Heidelberg Castle Tours

Heidelberg Castle which includes heritage architecture, tranquil scenes and a small town or village
Heidelberg Castle showing a ruin and tranquil scenes
Heidelberg Castle which includes heritage architecture
Heidelberg Castle showing heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Heidelberg Castle featuring heritage elements


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.

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Reviews of Heidelberg Castle

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
116
5 - Excellent 79%
4 - Good
28
4 - Good 19%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

TerryJackson

Great place for lunch and tour

5/5 - Excellent

Valentina

Must to see

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Go early before the tour groipps.

4/5 - Good

Mark

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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Best Lodging Options Near Heidelberg Castle

PLAZA Premium Heidelberg

PLAZA Premium Heidelberg

Sofienstraße 6, Heidelberg, BW
PLAZA Premium Heidelberg
ATLANTIC Hotel Heidelberg

ATLANTIC Hotel Heidelberg

4.5 out of 5
Europaplatz 1, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg
ATLANTIC Hotel Heidelberg
City Partner Hotel Holländer Hof

City Partner Hotel Holländer Hof

3.5 out of 5
Neckarstaden 66, Heidelberg, BW
City Partner Hotel Holländer Hof
Hilton Heidelberg

Hilton Heidelberg

Kurfuersten-Anlage 1, Heidelberg, BW
Hilton Heidelberg
NH Collection Heidelberg

NH Collection Heidelberg

4.5 out of 5
Bergheimer Str. 91, Heidelberg, BW
NH Collection Heidelberg
Hotel zum Ritter St. Georg

Hotel zum Ritter St. Georg

Hauptstraße 178, Heidelberg, BW
Hotel zum Ritter St. Georg
Heidelberg Marriott Hotel

Heidelberg Marriott Hotel

Vangerowstr. 16, Heidelberg, BW
Heidelberg Marriott Hotel
Hotel Am Schloss

Hotel Am Schloss

3 out of 5
Zwingerstrasse 20, Heidelberg, Baden-Württtemberg
Hotel Am Schloss
Hotel Am Rathaus

Hotel Am Rathaus

Heiliggeiststraße 1, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg
Hotel Am Rathaus
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle offers a memorable experience with its stunning architecture and breathtaking views. Explore the picturesque grounds, take guided tours to learn about its rich history, and enjoy theatrical performances nearby. Don't miss the chance to savor local cuisine and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming city, making your visit truly unforgettable.

Shopping

The nearest shopping option is Maimarkt Mannheim, a vibrant public market located 9 miles from Heidelberg Castle, offering a mix of local goods and city vibes. If you're up for a drive, consider exploring nearby shopping areas for a wider variety of unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

AQWA Walldorf offers rejuvenating body treatments in a serene atmosphere, located 8 miles from Heidelberg Castle. For family fun, Maerchen Paradies is a delightful playground just 0.9 miles away. Golfclub Hohenhardter Hof, situated 7 miles away, provides a scenic golf experience amid beautiful outdoor settings.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Hockenheim Racing Track, located 9 miles from Heidelberg Castle, where you can immerse yourself in the excitement of motor racing. For a family-friendly adventure, head to Sankt Leoner See, 11 miles away, offering outdoor camping fun and relaxation amidst nature.

Nightlife

In Heidelberg, the Heidelberg Theater and Orchestra offers a charming blend of culture and romance, just a half-mile from the castle. For a unique experience, the Planetarium Mannheim, located 11 miles away, provides mesmerizing entertainment. The Roadside Theater, 2 miles away, is perfect for a family-friendly night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle offers a captivating experience for all types of travelers, combining historic landmarks, stunning views, and cultural richness. Explore the iconic Schloss Heidelberg and its surrounding attractions, including charming churches and the renowned university. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or family-friendly activities, this destination has something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to delve into the enchanting history and beauty of Heidelberg, including its picturesque landscapes and vibrant atmosphere.

  • Marktplatz: Located only 0.2 miles from Heidelberg Castle, Marktplatz is a vibrant marketplace steeped in history. Surrounded by beautiful buildings, it's the perfect spot to soak in the local culture while enjoying fresh produce or artisanal goods.
  • University of Heidelberg Old Campus: Situated 0.4 miles away, this historic university campus offers a glimpse into academia's past. With its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage, it's an inspiring place to explore the roots of one of Europe's oldest universities.
  • Karl Theodor Bridge: Also 0.4 miles from the castle, this iconic bridge connects history with stunning views of the Neckar River. A leisurely stroll across offers picturesque scenery and a chance to appreciate its architectural beauty.

Best time to go to Heidelberg Castle

The best time to visit Heidelberg Castle is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January36.1°F (2.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.8°F (11.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August69.4°F (20.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Heidelberg Castle

To save money on your trip to Heidelberg Castle, consider visiting between January and March when prices are lower, particularly on Sundays. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by filtering for the lowest prices, and explore package deals that bundle flights and activities. Joining Expedia’s One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn cash for future stays. Additionally, look for free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Heidelberg Castle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Heidelberg Castle is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Heidelberg Castle is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by bundling your hotel stay at Heidelberg Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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