Philosophers' Walk - Philosophenweg

There's a place in Heidelberg where you are able to enjoy the unique combination of nature, city and castle at its best. Philosophers' Walk ... inspiring musicians to create songs and poets to write verses. You can reach this famous path by passing Schlangenweg (Snake's path), which contains a steep incline starting at the northern end of the Old Bridge. After ascending 500 meters you will be rewarded with an amazing view over Heidelberg and the Neckar valley. But not only the view is remarkable, you will be surprised by a mild climate and exotic plants, too. Bamboo, palm trees, pines, lemon trees and American cypresses, just to mention a few. In spring time you can even marvel at a pomegranate tree being in bloom. But until now it didn´t bear fruits because the climate isn't mild enough for it.

Not the famous philosophers were responsible for the name of this path, it was probably a creation of students. They discovered this place and used it for taking a walk or having romantic dates.

More places of interest near by the Philosphers' Walk are: Philosophengärtchen, Eichendorffanlage, Bismarckturm (an observation tower), the memorial stones for Liselotte aus der Pfalz and the poet Friedrich Hölderlin, as well as the Meriankanzel and Merianblick (Merian´s View).

Tip: In summertime you should visit Philosphers' Walk in the morning or early evening to avoid hot temperatures. A very lovely sunset is another reason for choosing the evening time. In this special light the city and castle are looking like on a beautiful painting.