Heidelberg Castle Tours

Heidelberg Castle showing a ruin and tranquil scenes
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This ruined Renaissance castle stands majestically on a hilltop and presents incredible views of the Neckar Valley from its beautiful garden.

Heidelberg Castle (Schloss Heidelberg) is imperious, mystical and romantic all at the same time. It stands over Heidelberg’s Old Town and the Neckar Valley on the lower slopes of Königstuhl hill. Enjoy views of the city and valley from the pristine garden, peruse a sculpture collection, see an enormous wine barrel and watch a spectacular light show. Heidelberg Castle dates back to the 1300s. Its many buildings showcase the evolution of German architecture.

Enter via the Schlosshof courtyard and come face-to-face with the richly decorated Friedrich Building. Gaze at the sculptures of the former German kings and emperors of the Holy Roman Empire that adorn the façade. More sculptures festoon the Ottheinrich Building, one of the earliest examples of German Renaissance architecture. In the basement is the German Pharmacy Museum, where curious exhibits chart the history of pharmacy.

Go to the Large Alton balcony and look down on the Barrel Building, notable for its Gothic-style windows. Contemplate the enormity of the 34,000-gallon (130,000-liter) wine barrel stored in the building’s cellar. Wine was often pumped directly from the barrel to the adjacent Ladies’ Room Building and King’s Hall ballroom during royal events.

Stroll around the Hortus Palatinus, the glorious castle garden commissioned in the 1600s by Prince Elector Friedrich V. It features multilevel terraces surrounded by balustrades, tree-lined lawns, ornamental fountains and ruined columns. Pause to admire the views across Heidelberg’s rooftops and the verdant Neckar Valley.

Time your visit to coincide with the Schlossbeleuchtung light and fireworks show. It takes place on three days in June, July and September and commemorates the three fires that damaged the castle.

Reach the castle by walking along Burgwerg, a path that leads uphill from Kornmarkt Square. Alternatively ride the Bergbahn funicular train.

Heidelberg Castle is open daily, except for select public holidays. The site has an admission fee. Guided tours and audio guides in English are available for a fee. Access the castle’s interior by guided tour only.

Plan a trip to see Heidelberg Castle

Melia Frankfurt City
Hotel Frankfurt Messe affiliated by Meliá
INNSiDE by Meliá Frankfurt Ostend
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Reviews of Heidelberg Castle

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
116
" "5 - Excellent 78.91156462585035%
4 - Good
28
" "4 - Good 19.047619047619047%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 1.3605442176870748%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0.6802721088435374%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 30, 2019

Heidelberg Castle was our #1 most liked destination during our entire trip to Germany.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 21, 2019

Bring your walking shoes. We didn’t go inside but I would schedule a tour to go inside next time.

5/5 - Excellent

TerryJackson
Oct 18, 2018

Great place for lunch and tour

5/5 - Excellent

Valentina
Sep 24, 2018

Must to see

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 11, 2018

Go early before the tour groipps.

4/5 - Good

Mark
Sep 5, 2018

Not sure if the visit inside was worth it, but you've got some great views of the city from the outside.

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