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.

Plan a trip to see Heidelberg Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Hanauerhof

Hotel Hanauerhof

3.5 out of 5
per person
Oct 10 - Oct 13
found 17 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Montreal (YUL) to Stuttgart (STR)
9/10 Wonderful! (225 reviews)
Staff was great. Very good service.

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2025

Hotel Restaurant Lindenhof

Hotel Restaurant Lindenhof

3 out of 5
per person
Sep 30 - Oct 6
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Toronto (YTO) to Stuttgart (STR)
9.4/10 Exceptional! (71 reviews)
Liked convenience to Black Forest, friendly helpful staff, cute village and free parking everywhere. Pillows too big and soft, but no other complaint.

Reviewed on Sep. 29, 2024

Schwarzwaldhotel Gengenbach

Schwarzwaldhotel Gengenbach

4 out of 5
per person
Oct 10 - Oct 13
found 17 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Montreal (YUL) to Stuttgart (STR)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (52 reviews)
Friendly staff, also layed out the table for a birthday surprise, didnt ask them to just came down for breakfast to it, only thing that i would change would be the pillows as they are very soft and had to fold them to get some support.

Reviewed on Jul. 30, 2025

Popular places to visit

Deutsches Apotheken-Museum

Deutsches Apotheken-Museum

An enormous collection of pharmaceutical implements and ingredients fills shelves in this modern museum housed in the heart of Heidelberg Castle.

Deutsches Apotheken-Museum
Heidelberg Castle Garden

Heidelberg Castle Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Heidelberg Castle Garden, a lovely green space in Heidelberg. Discover the mountain views and cafes in this walkable area.

Heidelberg Castle Garden
Hercules Fountain

Hercules Fountain

Standing in the center of the Marktplatz, this symbol of Heidelberg’s endurance through difficult times serves as a point of reference for visitors and tourists.

Hercules Fountain
Heidelberg

Marktplatz

Go for a stroll and view the pretty heritage streetscape around Heidelberg’s traditional market square, which is anchored by an impressive Gothic church.

Marktplatz
Heidelberg Church of the Holy Spirit which includes a statue or sculpture, a fountain and heritage elements

Church of the Holy Spirit

Enjoy superb views of Heidelberg’s Old Town from the tower of this 14th-century church, which took nearly 150 years to build.

Church of the Holy Spirit
Brass Monkey

Brass Monkey

Legend says this statue serves as a reminder to those crossing the river that they are no better than the person coming from the opposite side.

Brass Monkey

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
See all 692 properties in Heidelberg Castle
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

At Heidelberg Castle, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from scenic cycling paths that provide stunning views of the surrounding area to informative and engaging castle tours that delve into the rich history of this iconic landmark. Additionally, the nearby theatre scene offers a glimpse into local culture, making for a well-rounded experience during your visit to this charming German city.

Shopping

Heidelberg Castle offers a charming shopping experience with unique souvenirs and local crafts. If you're up for a drive, Maimarkt Mannheim, located 16.1km away, features a vibrant public market with a mix of businesses and a lively atmosphere, perfect for finding gifts and enjoying local delicacies.

Recreation

At Maerchen Paradies, enjoy a delightful family-friendly playground with enchanting outdoor vibes, perfect for relaxing and having fun. For sports enthusiasts, Golfclub Hohenhardter Hof offers a picturesque golf course, while Hardtwaldstadion provides a vibrant atmosphere for various sports activities, all within easy reach of Heidelberg Castle.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Hockenheim Racing Track, located 14.5km from Heidelberg Castle, where adrenaline meets speed. For family fun, head to MIRAMAR waterpark, also 14.5km away, offering exciting water slides and entertainment. For outdoor enthusiasts, the scenic Odenwald-Vosges Trail, only 644m away, invites you to hike through beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

In Heidelberg, the Heidelberg Theater and Orchestra offers a charming cultural experience with its romantic performances, only 805m from the castle. For a family-friendly evening, the Planetarium Mannheim is 17.7km away, while Neckarstrand, a cozy pub 19.3km out, provides a relaxed atmosphere for drinks and conversation.

Find the best attractions near Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle offers a rich blend of history and culture, featuring landmarks, historic colleges, and churches that appeal to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. While exploring the castle, you can also find nearby hotels with varying room rates to suit your stay. Don't miss the chance to experience the charm of Schloss Heidelberg and its surrounding attractions, ensuring a memorable visit in Baden-Württemberg.

  • Church of the Holy Spirit: This stunning church, situated 483m from Heidelberg Castle, is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture with its intricate stained glass windows and historical significance. Its welcoming atmosphere and cultural vibes make it a perfect spot for reflection and appreciation of local history.
  • Brass Monkey: Located 483m from the castle, this unique monument captures the essence of Heidelberg’s artistic spirit. The Brass Monkey is a popular meeting point and offers a fun photo opportunity amidst its cultural backdrop, making it a great place to mingle with locals and fellow tourists.
  • Thingstätte: About 1.6km from Heidelberg Castle, this historic site is an open-air theatre with fascinating acoustics and stunning views. Built in the 1930s, it reflects the cultural history of the area and provides a unique setting for events and gatherings.

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 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.

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 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 SunnyAverageSlightly Low
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

When visiting Heidelberg Castle, you can save money by exploring nearby free attractions like Maimarkt Mannheim and the Mannheim Water Tower. Consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February and August for lower accommodation rates, particularly on Saturdays. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by filtering for Eco-certified hotels and arranging package deals for stays, flights, and activities. This will help you discover the best prices and compare discounts on hotels, ensuring a cost-effective visit to this beautiful destination.

  • 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 August, 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 Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Heidelberg Castle is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available at this moment. To discover the best prices and deals, arrange 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.