darmstadt and Heidelberg
Dilsberg / Neckarsteinach - has four small castles in a row. Dillsburg's castle has a well which is accessible by a tunnel. Neckarsteinach's railway station is 20 mins away taking the S1 or S2 train from Hauptbahnhof or Karlstorbahnhof. From there it is a 5 km walk on a forest trail to Dilsberg, a medieval village with a town wall. The Dilsberg youth hostel is in the old city gate.
This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!
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