Things to do in

Heidelberg

Learn about all aspects of the human body through unique exhibits at the amazing BODY WORLDS Museum. Visit the permanent collection created by plastinator Dr. Gunther von Hagens and curator Dr. Angelina Whalley and explore the human anatomy. Examine organ functions, questions about health, and the interesting Anatomy of Happiness exhibition that examines what makes is content. Track your own happiness at interactive stations and understand the wonderful complexity of your inner world. Marvel at the precise and scientifically focused preparation of the plastinates, and enjoy their aesthetically pleasing, creative, and often delightfully whimsical presentation.

Look behind the scenes of Heidelberg! If you want to discover the exciting, romantic, funny and always entertaining stories Heidelberg has to offer, join this guided tour of the old town and learn more from the qualified guides. Enchanting alleys and squares, small gardens that pop up unexpectedly, museums and galleries: Heidelberg’s old town has many facets. This tour will breathe life into the city’s past, adding rich detail to the contours of today’s city. Whether it is the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Jesuitenviertel, Germany’s oldest university with its Students’ Prison, or other sightseeing attractions: every place of interest in the old town has a unique ambiance and history well worth immersing yourself in for a few minutes. The tour also passes along the main street, one of the longest pedestrian zones in Europe. Many detours into the alleyways of the old town confirm the truth of the old saying “you only truly learn about the countryside by taking the back roads.”

Discover the city of Heidelberg with one card: entrance tickets to Heidelberg Castle, a cable car ride to the castle, free use of public transport, and many discount and special offers are included! All HeidelbergCARD options include many discounts. Whether it is for tours, culture, museums, restaurants, or shopping – with the HeidelbergCARD you can enjoy the city even more! With the card you can also use public transport for free. The HeidelbergCARD allows you to ride on the city’s VRN metro buses, trams, and authorized trains - 2nd-class seats on Deutsche Bahn: Regional-Express, Regionalbahn, and S-Bahn - in the greater Heidelberg area, or “Wabe 125” fare zone, during the period shown.

Enjoy a morning tour to the romantic city of Heidelberg situated on the River Neckar, one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. It's simply magical. Visit the world-famous ruins of Heidelberg Castle, a stunning combination of architectural styles stretching from the Gothic period to the Renaissance. Stroll through the expansive courtyard and admire the views from the imposing terrace. Marvel at one of the largest wine barrels in the world. You then wander through the medieval town center. Here you will see the Old Bridge, the Karlstor, and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Admire the Haus zum Ritter (Knight's house) with its magnificent Renaissance façade and discover the old narrow lanes with their half-timbered houses. Heidelberg is also home to Germany’s oldest university and is full of interesting stories. And if you still have some time to spare, you can philosophize on Philophenweg (Philosophers' Way) or discover the excellent regional wines – the two go together quite nicely.

First enjoy a comfortable bus tour with a certified guide, where you will learn more about the history of the city. Enjoy an unobstructed view of the spectacular Heidelberg Castle. Then, visit the grounds of Heidelberg Palace and admire its beauty up close. See the elegant inner courtyard and the famous Great Heidelberg Tun (wine barrel.) After exploring the castle, ride the funicular railway back to the Old Town.

Make the most out of your visit to Heidelberg with this interactive smartphone app tour. Discover the city as you complete location-based riddles on this walking tour. Walk through the greenery of Bismarckplatz Park and the charming cobbled streets of Heidelberger Altstadt (Old Town). Complete riddles outside attractions to find 10 of the most important sights in the city. Uncover clues at each attraction to find your next destination. Enjoy the challenge of using logic, imagination, observation, and team spirit to finish the game.  Feel the thrill of solving each riddle. Start or pause the tour whenever you want. See the city at your own pace. Find out interesting information and facts about the city. Take the time to snap as many pictures as you want.

Discover Heidelberg and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the old town. In just a few hours you can explore all the historical sights. Learn interesting information and get great insider tips that won’t be found in any guide book – specifically tailored to your wishes. Stroll along one of the longest pedestrian zones in Germany directly through the picturesque old town and admire the magnificent Baroque buildings. See the beautiful Old Bridge and the impressive Church of the Holy Spirit, which once housed a collection of valuable documents. Walk through the former Hortus Palatinus (Garden Palatinate) to Heidelberg Castle ruins. After a detour to Scheffel Terrace with breathtaking views of the city and the Rhine River, you will head to the castle complex itself. Here you can see the largest ever wine barrel and enjoy wine tasting in the castle cellar or visit the Pharmacy Museum in the courtyard.

Enjoy a walk through the former Hortus Palatinus to the Heidelberg Castle ruins. After a walk to Bushel Terrace, boasting views of the city far into the Rhine, you will be guided through the castle complex and down to the wine cellar, where you will find the world's largest wine barrel. For those who fancy a taste, regional wine is available for sampling, or you can go straight to the Pharmacy Museum in the courtyard. Near the Old Bridge over the Neckar River, the impressive castle ruin is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Germany and a major landmark of Heidelberg. The castle was built from the red sandstone of the Neckar Valley in the 13th Century as a fortress and later served as the residence of the Elector of Heidelberg until its destruction in 1689, during the Nine Years' War. Over the centuries it has been rebuilt by various electors and today shows distinct stylistic elements from three periods. Reach the castle by foot or take the cable car from the historical downtown.

Two of southern Germany's most charming communities offer a look at the country's medieval charm. You'll see the romantic city of Heidelberg and the historic town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Your journey begins with a morning tour to Heidelberg. Tour the famous Heidelberg Castle for a look at the long courtyard, the mighty terrace, and one of the largest wine barrels in the world, and then take a walk in the city's medieval center to marvel at the Old Bridge, Karl's Gate, the Church of the Holy Spirit, and the House of the Knights, as well as the oldest university in Germany. Next, follow the Romantic Road into the uplands of Bavaria for a visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved medieval town in Germany. High above the Tauber River valley, the picturesque old lanes and the castle garden give you a look at the elegance of another era. See the wood-carved altar of St. Jakobs Church and marvel at half-timbered houses, the city gates, and the mighty Renaissance Town Hall. In the afternoon, take some leisure time to explore the town on your own. Look for the local delicacy called a "Schneeball," a fried dough ball with many different toppings before you meet your group for your journey back to Frankfurt.

Enjoy a very special walking tour with ghost stories of Heidelberg. Join the Hangman’s Daughter on one of her walks and search for old haunted houses and witches hidings. Hear stories of poltergeists who wreak havoc in town houses, the souls of burned witches, and evil dogs in the darkest corners of the old town. Explore Heidelberg’s romantic old town and learn about dreadful crimes and cruel punishments during the Middle Ages. Find out how an executioner could make a living with his “services” in the old days and get to know the dark side of the town.