Heidelberg Castle Tours and Activities

Heidelberg Castle featuring a small town or village, heritage architecture and tranquil scenes
Heidelberg Castle featuring tranquil scenes and building ruins
Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle which includes 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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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
PLAZA Premium Heidelberg

PLAZA Premium Heidelberg

Sofienstraße 6, Heidelberg, BW
PLAZA Premium Heidelberg
Hilton Heidelberg

Hilton Heidelberg

Kurfuersten-Anlage 1, Heidelberg, BW
Hilton Heidelberg
Heidelberg Marriott Hotel

Heidelberg Marriott Hotel

Vangerowstr. 16, Heidelberg, BW
Heidelberg Marriott Hotel
NH Collection Heidelberg

NH Collection Heidelberg

4.5 out of 5
Bergheimer Str. 91, Heidelberg, BW
NH Collection 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
ATLANTIC Hotel Heidelberg

ATLANTIC Hotel Heidelberg

4.5 out of 5
Europaplatz 1, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg
ATLANTIC Hotel Heidelberg
Hotel Am Rathaus

Hotel Am Rathaus

Heiliggeiststraße 1, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg
Hotel Am Rathaus
Hotel Am Schloss

Hotel Am Schloss

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

Discover the charm of Heidelberg Castle with guided tours that unveil its rich history and stunning architecture. Explore the best attractions in the area, including the renowned Heidelberg University. Enjoy outdoor experiences and scenic city walks, immersing yourself in the breathtaking views and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re interested in culture or nature, Heidelberg Castle offers a delightful blend of activities for every visitor.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, Maimarkt Mannheim, located 14.5km from Heidelberg Castle, offers a vibrant public market experience. This bustling spot features a mix of local goods and unique souvenirs, perfect for finding gifts to take home.

Recreation

Experience the enchanting Maerchen Paradies, a delightful playground perfect for family outings, located 1.4km from Heidelberg Castle. For golf enthusiasts, the scenic Golfclub Hohenhardter Hof, 11.3km away, offers a superb golfing experience, while Hardtwaldstadion, 9.7km distant, features thrilling sports events.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of speed at Hockenheim Racing Track, located 14.5km from Heidelberg Castle, perfect for motorsport enthusiasts. For family fun, MIRAMAR waterpark, also 14.5km away, offers exciting water slides and attractions. For nature lovers, the Odenwald-Vosges Trail, only 644m away, provides stunning hiking opportunities amidst beautiful scenery.

Nightlife

In Heidelberg, the Heidelberg Theater and Orchestra offers a charming cultural experience just 805m from the castle, blending romance with entertainment. For a unique outing, the Planetarium Mannheim, located 17.7km away, provides stellar fun, while Neckarstrand pub, 19.3km from the castle, is perfect for drinks and lively vibes.

*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 rich blend of historic landmarks, charming universities, and beautiful churches, perfect for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can explore the castle itself, along with other historic sites and top attractions, all within a short distance. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or a deep dive into local history, Heidelberg provides an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of this picturesque German town.

  • Church of the Holy Spirit: Located a short 483m from Heidelberg Castle, this stunning church is a vibrant example of Gothic architecture. Its beautifully adorned interior and serene ambiance create a unique cultural experience, inviting visitors to reflect on its rich history and significance in the community.
  • Brass Monkey: Also situated 483m from the castle, the Brass Monkey is an intriguing monument that captures the spirit of Heidelberg. This artistic installation provides an engaging backdrop for photos and a great opportunity to explore the local culture while appreciating the creativity behind it.
  • Thingstätte: About 1.6km from the castle, the Thingstätte is a historic site that offers an immersive glimpse into the past. This open-air amphitheater, originally built during the Nazi era, hosts various cultural events and performances, making it a thought-provoking place to visit.

Best time to go to Heidelberg Castle

The best time to visit Heidelberg Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Heidelberg Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Heidelberg Castle falls in January, 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 during your visit to Heidelberg Castle, consider travelling from January to March when accommodation prices are lower. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find the best hotel deals by sorting and filtering options, including Eco-certified hotels. Bundling your hotel stay with flights and activities can also lead to savings. For public transport, look for affordable options, and explore free activities around the castle 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: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can easily sort your results to display hotels from the most affordable to the highest priced, ensuring you see the best deals first. Additionally, you have the option to filter by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by bundling your hotel stay at Heidelberg Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia