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Of course, Heidelberg itself is quite sufficient for a tourist. But even around the city there are destinations for travel that are more than worthy of attention. Here are just a few of the possibilities.
Speyer Cathedral.
The city of Speyer is located 29 km from Heidelberg on the motorways A5 or A61. Travel time is approximately 45 minutes. This region on the opposite bank of the Rhine is called the Palatinate. The city is 2000 years old. The Celts founded a settlement in its place. The main attraction of the city is the cathedral. The full name of the collection is Kaiser- und Mariendom zu Speyer (Imperial Marian Cathedral in Spreer). This is the largest surviving Romanesque building in the world! Cultural heritage of UNESCO. The cathedral was the center of power of the Sallicheskoy (Franconian) Kaiser dynasty. 8 German Kaisers and kings are buried there. Cathedral opening hours: April-October. 9-19, from November-March 9-17. A visit to the cathedral is absolutely obligatory for any cultured person, the cathedral is so unique!
In Speyre there is also an interesting museum of the history of the Palatinate and a museum of winemaking and a rather interesting Museum of Technology.
Schwetzingen castle and castle garden.
This is the summer residence of Elector Karl Theodor. Located 11 km. from Heidelberg. You can even take a tram from Bismarkplatz with a change in Eppelheim. A beautiful castle from the Baroque epoch, but reminds of a fortress. It was rebuilt in its present form after several destructions between 1699 and 1714. The garden is laid out according to the French model, the second part of the garden opposite is English. And the garden has turrets, a bathhouse, a minaret and other romantic buildings. If you go around the garden, then this walk will stretch for about 5.5. km. From April to May, the Schwetzingen Festival takes place in the castle. Both the castle and the garden are included in the Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO. By the way, there is a hotel in the castle. A visit to the castle will cost you 10 euros and a family ticket costs 25 euros. In summer, the castle and the garden are open seven days a week, entry until 19.30.
Monastery Maulbron and half-timbered buildings in the Kraichgau.
It was here, in the Cystorian monastery, that the Swabian "dumplings" maultache were invented. Open for visiting from 9.00 - 17.30 hours. It's about an hour drive from Heidelberg. The cultural heritage of mankind is included in the UNESCO lists. In terms of architecture, this is a transition from the Romanesque style to the late Gothic style. There is a stunning church called "Paradise", you can wander around the monastery courtyard ... A visit to the monastery will cost you 7 euros.
On the way to the Monastery, it is worth turning a little off the road and driving towards the Kraichgau. Just stock up on a guidebook, because there are many castles here: Bruchsal Castle, Steinberg Fortress, the Citadel surrounded by a moat with Eichtersheim water and Bad Reichenau Castle ...
The city of Mannheim (in the old Russian transcription: Mannheim).
There is an ironic German expression, which in Russian sounds something like: “square, practical, excellent” - this is just about Mannheim. The addresses on it sound like: "Q3" und "N5". This is a city adjacent to Heidelberg, you can get here not only by car or train, but simply by the S-Bahn high-speed train line. Mannheim is interesting for the imposing residence of the Electors of the early 18th century, the university. The city has good shopping. At the intersection of streets C5 and D5 Reiss Museum. These are actually several museums, not far from each other. There is also the State Art Gallery (Moltkestr. 9 / Friedrichsplatz), the Land Museum of Technology and Labor (Museumsstr. 1), a planetarium (Wilhelm-Varnholt-Allee 1). The Germans ironically call visiting museums "an alternative in bad weather."
Following in the footsteps of Mark Twain.
You can also preprint this trip on your own, by car or by bike. First, you leave the mouth of the Neckar (10 km), then to the fortress on Mount Dielberg (13 km), to the town of Neckarsteinach (13 km), to the Hirschhorn (16 km) and after another 20 km you will reach the famous monastery of Eberbach. The route is extremely romantic. In the Eberbach monastery, for example, the film "The Name of the Rose" was filmed, there is an excellent and very famous winery. And the monastery itself once played a huge role, controlling the wine trade on the Rhine!
mountain fortification Dilberg(Bergfeste Dilsberg) can be seen from far away. Today it is part of Neckargemünd. It was built in the 12th century, Graff von Lauffen. During the 30 Years' War it was stormed by the troops of General Tilly. There is a source under the fortification at a depth of 46 meters. From April to October, the fortress is open to the public.
Wine roads and what else is interesting on them.
This is a standard day trip. First, it is convenient to take the train to Neustadt. From there, you can already take the bus to such famous wine places as Edekoben, Deidesheim, Wachenheim and Bad Dückheim. The road to Neuheim takes about an hour by car.
In Neustadt itself, it is worth seeing the Hambach Castle located on a hill. It was destroyed by the French in 1689. In the history of Germany, it is known for the fact that in 1832 the current flag of Germany was raised over it: black, red and gold as a symbol of civil liberties. There is also a steam locomotive museum here and you can ride a real steam locomotive on a sightseeing tour (Kuckucksbähnel Neustadt) through the Palatinate. It is better to book a train ticket in advance!
And of course, it is very interesting to see how wine is made, to try wine jelly, trusterbrand - nothing more than chacha, to buy good wine vinegar.
Blooming gardens.
It is good to go on such a landscape excursion in the spring to the Ladenburg region (12 km from Heidelberg to the south) and Weinhazma (22 km). You can also ride a bike, look at the cherry and almond blossoms. And you can also go by bus. From Bismarkplatz to Schriesheim take bus 628 to Weinheim. In the town you can see the Castle Park, just take a walk ...
Sailing on a ship.
The shipping company is called Weiße Flotte (Weisse flotte, that is, the white flotilla). If you sail along the Neckar past the Odenwald, then everything looks different: forests, towns, villages. The Neckar flows into the Rhine and it is possible to make a day trip using the liner service between Heidelberg and Neckarsteinbach. There are also sightseeing trips to Eberbach, between the Rockenau and Hirschhorn locks. In addition to this, ships reach the targets on the Rhine: Worms, Eltville, Riedelsheim, St. Goar and Lorelai (this is Rheingau). Find out about opportunities in advance
69117 Heidelberg
Tel: 0049 6221 201 81
Fax: 0049 6221 202 11
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Heidelberg is one of the few German cities that was practically not damaged during the bombings during the last terrible war, and all its unique historical sights now delight the eyes of five million tourists who come here every year. In the tourist environment, the city has become popular and known not only for the world-famous Heidelberg Castle. Heidelberg is rightfully proud of its oldest university in Germany, founded in 1386.
University of Heidelberg / Universitat Heidelberg
Grabengasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg - at this address you can find one of prestigious universities a country that currently has at least 29,000 students. Of course, this whole horde of young people is scattered in many buildings located throughout the city. In the old building of this educational institution there are several humanitarian faculties, a museum (very interesting) and, of course, the administration. They founded the university, thanks to the decree of the Pope, with the money of the monastery of the Holy Spirit, which belonged to the Franciscan order, to teach theology and theology. Through wise leadership, science and science began to be taught here. exact sciences. When you walk around the territory, do not forget to visit the university punishment cell, in which for 136 years, from 1778 to 1914, delinquent students were serving their sentences for minor infractions.
heidelberg castle/ Heidelberg Schloss
For 800 years of its existence, this one of the most remarkable sights of the country has been rebuilt more than once. Therefore, one should not be surprised at the different architectural styles present at these wonderful ruins. At the behest of the German King Ruprecht, all kinds of late Gothic extensions appeared in the castle. In the reign of Frederick II (1544–1546), elements of the Renaissance appeared. In the Middle Ages, the castle had to serve people as a defensive structure. During the famous Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), the castle was significantly destroyed. Since that time, the decline of the fortress began, and only at the very end of the 19th century, due to huge donations from the architect Schaefer, the castle was partially restored. Every year, at least a million tourists come here, eager to join the beautiful. To admire the ruins and visit the museum located inside, as well as compare your watches with sundial with the zodiac circle on the wall - you will have to pay 6 euros (for an adult).
Neuburg Abbey / Stift Neuburg
This convent was founded in 1130. Due to the rather frequent change of owners, the monastery managed to visit a men's refuge. Without going into details, I want to say that at the moment 15 monks live here on its territory, who, in addition to serving God, are also engaged in subsistence farming. It is known that all food products used for food are grown by the hands of hardworking monks. Here, if you wish, you can stay for another week to talk about the frailty of our existence. But you will have to pay for this whim.
Heidelberg Museum / Kurpfalzisches Museum der Stadt Heidelberg
This museum, located at Heidelberg, Hauptstrabe 97, exhibits unique exhibits that tell about those distant times, starting from the era of the Celts. Here, in addition to household items, you can get to know the weapons of that period, as well as women's jewelry and jewelry. There are a lot of copies from the time of the great Roman Empire, the borders of which reached Germany itself. Of course, one cannot pass by the richest collection of Renaissance masters. Entrance ticket for an adult visitor - 3 euros, children free of charge.
Church of the Holy Spirit / Heiliggeistkirche
This temple is rightly considered the largest religious building in the city. The beginning of the construction of the church dates back to the end of the XIV century. The order of the Jesuits was in the role of the customer, which subsequently fell out of favor, and the church, saying modern language, has become long-term construction. Only in the XVIII century, the church was completed, but in the Baroque style. Inside, everything is also quite modest. The only thing that is desirable to do here is to visit the museum of sacred art, located inside the church.
Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. The castle, the old town and the river flowing between the mountains are united in a harmonious ensemble. Poets and artists of the Romantic era found inspiration here. And still the city fascinates millions of tourists from all over the world.
The ancient city is comfortably spread out on the banks of the Neckar River, at the junction of the lands of Hesse, Baden-Württemberg and Reiland-Palatinate - in one of the most densely populated regions of Germany. The city is picturesque, cozy, interesting in every respect, very beautiful and rich in sights.
Based in Heidelberg (Heidelberg) oldest university Germany. It bears the name of Karl-Ruprecht 1, who in 1386 opened a university with the faculties of theology, law, medicine and philosophy.
Today, the university has 12 faculties in 160 specialties.
Thanks to Elector Frederick III, in the 16th century Heidelberg became the center of European culture and science, which attracted professors and students from all over Europe to the university.
The old building of the university, today the rector's office and the museum are located here
Among the students and teachers of Heidelberg University at different times were German physicists Max Born, Robert Mössbauer, Gustav Kirchhoff, natural scientist Robert Bunsen, Dutch physicist Kamerling-Onnes, American cardiac surgeon Michael DeBakey (first heart transplant), German Federal Chancellor Helmut Kohl. The lists of professors at Heidelberg University include the names of the great philosophers Georg Hegel and Karl Jaspers, the famous sociologist-economist Max Weber. The department of physiology at one time at the university was headed by the great German physicist, doctor, physiologist and psychologist Hermann Helmholtz. From the walls of the university came 8 Nobel laureates!
The village in the old building is very beautiful.
Many well-known Russian celebrities studied here or had an internship: composer A.P. Borodin, chemist D.I. Mendeleev, ophthalmologist E. A. Junge, mechanic I. A. Vyshnegradsky, surgeon L. A. Beckers, embryologist A. O. Kovalevsky, botanist A. S. Famintsyn, mycologist M. S. Voronin, physiologist I.M. Sechenov, historians K. Sluchevsky and S. Solovyov, S. V. Eshevsky. Surgeon N.I. worked here. Pirogov. An outstanding graduate of this university was the traveler, anthropologist and ethnographer Miklouho-Maclay. Somewhat later, poets Osip Mandelstam and Sasha Cherny attended lectures here. The future Russian Empress, wife of Nicholas II (since 1894) Alexandra Feodorovna, nee Princess of Hesse-Darmstadt, studied in Heidelberg. The first Russian female mathematician Sophia Kovalevskaya graduated from Heidelberg University.
Today, the university campus has spread to almost the entire city. The old buildings partly serve as a museum.
This building houses the university library.
University Hospital
New university building
And the university city itself was first mentioned in 1196. Modern Heidelberg is not only a world-famous research center, but also the economic and cultural center of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region.
Cozy, charming streets, magnificent squares, richly decorated Renaissance buildings, majestic churches and many other sights of Heidelberg do not leave anyone indifferent. There are many elegant street cafes, restaurants and colorful bars around.
The historic center of Heidelberg is the oldest part of the city.
Since the Middle Ages, the Market Square (Marktplatz) has been the main center of city life. Here is the city hall, built in the Baroque style (1701-1703).
In the past, not only fairs were held on the square, but also executions, the burning of witches and heretics.
Now fairs are held here twice a week. In the center of the square there is a fountain of the beginning of the 18th century, depicting Hercules.
The attraction of Heidelberg is the stone Karl-Theodor Bridge, built by this elector in 1701-1703.
There is a monument to Elector Karl-Theodor on the Old Bridge, and there are other sculptural structures.
The Old Bridge is completed by the city gates and two watchtowers.
Of interest is the Kornmarkt square, in the center of which there is a copy of the Madonna on a pedestal (the original is in the museum). Not far from here you can take the lift to the castle.
Another attraction is the Heidelberg Castle with its rich history. The famous "Romantic Ruins" - this is the name of this castle in Germany.
The castle towering over the city, as if detached from the world, has become a symbol of German romance.
Architectural and park complex as if it radiates a very special combination of eternity and frailty, which creates a unique atmosphere. The architecture of the castle mixed several styles: German Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance.
Equipped with towers, casemates and a fortified bypass moat, the castle was built in 1300 and for the next four hundred years served as Electors of the Palatinate of a kind calling card.
But the castle was expecting a series of disastrous events. It was destroyed by the troops of Louis XIV during the War of Palatinate Succession (1693), and two more lightning strikes in 1537 and 1764. helped turn it into ruins. The castle has been restored only partially, as it appears before us.
But the ruins overgrown with ivy still testify to the former power of the former owners - the Wittelsbach dynasty.
The castle complex consists of several buildings, which got their names from the names of the electors under whom they were built (Ruprecht's Corps, Ludwig V's Corps, Friedrich II's Corps, Otto-Heinrich's Corps, Friedrich IV's Corps).
The oldest residential building, the Gothic Ruprecht Building, houses the Museum of the History of Heidelberg Castle, an old library, and a fountain. Inside it is decorated with a magnificent Renaissance fireplace. 
The Otto-Heinrich building with a rich facade decoration is considered the first palace building in Germany. It is decorated with beautiful sculptures.
The first pharmacy in the world used to be located here, on the site of which the Pharmacy Museum is now located, where you can learn a lot of interesting things about the history of pharmaceuticals.
The building of Frederick IV is best preserved, the facade of which is decorated with statues of representatives of the Electoral dynasty. Sixteen sculptures are located on the facade of the building - this is a gallery of portraits of the ancestors of the Wittelsbach family.
In the Frederick IV Corps is the Heidelberg barrel with a dance floor on top, it is the world's largest barrel of wine, made to store the "taxes" that were levied in the form of wine from the winemakers of the Palatinate (capacity 212,422 liters).
Under Frederick V, who dreamed of creating a Garden of Eden on earth, a magnificent park was founded, which died as a result of military battles. Only the memories of contemporaries remain in the descriptions, which mention luxurious terraces, flower beds and sculptures, ponds and waterfalls, and even winter Garden with orange trees.
Various events and balls are held in the castle's festive hall, and summer festivals are held in the courtyard.
Fireworks are traditionally held here three times a year.
The illuminated castle makes an indelible impression when the Old Town remains in the dark. The first such illumination took place in 1815, when the Austrian King Franz II, the Russian Tsar Alexander 1, the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III and Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria were in Heidelberg.
The castle was visited by such famous people, like the German reformist theologian Martin Luther, the writers Victor Hugo, who described the history of the castle in his book "Heidelberg", and Mark Twain, who also mentioned the castle in his works.
Today, Heidelberg Castle is the pride of Germany, a reminder of its former glory and a mute reproach to the ruthless conquerors who destroyed values. Every year the castle receives thousands of tourists, appearing before them in all the grandeur of its former glory.
Without a doubt, Heidelberg is one of the most beautiful cities Germany, attracting millions of tourists from all over the world. Today's Heidelberg combines historical charm, modern technologies and science. The diverse cultural life of the city is rich in concerts, festivals, lectures.
Heidelberg is the most important business center of the Rhine-Neckar region; Numerous international companies are based here.
- How to get to Heidelberg
- Where to stay in Heidelberg
- Sights of Heidelberg
How to get to Heidelberg
Heidelberg (Heidelberg) is the fifth largest city in Baden-Württemberg, located on the banks of the Neckar River and surrounded by several hills. Geographically located in the north of the region, in the valley of the river Neckar. Heidelberg is both a major tourist center with many preserved historical sights (the city was not affected by the bombing during the Second World War), and a “university” city, since several large higher education institutions are concentrated here, including the ancient Heidelberg University. This makes Heidelberg related to another university town - Freiburg.
To get to Heidelberg from Moscow (or other cities), you first need to fly to one of the nearest transport hubs in the region - to Stuttgart or Frankfurt, and then by train, bus or taxi directly to Heidelberg. There is a longer time-consuming way - to use the services of Russian Railways and get to Karlsruhe on the branded train Moscow-Paris; further from Karlsruhe by train, bus or taxi to Heidelberg. How to get from Russia to Baden-Württemberg different ways we already wrote in a separate article. Today we will tell you more about how to get specifically to Heidelberg.
How to get from Stuttgart to Heidelberg
The distance between Stuttgart and Heidelberg is approximately 120 km. Heidelberg is located north of Stuttgart. By train, you can get from one city to another in 40 minutes - an hour and a half, depending on the type of train, by taxi in about 2 hours.
By train
Direct trains between Stuttgart and Heidelberg run every half an hour starting at 7.30 am (there are also night trains, but they run less often). The cheapest way to get there is to take the RE (regional) train. In this case, the travel time will take about an hour and a half (stops will be made along the way). The fastest, but also the most expensive way is to take the IC (trans-regional) high-speed train, then the journey time is only about 40 minutes.
To get to Heidelberg from Stuttgart by train, you need to take the S2 and S3 trains from Stuttgart Airport and get to Stuttgart Central Station (trains run from 5 am to midnight, travel time is about 30 minutes), from there transfer to a direct train to Heidelberg. You can check the train schedule on the official website of the German railways Deutsche Bahn. Tickets to Heidelberg can be purchased in advance on the website, or in ticket offices railway station Stuttgart.
By bus
Buses from the airport and central station Stuttgart to Heidelberg start walking from 5.45 in the morning. Transportation is carried out by Flixbus, Postbus, Deinbus and others. Travel time is from 2 to 2.5 hours. Buses leave once an hour. The last bus leaves at 23.45 at night. You can check the bus schedule for the Stuttgart-Heidelberg route on the Flixbus website.
By taxi
A taxi is a more expensive way to get from city to city than a train, but this method may be relevant in the case of a night flight (trains run less often at night), or in the case of a large number luggage (on Kiwitaxi you can order a car designed for different amount passengers and baggage). You can also order a taxi at the information desk at Stuttgart Airport.
How to get from Frankfurt to Heidelberg
Heidelberg is located 90 km south of Frankfurt am Main. You can get from Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg by train or taxi. By rail, travel time will take a little less than an hour, by highway - also a little less than an hour, depending on traffic.
By train
Arriving at Frankfurt Airport, tourists can immediately transfer to railway transport, since there are 2 stations at the airport itself - from one (Regionalbahnhof) trains go to the city at the Frankfurt main railway station, from the other (Fernbahnhof) trains go to different cities Germany. Thus, from the Fernbahnhof station, you can immediately transfer to the train to Heidelberg, which leaves once an hour, starting at 8 am (trains run less often at night). The only inconvenience of this method can be considered the need to make a transfer in Mannheim, since there are no direct trains from Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg, however, the transfer itself, as a rule, does not take much time (about 10-20 minutes), therefore it does not greatly affect total duration trips. The schedule can be viewed on the official website of the German railways Deutsche Bahn.
There is another way to get to Heidelberg - this is to take an electric train from the Regionalbahnhof station at Frankfurt Airport to the main railway station, and from there transfer to a direct train to Heidelberg, which runs once an hour, starting at 6 in the morning (less often at night). Travel time will be a little over an hour, transfers are not required. Tickets to Heidelberg can be purchased in advance online, or at the ticket office of the Frankfurt railway station.
By bus
You can take the bus to Heidelberg at the airport or Frankfurt Central Station. The first bus starts running at 04.45 am, the last one departs from the airport at 0.25 am. Flights are operated by various companies, incl. Flixbus, Postbus, BerlinienBus and others. Travel time - from 1.5 hours to 1 hour 50 minutes. For Frankfurt-Heidelberg bus timetables, please visit Flixbus.
By taxi
Taxi is the more expensive way to get from Frankfurt to Heidelberg. On average, such a trip will cost from 160 euros and more one way. However, this method can be useful if you have an overnight flight to Frankfurt, as trains do not run regularly at night and getting to Heidelberg can be problematic. It will also be more convenient to take a taxi in case of a large amount of luggage. You can order a taxi right at the airport at the information desk in the arrivals terminal, or in advance via the Internet on the Kiwitaxi transfer booking website. Travel time will be approximately 50 minutes.
How to get from Karlsruhe to Heidelberg
Karlsruhe is a major railway junction of Baden-Württemberg and all of Germany, trains depart from here to south direction– to Baden-Baden, Freiburg, Bodensee, Titisee and further to Strasbourg and other cities of France. Also, international branded trains Moscow-Paris pass through Karlsruhe station. For those who prefer rail transport to air or for various reasons cannot use airplanes, this option will be an alternative way to get to the cities of Baden-Württemberg. The distance between Karlsruhe and Heidelberg is about 55 km. You can overcome them both by train and by taxi. Travel time by train will be 45 minutes, by taxi - 1 hour 15 minutes.
By train
There are direct trains from Karlsruhe to Heidelberg every hour, including at night. The ticket price depends on the type of train. High-speed options like ICE and IC will cost more, but the journey will take only half an hour. Regional trains RE, RER, RB, etc. will cost less, while the travel time will be 45 minutes - 1 hour. There are also numerous transfer options in Mannheim, Bruchsal and other cities. You can check the train schedule on the official website of the German railways Deutsche Bahn. Tickets to Heidelberg can be purchased in advance on the website or at the ticket office of the railway station Karlsruhe.
By taxi
A taxi from Karlsruhe to Heidelberg will cost about 160 euros one way, the journey time is about 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on the traffic. You can order a taxi at the information desk at the Karlsruhe railway station, or in advance via the Internet on the Kiwitaxi transfer booking website.
In addition to trains and taxis, another option to travel around Germany is to rent a car. In order to rent a car in Germany, you must have an international driving licence. In Germany, car rental services are provided by many large rental offices. In Karlsruhe, these are Avis, Budget, Enterprise. In Frankfurt, these are Global Drive, Budget, Buchbinder, Thrifty, InterRent, Caro, Alamo, Enterprise, etc. In Stuttgart, these are Alamo, InterRent, Enterprise, Thrifty, Europcar, Budget, Global Drive. In Heidelberg - Hertz, Global Drive, Alamo. The approximate cost of car rental per day is about 40 euros.
How to get from Munich to Heidelberg
You can also get to Heidelberg from Munich, although the cities are administratively located in different regions of Germany. The distance between the cities is 340 km, they are connected by the A8 highway through Stuttgart. A longer, but also cheaper way to get from Munich to Heidelberg is the bus. Direct buses to Heidelberg depart from the Munich Central Bus Station up to 10 times a day. The earliest departs at 06.15, the last - at 21.00. Travel time - from 5 to 5.5 hours depending on traffic. Schedule - Flixbus. The cost of a one-way trip starts from 15-17 euros.
There are no direct trains between Munich and Heidelberg, but there are routes with a small change in Mannheim. Travel time will be about 3 hours 20 minutes. Trains run throughout the day twice an hour. You can check the train schedule on the official website of the German railways Deutsche Bahn.
Where to stay in Heidelberg
Heidelberg is a rather compact city, most of the sights of the city can be seen within 1 day, so tourists mainly come here with one-day excursions and rarely stay longer. However, staying in Heidelberg for a few days, you can see not only the city itself, but also the picturesque suburbs. These, in particular, include the romantic valley of the Neckar River, the towns of Speyer, Forms, Ladenburg, Wiesloch, Schwetzingen, which deserve special attention of tourists.
The city, due to its compact size, is fairly easy to navigate. As a rule, tourists prefer to stay in areas such as Bergheim or Altstadt due to their proximity to the main attractions of the city. Sometimes tourists choose the Bahnstadt area to stay in close proximity to the train station (if necessary, travel by train). There are hotels of different star categories in the city, most of them provide free Wi-Fi, many hotels have their own parking, some hotels include breakfast in the room rate. In general, the level of service in Heidelberg hotels is quite high, as well as throughout Germany.
Heidelberg Hotels
Heidelberg's hotel stock boasts all star categories, but the most common are 3 or 4 star hotels, as well as bed and breakfast hotels without stars, which are great for a 1-night stay in the city.
Leonardo Hotel Heidelberg City Center
The Leonardo Hotel Heidelberg City Center is located in the Bergheim district, within walking distance of the old town. The hotel has its own parking, restaurant and free Wi-Fi throughout. Outside the hotel is an outdoor terrace for relaxation. Comfort or superior rooms have air conditioning, safe, hair dryer, telephone, TV, satellite TV, work desk, coffee / tea set. Breakfasts may be included in the room rate, or may be paid extra depending on the type of room. The hotel received the highest ratings from guests for its location and professionalism of the staff.
The hotel reception is open 24 hours a day. Standard check-in is from 15.00, check-out is until 12.00. To find out more about availability and cost of staying at the hotel for specific dates, please visit the Booking.com booking site.
Hotel Goldene Rose 3 stars
The Goldene Rose Hotel is located in the Old Town area, within walking distance of the main attractions of the city. Among the areas where to stay in Heidelberg, the Altstadt area is considered the most convenient for exploring the city. There is also a public transport stop nearby. Parking, free Wi-Fi, a summer terrace - all this is offered to hotel guests. All hotel rooms are divided into standard and "comfort" type. The rooms have everything you need, including a work desk, ironing facilities, TV, radio, telephone, hair dryer. Buffet breakfasts are included in the room rate. Most best reviews The hotel received for the location, cleanliness of the rooms and the professionalism of the staff.
Check-in at the hotel is from 14.00, check-out is until 12.00. To find out more about availability and cost of staying at the hotel for specific dates, please visit the Booking.com booking site.
Hotel Bayrischer Hof 3 stars
The Bayrischer Hof is located in the city centre, equidistant from the railway station and historical sights. There is a public transport stop next to the hotel. The area where the hotel is located is also great for shopping. The hotel has its own parking, free Wi-Fi throughout, luggage storage. The hotel has rooms of different categories: standard, superior, twin, junior suite. The standard room has a bathroom with hairdryer, telephone, cable TV, mini-bar. Breakfasts in all types of rooms are paid separately.
The best reviews of the hotel are left for the location, the cleanliness of the rooms and the professionalism of the staff. Check-in is from 16.00, check-out is until 10.30. To find out more about availability and cost of staying at the hotel for specific dates, please visit the Booking.com booking site.
Hotel Heidelberger Hof 3 stars
The hotel is located in the university district of Heidelberg. The hotel has private parking, a sauna, a fitness room, and you can also rent bicycles. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The hotel offers standard, comfort or junior suite rooms. The rooms have TV, safe, work desk, hair dryer, telephone, fan. Breakfast is included in some room types. The hotel receives the best ratings for its location and professionalism of the staff.
Check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 11.00. To find out more about availability and cost of staying at the hotel for specific dates, please visit the Booking.com booking site.
Hotel Goldener Hecht
The hotel is located in the old town area near the historical monument - the gates of the city. The hotel has parking, free Wi-Fi throughout, a beer garden overlooking the historic city center. All rooms are equipped with shower, radio, TV, desk, telephone. Each room is made in a certain style. The hotel has superior rooms and even junior suites. Breakfasts are served at an additional cost. The hotel receives the highest ratings for its location and professionalism of the staff.
Check-in is from 13.00, check-out must be before 11.00. To find out more about availability and cost of staying at the hotel for specific dates, please visit the Booking.com booking site.
Lotte - The Backpackers
Lotte - The Backpackers is a local hostel where you can stay in Heidelberg at a budget price. The hostel is located in the historical part of the city and offers both private rooms and places in a common room for 5 or 6 people. The hostel has parking, and inside the entire territory you can use free Wi-Fi. The hostel also offers a shared kitchen where you can prepare breakfast/dinner. The hostel received the best reviews for its location, professionalism of the staff and cleanliness of the rooms. Also among the best, guests also noted the price / quality ratio of the services provided.
Check-in is from 15.00, check-out is until 11.00. To find out more about availability and cost of staying at the hotel for specific dates, please visit the Booking.com booking site.
Sights of Heidelberg
Heidelberg (Heidelberg) is one of the most picturesque towns in southern Germany. Nestled in the Neckar valley and surrounded by hills and highlands, the city miraculously survived the bombings, it has the largest number of historical sights in the entire region, and the longest pedestrian street in Europe makes Heidelberg a desirable travel destination. The tourist flow to the city does not dry out year-round. There are also many students here, since the University of Heidelberg is considered the oldest in Germany, and studying here is desirable and prestigious.
The nearest international airports to Heidelberg are located in Stuttgart and Frankfurt (120 and 90 km respectively). From there, all the way to Heidelberg can be reached by high-speed or regional trains, or by taxi.Also major cities located near Heidelberg, are considered Mannheim and Heilbronn, not devoid of their architectural charm.
Most often, Heidelberg is visited with a one-day excursion, this is quite enough to see the main sights of the city, however, staying in Heidelberg longer, you can also get acquainted with the picturesque natural surroundings and the surrounding suburbs, which also have preserved many architectural sights. It's really worth it.
The infrastructure is well developed here for city guests: public transport and a funicular are designed to facilitate movement around the city, and Heidelberg hotels offer all the necessary services and services.
The sights of Heidelberg are extremely diverse: these are historical monuments (the central of which is Heidelberg Castle), and cultural (many interesting museums, such as the Palatinate Museum or the Museum of Antiquity, the German Museum of Packaging or the Max Berk Textile Museum), natural (mountains and forests in the area , which are equipped with observation platforms and hiking trails), as well as many park and garden areas.
heidelberg castle
Heidelberg Castle is one of the 100 most beautiful places Germany, and this is no coincidence. A huge architectural complex in the style of German romanticism was built 5 centuries ago and served as a home for royalty. Today, the castle, located in the very high point of the city, rises on the old quarters and makes an indelible impression on the guests and residents of Heidelberg, and the views of the castle are equally attractive both in the daytime and in the evening, when the sun begins to set over the horizon, and at night, when the castle is illuminated by multiple illuminations. Heidelberg Castle consistently ranks among the ten most beautiful castles in Baden-Württemberg.
The castle is open to visitors from 8 am to 6 pm daily, the main view is the exterior, because. The interiors of the castle have not been preserved. Entrance to the castle costs 6 euros, audio guides - 5 euros (available in Russian).
old bridge
The bridge over the river Neckar was built in the 18th century from sandstone. Bridges this type there are only a few in Europe. From the side of the old city, the bridge is decorated with medieval gates, which are also an independent landmark of the city. In addition, the old bridge is decorated with several sculptural groups, in the center of one is a statue of Prince Karl Theodor (the initiator of the creation of the bridge), in the center of the other is a sculpture of the Roman goddess Minerva. The Old Bridge is completely pedestrian and is part of the longest pedestrian street in Europe. It is through the bridge that you can get to the old part of the city and further to the Heidelberg Castle.
Historical Buildings
Heidelberg is administratively divided into several districts, one of which is Altstadt (literally - "old town"). It is here that the largest number of preserved historical monuments is concentrated. In particular, such historical buildings include the building of the old university (founded in 1386), made in the Baroque style, in which more than 30 thousand students from different corners world at 12 different faculties, the entrance to the university is free and accessible to tourists.
Karlstor, or Karl's Gate, is another well-preserved landmark located in the eastern part of the city. The construction of the gate dates back to 1775, the architectural style is neoclassical, with elements of Romanesque architecture, the gate is decorated with 4 lions, symbolizing the power and power of the former kings.
The City Hall, built in the early 18th century, is a mix of styles. Traditional elements are mixed here with elaborate rococo details, but this does not create the impression of disunity, rather, on the contrary, it demonstrates continuity in art. Such a mixture of styles is typical for many buildings in Europe and is associated with the need for rebuilding and reconstruction. Heidelberg City Hall was last refurbished in the early 20th century.
In the old quarter, some residential buildings are also of interest, for example, the Zum Ritter residential building (“at the knight’s”) dates back to 1592 and is considered the oldest residential building preserved in the city; Of interest is the Kornmarkt square with the statue of the Virgin Mary, St. Peter's Church, the university library, the Hexenturm tower and others.
City squares, Botanical garden, zoo
The city has preserved several beautiful old squares at once, which are perfect for tourist walks surrounded by historical buildings - these are Bismarkplatz, Karlsplatz, Marktplatz, and university square. In addition to urban landscapes, the city is ready to offer several landscaped park areas. These, in particular, include the Botanical Gardens (on the territory of Heidelberg University). The Heidelberg Gardens are considered the oldest botanical gardens in Germany (founded in 1593). It has unique collections of plants and flowers that grow in different ecosystems, such as upper swamps, alpine meadows, wooded dunes or vineyards.
The zoo in Heidelberg was built relatively recently, but has already managed to gain fame thanks to the collection of animals living in the zoo. These are lions, and tigers, and brown bears, and pandas, and giant turtles. The zoo also has a feeding area. fur seals, and there is also a separate area where elephants live. The zoo is organized in such a way that there is a lot of entertainment for children, and there are also places for picnics on fresh air. The zoo is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, the entrance fee is 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for children. The Heidelberg Zoo is made in the image and likeness of the zoos in Stuttgart and Munich, but in a smaller size.
Transport in Heidelberg is represented by tram and bus lines, although the main sights can be seen walking along the pedestrian part of the city. If there is a need to get from the historical part of Heidelberg to the new one, then there are 6 tram and 12 bus routes in the city, the cost of a single trip is 1.10 euros.
Also, tourists traveling by car may need to park the car. In the city, although in small numbers, there are public free parking . You should look for them in the following places: Leo's Fine Food & Wine (exact address - 69 Cape Street, open parking, designed for 220 parking spaces, maximum parking time - 2 hours); Heidelberg Station (exact address - Yarra Street, open-air parking, 300 spaces, popular).
What to see in the surroundings
Heidelberg is famous not only for its attractions inside the city, but also for its landscapes in the surrounding area. Around the city there are many hiking trails that allow you to see the city from a height from specially organized viewing platforms. For those who do not want to climb the mountain on foot, there is a funicular. In addition to nature, the surrounding area of Heidelberg can also be found in several picturesque small towns, which are famous for their sights and atmosphere. These, in particular, include Kirchheim, Ziegelhausen, Rohrbach, but the palace and park complex in Schwetzingen deserves special attention.
Observation decks and funicular lift
Around Heidelberg there are several natural observation platforms at once, this is due to the fact that Heidelberg is located in a valley. by the most famous places for viewing the city from top to bottom, Mount Heiligenberg, Mount Königstuhl and Mount Molkenkur are considered.
Heiligenberg is located on the north side of the city, its height is approximately 440 meters. At the top of the mountain are the ruins of St. Stephen's Abbey, and this is another reason to climb Heiligenberg. In addition, on the neighboring peak you can also find the ruins of another abbey - the abbey of Saint Michel. Both points offer picturesque views of the Neckar valley.
Königstuhl has a height of 568 meters, from here you can see not only Heidelberg, but also the entire Neckar valley and even partly the Rhine valley. Apart from observation deck, you can also find a family theme park and an observatory here.
The Molkencourt mountain, which is located just below the Königstuhl, also offers breathtaking views of Heidelberg and the valley. In addition, here you can not only visit during a sightseeing walk, but also stay longer, because there is a hotel with a terraced view and a restaurant surrounded by a picturesque forest.
The Heidelberg Funicular goes around all the most interesting places cities. Starting at the Kornmarkt, the carriages pass the Heidelberg Castle station and then climb Mount Molkenkur. Further, if you wish, you can stay here, or you can climb even higher - to Mount Königshtul, but on another funicular. The fare for the lower funicular is 7 euros, the fare for the entire route, including Mount Königstuhl, is 12 euros. AT summer time the funicular operates from 9 am to 8 pm (wagons depart every 20 minutes). In winter, the funicular operates until 5 pm. Cable cars and funiculars in the Black Forest are not uncommon, this is the most convenient way to see the local mountains. Similar funiculars can also be found in Baden-Baden and Karlsruhe.
Trail of Philosophers
Since the city is considered "university", it is not surprising that the hiking trail around Heidelberg was also named poetically, and the name itself is associated with education. The Philosophers' Trail passes through the surroundings of Heidelberg, revealing the best landscapes of the city and the Neckar valley. Many sites along the route were named after various philosophers - Eichendorff, Merian, Holderlin.
In addition, during the route you can also visit the "Gardens of the Philosophers" - this is the name of the botanical gardens located on the hills of the valley. Since the climate of Heidelberg is close in its properties to Italian Tuscany, many heat-loving plants have taken root here - Japanese sakura, cypresses, lemons, bamboos, rhododendrons, gingko and much more. The landscape garden has collected so many interesting flora that it has become a tourist attraction in its own right.
The small but picturesque town of Schwetzingen is located 8 km from Heidelberg. It is famous, first of all, for its palace and park complex, the appearance of which dates back to the 14th century. Previously, the residence of the rulers of the German lands was located here, the palace reached its peak during the reign of Prince Karl Theodor, at the same time, extensive (70 hectares) park areas around the palace were designed.
Part of the park area is made in the traditional English style, while the garden of the palace was made in the Baroque style. There are more than 100 different sculptures on the territory of the park, in addition, several interesting ones are located here at once. architectural structures– the temple of Apollo, a summer house, the design of which resembles small Italian villas, and, you will be surprised, you can even find here a small mosque with minarets, decorated with oriental ornaments and made in the late baroque style (the mosque never served religious purposes).
Inside the palace, you can also find a lot of interesting things, since the original interiors have been preserved here. Of particular note is the Rococo Theatre, which can be found in the north wing of the palace. Inside the palace, you can only move around with organized tours, which are held daily from 11 cheers to 4 pm (on weekends - until 5 pm). The cost of the tour is 10 euros. Entrance to the gardens can be independent (without a tour), the entrance fee is 6 euros. The gardens are open from 9 am to 8 pm in summer and until 5 pm in winter. If you are attracted by visiting the "palace" cities, then the towns of Rastatt near Karlsruhe and Ludwigsburg, located near Stuttgart, will seem no less interesting to you.
Date and almond trees can not be found in all German cities. Heidelberg is located in one of the warmest regions of the country. That is why medal, date, and olive trees grow here. Among the cities of Baden-Württemberg, one of the sixteen federal states of Germany, Heidelberg ranks fifth. About 150 thousand people live in it. The sights of Heidelberg are described in the article.
Base
In historiography there is such a term as "Heidelberg man". It is used when it comes to people who lived on the territory of modern Europe several hundred thousand years ago. Their remains were discovered at the beginning of the 20th century near the city in question, near the village of Mauer (a commune in Germany).
Heidelberg as a city is mentioned for the first time in documents that date back to 1196, namely in the records of one of the monks of Schönau. True, most of the districts of the city in those days were uninhabited.
As a fortress in Germany, Heidelberg was mentioned for the first time in 1225. A university was founded here 150 years later. In the Middle Ages, Heidelberg in Germany served as the residence of the counts of the Palatinate.
XVII-XVIII centuries
In modern times, several important battles took place on the territory of Heidelberg. During the Thirty Years' War, Imperial Field Marshal Count Tilly captured the city. He took possession of the Palatine Library - one of the sights of Heidelberg.
Germany in the 17th century was not a strong state with a single culture. Residents of different lands hardly understood each other. The situation in the country worsened due to constant military conflicts. During one of them, the War of the Grand Alliance, Heidelberg was conquered by the French.
What to see in Germany? In Heidelberg, as in many German cities, despite the destruction of World War II, many interesting historical buildings have been preserved. One of them is an old castle, which was partially blown up by the French back in 1693. This historical monument is described in more detail below.
In the 18th century, the seat of the Electors was moved to Mannheim. Heidelberg lost its political significance. Interest in this city revived only in the XIX century.
In the German economy, Heidelberg, whose photo is presented in this article, occupies not last place. Several large enterprises are located here. This city is home to Heidelberg University, whose history begins at the end of the 14th century.
How to get to the city of Heidelberg
There are several air transport hubs in Germany. The closest to Heidelberg are Stuttgart and Frankfurt. From Moscow, they usually get by plane through these cities. Buses run from there to Heidelberg. You can also get from Stuttgart or Frankfurt by taxi. The distance from Stuttgart to Heidelberg is 120 km. You can also get from one city to another by train. The road will take about an hour and a half.
The distance from Frankfurt to Heidelberg is 97 km. You can also get from the airport by train. Travel time is just under an hour. The stations are located in the airport building itself. There are no direct routes to Heidelberg. You need to take the train from the station "Fernbanhof" (Fernbahnhof) to Mannheim, and then make a transfer. They depart at hourly intervals (less often at night).
Buses run to Heidelberg from Frankfurt Central Station. The first leaves at five o'clock in the morning. Travel time - 1.5 hours. You can also get there by taxi. Such a trip will cost about 160 euros (11.5 thousand rubles).
Education and medicine
Heidelberg clinics (Germany) are known throughout Europe. Here is located Science Center cancer research, one of the world's largest molecular biology laboratories. Heidelberg University Hospital specialized on treatment oncological diseases, classical and adjuvant chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, psycho-oncology.
There are several educational institutions in the city. The most famous is Heidelberg University. In 1969, the Heidelberg University College was founded. Other educational institutions of the city - Pedagogical Institute, Institute of Church Music, Institute of Jewish Culture and Religion.
Attractions
The cultural life of Heidelberg is determined by the presence of large universities. There are many entertainment centers, night clubs. In short, the infrastructure of the city is focused primarily on students. One of the most famous cultural centers The city is located in the Heidelberg-Altstadt station building. But of course, there is something to see here for lovers of art and antiquity.
This German city has eleven theaters and more than twenty museums. Among the architectural monuments, one should first of all mention the aforementioned castle, which has long become the main symbol of the city, as well as the Old Bridge, the Church of the Holy Spirit.
Other sights of Heidelberg: University Library, Knight's Hotel, Neuburg Abbey, Mount Heiligenberg, Observatory on Mount Königstuhl, Providence Church, Electoral and Ethnographic Museums, House Museum In the vicinity of the city are held annually music festivals and fairs.
heidelberg castle
The building was first mentioned in documents in 1225. In the XIV century, on the site of the Heidelberg Castle, there were two small fortresses - the upper and lower. At the end of the 17th century, the castle was attacked several times by the troops of King Louis XIV. In 1693 the French turned it into ruins.
For almost a hundred years, the castle was in a dilapidated state, although several attempts were made to restore it. The building was to be demolished construction material use in the construction of a palace in the Neckar valley. In the 18th century, Heidelberg Castle lost its significance.
For a long time, the authorities saw in this building "the old ruins of many collapsed and tasteless ornaments." The opponent of this point of view was Count Charles de Gremberg. He came to Heidelberg early XIX century and spent more than 50 years here, devoting almost his entire life to looking after the ruined castle. It was the count who published the first guide to this historic building, which ultimately attracted the attention of tourists.
The question of the restoration of the castle was discussed for a long time. In 1890 a restoration project was prepared. But the castle was not restored - it turned out to be impossible. However, it was possible to strengthen the remaining parts of it. The reconstruction was carried out at the beginning of the 20th century and cost 520 marks.
In Heidelberg Castle at different times there were such celebrities as Frederick V, Martin Luther, Victor Hugo, Mark Twain. In 1840, a Railway. Since then, Heidelberg Castle has become one of Germany's famous landmarks. There are tourists not only from Europe, but also from Japan and the USA. The main attraction of the castle is the terrace, which opens beautiful view on the city and part of the Upper Rhine lowland.
Church of the Holy Spirit
It is the largest and most significant temple in the city. The Church of the Holy Spirit is located in the historic district of Heidelberg, in the middle of the Market Square, near the castle. The building is designed in the Gothic style. At the same time, the roofs were restored in the 17th century, and therefore they are an example of Baroque architecture.
The church was built of hewn sandstone, a material quarried on the banks of the Neckar River. For some time the building was a chapel and belonged to the Peterskirche. However, since its founding, it has been associated with the university and its door has been used as the university's bulletin board. For the first time this temple is mentioned in the documents of 1299.
Neuburg Abbey
Exact date the foundation of this Catholic monastery is unknown. It was built around the beginning of the 12th century. In 1144, Pope Lucius II took over Neuburg Abbey. At the end of the 12th century, the monastery turned from a male monastery into a female one.
Under the influence of the Reformation, the abbey joined the Cistercians. For a long time the building was in a deplorable state. By the end of the 15th century, the number of nuns did not exceed twenty. The situation changed for the better in the 18th century. The building has been renovated. There was a shelter for the poor.
Neuburg acquired its modern look in the seventies of the XVIII century. Today the monastery is active, and since 1926 it has been male again. True, there are not many monks here. As of 2013, there are only fourteen. On the territory of the abbey there are cattle breeding and fishing farms, a brewery.
heidelberg observatory
The first observatory in Baden-Württemberg was opened in 1774. She was based in Mannheim. In 1880, it was transferred to Karlsruhe, and then to Heidelberg, on Königstuhl.
The grand opening of the new observatory took place in June 1898. Today it includes two departments - astrometric and astrophysical. The main activity of this institution is the search for asteroids and the study of nebulae.
Mannheim Film Festival - Heidelberg
As already mentioned, various world-class events are held in the vicinity of the city. The Mannheim-Heidelberg Film Festival is the second most important film festival in Germany. The first belongs to Berlin.
The festival has been held since 1952. Directors, adherents of auteur cinema, participate in the competition. This festival once hosted the premieres of paintings by Francois Truffaut, Atom Egoyan, Jim Jarmusch, Thomas Vinterberg.
Festival at Heidelberg Castle
The event is held, despite the name, not within the walls of the main attraction of the city, but under open sky. This is the most important theater festival in Baden-Württemberg. Held on the castle grounds every summer.
The history of the action begins in 1926. At the opening, the premiere of a play based on Shakespeare's play took place. The performance was a success with the audience. The following year, Gerhard Hauptmann and Thomas Mann attended the gala as guests of honor. Today the Heidelberg Castle Festival is one of the most important events in the German theater world.
In the northwest of the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, on the banks of the Neckar river, lies the lively university town of Heidelberg. It can be safely called one of the most romantic and picturesque settlements this region. Ancient castles, beautiful gardens, medieval streets and churches - all this and much more gives the city a charming and unique look. In addition, it was here that the remains of the first human in Europe were discovered as a result of archaeological excavations.
Heidelberg is the oldest university city in Germany (the first mention of it dates back to 1196). A lively atmosphere reigns here, which is created thanks to the numerous students and tourists who come to Heidelberg to see the famous ruins of a dilapidated castle and walk in the footsteps of the romantics of the 18th-19th centuries.
Heidelberg Castle (Photo © Pumuckel42 / commons.wikimedia.org / Licensed CC BY-SA 3.0)
What to see: top 10 attractions in Heidelberg
Heidelberg is one of the few German cities not affected by the destruction of World War II. Thanks to this, many ancient buildings and structures have been preserved here, attracting history buffs, scientists, poets, artists and photographers.
Must-see places to visit are:
There are 20 museums and 11 theaters on the territory of Heidelberg. The most popular of them are:
Top 10 things to do in Heidelberg
Where and what to eat and drink
The Old Town of Heidelberg is rich in various gastronomic establishments (cafes, restaurants, pubs, pubs). Here you can find absolutely everything, from traditional German dishes to savory curry dishes. Tasty and relatively inexpensive food tourists can in:
- Zoom Herrenmuehle(Hauptstrasse 237-239) - an elegant restaurant, opened on the site of an old mill. It serves country German cuisine. A 5-course set menu costs 36.50 euros.
- Cafegundel(Hauptstrasse 212), where they make the most delicious pastries and bread in Heidelberg. The cost of baking is from 3.50 euros.
- Falafelfalafel(Merianstrasse 3) serving the most delicious Syrian falafel in town. Average check– 5 euros.
