Popular Tourist Attractions in Heidelberg
Beautiful old bridges, quaint riverside location, and castle ruins make Heidelberg one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. The city is full of historic sites and attractions and draws millions of visitors each year. It’s also one of the warmest places in Germany.
If you are planning to visit Heidelberg, ask your travel agency to include all these places in your travel agency tour packages.
Hauptstrasse and the Altstadt (Old Town)
You can start exploring this beautiful city from here. The narrow alleys and streets are just waiting to be explored. You will find grand old churches, unspoiled medieval architecture, and many boutique shops, cafés, galleries, and restaurants. The Church of the Holy Ghost, and a Renaissance building dating from 1592, are the highlights. There are many more places worth visiting. Heidelberg Christmas Market is quite popular all around the world. It is so huge that it fills three city squares. If you are visiting Heidelberg during winter, be sure to sample the Xmas delights.
Heidelberg Castle
You can reach the 16th century Heidelberg Castle by taking a walk from the old town. You can also reach the castle, an epitome of Renaissance architecture, via the mountain railway. Many concerts, theatrical performances, festivals, and firework displays are held in its courtyard.
Heidelberg University
You can see the Old University dating back to 1711 as well as the former Student Prison, Karzer. The New University was built in 1928–31. Nearby, you’ll find the splendidly stored University Library in Grabengasse, whose main fortune is the Manessische Handschrift, an illuminated document of medieval songs that was written in the 14th century.
Karl Theodor Bridge
Karl Theodor Bridge, also known as the Old Bridge, was built in 1788 and is named after the man who designed and built its famous red sandstone arches. Apart from its exquisite architecture the view from the bridge is breathtaking.
The Philosophers’ Walk
This wonderful pathway runs along the side of Heiligenberg, and is where the university’s philosophers would walk. You can also see ruins of the Monastery of St. Michael built in 11th-century, and the next-door amphitheatre that belongs to the Nazi-era.
Konigstuhl — The King’s Seat
King’s Seat, situated just seven kilometres from Heidelberg, is an excellent place to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Heidelberg. It offers spectacular views of the Rhine Valley. You can use the Heidelberg Mountain Railway to access the summit.
Schloss Schwetzingen
Built as the summer residence of the Electors of the Palatinate, Schwetzingen is famous for its stunning 18th century palace. Today, it is well known for its lovely gardens and summer concerts. Spread over 180 acres, Schlossgarten contains a number of 18th-century buildings. Guided tours are available if you are ready to shell out a small additional cost. It will be great if you can plan your visit during the Schwetzingen Festival, which starts in the last week of April and is on till mid-June. There will be opera, choral, symphonic, and chamber concerts, as well as dance performances and recitals.