Heidelberg is truly one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and will spellbind you from the moment you drive towards it from the other side of the Neckar river. Located in southwest Germany in the region of Baden-Württemberg, this charming city is surrounded by steep hills and stunning nature, underscored by a winding river and dominated by a castle ruin. It has no less than four breweries and lacks nothing viticulturally either, as it’s near the Pfalz, the second largest wine region in Germany.

It’s an absolute delight to wander the streets of the old town and enjoy the historical atmosphere and the architecture, that ranges from Medieval and Renaissance to Baroque and Jugendstil – the German Art Nouveau. The fact, that Germany’s oldest university has been here since 1386, not only provides the city with some marvelous buildings, but with a youthful air as well.

Above the old town, the old castle ruin in red stone towers amidst green forest-clad hills and makes it one of the most romantic cities in Europe.

Let this romantic intellectual enchant you:

Heidelberg castle

Coat of Arms on Heidelberg Town Hall

View to castle from “Alte Brücke” – Old Bridge

“Alte Brücke” leads to the “Altstadt” – the old town

The twin tower gate at the end of the bridge is called “Brückentor”

View to “Brückentor” from “Altstadt”

The famous “Brückenaffe” (Bridge monkey) that every tourist want a photo of

Some “Brückenaffe” are more fun than others!

The “Heiligengeistkirche” towers in front of you as you enter the “Altstadt”

There are always a group of tourists doing a tour of Heidelberg!

View to Heidelberg castle from “Karlsplatz”

You can even do a Segway tour through Heidelberg!

Karlsplatz

“Herkulesbrunnen” – Hercules fountain in front of the Town Hall

“Hotel Zum Ritter St. Georg” is a wonderful Renaissance building next to “Heiliggeistkirche”

“Hotel Zum Ritter St. Georg”

“Kornmarkt” has a lovely view to the castle

One of the many university buildings

“Friedrich-Ebert-Platz”, named after Germany’s first president from 1919 to 1925, who was born in Heidelberg

“Jesuitenkirche”

The wonderful University Library in Art Nouveau style – or “Jugendstil” as it’s called in Germany

Old book from the University library

The former buildings of “Heidelberger Brauerei” in Bergheim

View from the pedestrianised “Hauptstrasse” in “Altstadt”

Art Nouveau – or “Jugendstil” details from “Kongresshaus” by the river

Another Art Nouveau – or “Jugendstil” detail

Beautiful twin doorway in the “Altstadt”

There are many whimsical signposts all over the city

The so-called “Marstall” houses dining hall and café for university students and visitors

The many students provide Heidelberg with a youthful air

View from one of the many charming streets in “Altstadt”

Martin Luther also visited Heidelberg in 1518

Martin Luther visited “Heiligengeistkirche” to defend his thesis

Many shops are leaning to the “Heiligengeistkirche”

Many residential buildings are marvellous mini-castles

View to Neckar river

The panoramic walkway “Philosophenweg” on the other side of the river has the most amazing views to the castle and old town

Most signposts invite you inside to drink or dine

And there are plenty of good cafés and breweries to choose from!

One of our favourite places is the historic restaurant “Zum Seppl”

Good music and good company. Heidelberg has it all!

If you want to know more About Germany or learn some Useful Information, check out those pieces.

More info:

• Heidelberg Tourist Office website
• Baden-Württemberg Tourism website
• Heidelberg on Wikipedia

Learn more