Going to Germany, but not sure if you should add Heidelberg to your list? Known as one of the most beautiful places in the country, Heidelberg is well worth a visit. As you explore, you will be stepped back in time on cobblestone medieval streets, with beautiful buildings in multiple colors. With a fascinating history and hiking trails, Heidelberg should be added to your list.
Still need a reason to go? Check out our list below:
Key Takeaways
- Heidelberg is a unique city in terms of architecture. The roads date back to the medieval times, while the houses are from the Baroque era. This juxtaposition gives Heidelberg a unique look.
- Heidelberg has the oldest univeristy in Germany and one of the oldest in Europe. The university is a really interesting place to visit and even has its own student prison. Plus – You can still study here today!
- Heidelberg has a castle you can visit. Be sure to check out the Schlossbeleuchtung (Illumination of the Castle) for great views of this structure and fireworks.
- Heidelberg is really walkable, with pedestrian only zones, making it a great place to check out restaurants, shopping, and bars.
- There are numerous hiking trails, so you can get great views of the city. Our recommendation is to check out Philosophenweg.
1. Beautiful & Unique
Heidelberg is a city known for its beauty and its unique aesthetic. The roads date to the medieval period, while the buildings are in a Baroque style. The juxtaposition of these components creates something that is truly unique to Heidelberg.
If it weren’t for the two fires that took place during the Nine Years’ War, Heidelberg wouldn’t have this unique look. Most of the city had to be rebuilt, and the resulting style is what we see today.
Downtown Heidelberg
2. Interesting History
Heidelberg has a long and complicated history, with many famous scientists, writers, and philosophers having lived here. Below are some key points:
- Oldest University in Germany: Heidelberg University opened its doors in 1386. You can take a tour of the college and even explore the student prison (yes, that’s a thing).
- Inspiration for Writers and Artists: Writers such as Mark Twain spent time here. He eventually wrote A Tramp Abroad, which inspired Americans to visit Germany.
- The Bunsen Burner: Robert Bunsen, who worked at Heidelberg University, created the Bunsen Burner. You can see his name in the Alte Aula (on your university tour). However, notice that his name is really small. Apparently, they forgot to put his name up, even though he is rather famous.
- Philosophers: Philosophers, such as Hegel, spent a good amount of time in Heidelberg. This is why the most hiking trail is called Philosopher’s Way.
The student prison
3. It Has Its Own Castle
The construction of the Heidelberg Castle began in the 13th century and continued into the Renaissance. Much like the rest of the city, it is a combination of different styles of art that have influenced Heidelberg. Today, it towers above the city and can be seen throughout the Altstadt (Old City).
Pro Tip: The Schlossbeleuchtung (or lighting of the castle) is a really beautiful event that takes place twice a year. They light up the castle and have fireworks. We recommend going to the old bridge to watch the fireworks.
The castle
4. Walkable
Heidelberg isn’t a very big city, and if you are staying downtown, most of the sites are within walking distance or just a short bus ride away.
Pro Tip: If you do drive to Heidelberg, most of the downtown is pedestrian-only, which can make it hard to get your bags to the hotel. Luckily, if you are traveling with a discount airline, like RyanAir, and have only brought a backpack, this shouldn’t be a problem.
5. Untouched by World War II
Heidelberg is one of the few cities in Germany that was untouched by the bombings of the Second World War. As a result, it was one of the few cities that didn’t have to be rebuilt after.
6. Fun Nightlife
Heidelberg nightlife is a lot of fun and filled with a ton of cool bars. For a short trip, we recommend going to Untere Strasse. This is a popular street located in the historic downtown, which is lined with some of the most popular places in the city. If you are looking for a night of dancing, we recommend Halle 002 or Villa Nachtanz.
7. Hiking Trails
Heidelberg is inundated with hiking trails to explore. The most famous ones are:
- Philosophenweg (Philosopher’s Way): This is located on the other side of the river from the historic downtown, with beautiful views of the city below. If you make it all the way to the top, you will also see some historic sites, such as a World War II amphitheater and a 16th-century monastery.
- Koenigsstuhl: This is located on the same side as the castle, but goes further up.
View from Philosopher’s Way
8. Magical Christmas Market
Christmas is one of the best times of year to visit Germany due to the holiday market, and Heidelberg has a particularly beautiful one. There is a reason Hallmark chose the Heidelberg Christmas Market for one of its holiday movies!
Located in the historic part of the city, with views of the castle, it’s a truly magical experience. You can go ice skating, browse the shops, or sample a hot wine (Glühwein).
9. Good Location
Heidelberg is only located one hour outside of Frankfurt by train, making it really easy to get to from Germany’s largest airport. Additionally, if you are planning to go to areas such as the Black Forest or Stuttgart, you’ll likely pass through anyway.
Germany is a great place to visit anyway, if you are doing a full European trip, since it is located in the middle of the continent, making it easy and cheap to travel across the rest of Europe.
10. The Neckar
The Neckar crosses through the city, making it a perfect place to catch a boat cruise, especially if you are visiting Germany in July or August. You can also visit the Neckarwiese, which lines the river. This green lawn is perfect for picnics and to enjoy nice weather.
The Neckar
11. World-Renowned Language Program
As noted above, Heidelberg is a big university town, and it also has a lot of international students. As a result, they have one of the best programs for learning German as a second language. If you’re a college student who is looking to find people to travel with, partaking in a language course is a great way to do so!
Final Thoughts
Heidelberg is an amazing town and well worth a visit. Have you been before? If so, leave your favorite sites in the comments below.
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