Heidelberg Sights

Bismarckplatz

Bismarckplatz in Heidelberg is more than just a hub for city traffic. It is the face of the city, a place of pulsating energy and cultural diversity. Situated on Hauptstraße, one of the city's main arteries, Bismarckplatz connects the old town with the Neuenheim...

Neckarwiese

Places of interest

The Neckarwiese - Heidelbergs green soulHumboldt once said "Nature must be felt", because it was not only him who was so fond of the green. The Neckarwiese is one of the most visited and important places in all of Heidelberg, both ecologically and culturally. But why...

Thingstätte Heidelberg

Places of interest

The Thingstätte is a unique and historically significant open-air theater in Heidelberg. Despite its controversial past associated with Nazi propaganda efforts during World War II, the Thingstätte remains an important and fascinating part of German history and is now a popular tourist destination.

Untere Straße Heidelberg

Places of interest

Untere Straße is located in the heart of Heidelberg’s Old Town and is a must-see for any traveler visiting the area. This old, cobbled street is lined with small stores, and delicious restaurants and cafes. However, Untere Straße is best known for its pubs.

St Michaelskloster Heidelberg

Places of interest

The Michaelskloster in Heidelberg is a beautiful and historic monastery ruin, in the middle of the Heidelberg forest, which is definitely worth a visit.

Königstuhl Heidelberg

Places of interest

The Königstuhl is a mountain in the city of Heidelberg. It is located on the eastern edge of the old town and is the highest point of the city with a height of 570 meters. It is the highest mountain of the small Odenwald and offers an impressive view.

Sternwarte Heidelberg

Places of interest

At the Landessternwarte Heidelberg (LSW) you have the unique opportunity to observe special events like the blood moon or the solar eclipse. Due to the accurate instruments there is a chance to observe the events better.

Heidelberg Bergbahn

Places of interest

What is the Heidelberg Bergbahn?
The Heidelberg Bergbahn is one of the most modern funicular railroads in Germany. By using both mountain railroads, you can enjoy a relaxing ascent to the Königstuhl with a unique view of the Neckar valley.

Hauptstraße Heidelberg

Places of interest

The Hauptstraße Heidelberg is one of the longest pedestrian zones in Europe. With its many historic buildings, it attracts many visitors from all over the world every year.

Church of the Holy Spirit Heidelberg

Places of interest

The Church of the Holy Spirit was first mentioned in the 13th century. The church is located directly in the main street on Heidelberg’s market square.

Heidelberg Sights

Who does not know it from Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart etc. In order to visit the most important sights, you often have to travel from one attraction to the other for several minutes by bus or train. This can be quite annoying on some days, especially during rush hour.

In Heidelberg it is completely different. Of course, Heidelberg is also much smaller than the cities mentioned above, but it is still not to be taken for granted that (almost) everything can be easily reached by foot. The most popular sights of the city are all located in one area, the Old Town of Heidelberg. Whether you want to go to Heidelberg Castle, the Old Bridge, the Church of the Holy Spirit and many other buildings worth seeing, basically everything is within walking distance. And if the ascent to the castle is too exhausting, there is still the mountain railway at the Kornmarkt which is also worth seeing. Thus, the sights of Heidelberg make the sightseeing really easy.

But, of course, there are also some places that one prefers to visit by public transport or by car. Theoretically, they are accessible on foot, but you should plan a little more time for that. For example the Königsstuhl, respectively the viewing area on the mountain, on whose terrace the Heidelberg castle is located. The Philosophers’ Path and the Thingstätte are located on the Neuenheim side of the Neckar and are also a little further away from the popular Old Town, but are definitely worth a visit.

A bit further away from the Old Town, in Schwetzingen, you will also find the Schwetzingen Castle with a beautiful and large castle garden. Especially the blossoming ornamental cherry trees, which are numerous in the castle garden, are worth a trip in spring.

But if you prefer to stay only in Heidelberg, you will also not get bored. Because one could say that the Old Town of Heidelberg is itself one of the sights of Heidelberg. Due to the old houses and monuments that are located alongside the Hauptstraße (main street), the pedestrian zone is truly picturesque. A little tip: one should never forget the branching alleyways while strolling through the Old Town. As often, the small alleyways aside from the busy main street are almost idyllic.

The reason why there are still so many and especially well preserved monuments, houses and other buildings in Heidelberg is that the city was not destroyed in the Second World War. And that as one of a few German cities. As a result, many buildings from the 17th or 18th century are still preserved. Many of Heidelberg’s sights were, however, mentioned much earlier in charters and other documents, such as poems. For example the Heidelberg Castle. Altogether, there are about 3000 buildings in Heidelberg that are listed as historical monuments. This means that no matter where you look, there is actually something to see on every corner.

Not to be forgotten are the museums and of course the Heidelberg Theatre and the Heidelberg Zoo. For example, you will find the central German Pharmacy Museum in the Heidelberg Castle and the Kurpfälzische Museum, as well as the Museum Studentenkarzer in the streets of the Old Town. The Heidelberg Theatre, (or Heidelberg Theatre and Orchestra) has several venues in the Old Town and beyond. In addition to drama, the theatre also offers concerts, music theatre, theatre for children and young people and its own dance section.

Conclusion

So if you are in Heidelberg for a visit, you will definitely not get bored. If you visit Heidelberg for the first time, the most famous sights should definitely be visited, and a visit to the theatre can also be a recommendation for visitors who are interested in theatre.