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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Hotel Azenberg Stuttgart, Sure Hotel Collection by BW
Parkhotel Stuttgart Messe - Airport
Wellnesshotel Rothfuss mit Spa und 2 Schwimmbädern

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Best Lodging Options Near Heidelberg Castle

Hotel zum Ritter St. Georg

Hotel zum Ritter St. Georg

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

ATLANTIC Hotel Heidelberg

4.5 out of 5
Europaplatz 1, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg
ATLANTIC Hotel Heidelberg
PLAZA Premium Heidelberg

PLAZA Premium Heidelberg

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

Heidelberg Marriott Hotel

Vangerowstr. 16, Heidelberg, BW
Heidelberg Marriott Hotel
Berggasthof Königstuhl

Berggasthof Königstuhl

4 out of 5
Königstuhl 2, Heidelberg, BW
Berggasthof Königstuhl
City Partner Hotel Holländer Hof

City Partner Hotel Holländer Hof

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

While visiting Heidelberg Castle, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including guided tours that explore the castle's rich history and romantic ruins. Group tours are also available, making it easy to share the experience with friends or family. Don't miss out on the nearby theater for a taste of local culture. Heidelberg Castle offers a unique blend of history and entertainment for every visitor.

Food and drinks

Indulge in regional specialties at the renowned Schlosscafé, offering delightful cakes and coffee with stunning castle views. For a heartier meal, visit the historic Restaurant Schlossweinstube, where you can savor traditional German dishes paired with local wines.

Shopping

While visiting Heidelberg Castle, you can enjoy local shopping at nearby markets. Maimarkt Mannheim, a public market with a vibrant city vibe, is about 10 miles away, offering a variety of gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out additional shops in the area!

Recreation

Thermen & Badewelt Sinsheim offers a family-friendly aquatic experience with various pools and wellness areas, perfect for relaxation. For sports enthusiasts, PreZero Arena provides an exciting atmosphere to catch a game. AQWA Walldorf specializes in rejuvenating body treatments, ensuring a tranquil retreat just a short distance away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of speed at Hockenheim Racing Track, located 9 miles from Heidelberg Castle, perfect for adrenaline junkies. For a family-friendly adventure, visit Sankt Leoner See campground, 11 miles away. Don’t miss the scenic Odenwald-Vosges Trail, a captivating hiking path only 0.4 mile from the castle.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting atmosphere at Heidelberg Theater and Orchestra, just 0.5 miles from the castle, offering culture and romance. For a family-friendly outing, visit the Planetarium Mannheim, 11 miles away, or enjoy a show at the Roadside Theater, 2 miles from the castle, combining culture and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle offers a rich cultural experience with attractions such as the historic palace, nearby churches, and even a theme park for family fun. Explore the stunning views and history of Schloss Heidelberg while indulging in local highlights like Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg. Whether you're seeking cultural insights or outdoor adventures, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in and around this iconic landmark.

  • Marktplatz: Just 0.2 miles from Heidelberg Castle, Marktplatz is a vibrant town square brimming with historical charm. Surrounded by stunning architecture, this lively landmark is perfect for soaking in the atmosphere, enjoying local cuisine, and browsing charming shops.
  • University of Heidelberg Old Campus: Located 0.4 miles away, this historic university campus exudes cultural significance. As Germany's oldest university, its stunning buildings and rich academic history offer a glimpse into centuries of scholarly pursuit.
  • Karl Theodor Bridge: Also 0.4 miles from the castle, this iconic bridge boasts picturesque views of the Neckar River and the surrounding hills. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, capturing stunning photographs, and enjoying the area's beauty.

Best time to go to Heidelberg Castle

Visitor numbers around Heidelberg Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Heidelberg Castle is dependant 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 SunnyAverageAverage
April51.8°F (11.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
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 LowSlightly Low
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 during the low season months of January to February and November for better hotel rates. Book your accommodations about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Use their search tool to filter options by budget and location, and explore eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into an Expedia package can also lead to significant savings. Don’t forget to join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash rewards on future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Heidelberg Castle are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Heidelberg Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel category. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining 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.