Weekend Adventure: Heidelberg's Castle & Charm

Experience the charm of Heidelberg, where history, culture, and nature merge into one.

03 May 2023

Heidelberg is a charming and picturesque city in southwest Germany, famous for its historic old town and spectacular castle. A visit to Heidelberg offers an enchanting blend of culture, history, and nature, with plenty of amazing attractions to explore. From strolling along the charming streets of the Altstadt to admiring the stunning views of the Neckar River and the city skyline from the castle, a trip to Heidelberg is an unforgettable experience for any tourist.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Castles, Bridges, and Schnitzel

  • Hotel recommendation: Hotel Zum Ritter St. Georg
  • Start your day with a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, navigating its gardens and admiring the views of the Neckar River.
  • Walk across the iconic Old Bridge (Alte Brücke) and soak in the sights of the picturesque town.
  • Get a taste of an authentic German meal at Schnitzelbank, a restaurant famous for its schnitzel and cozy atmosphere.
  • Take a stroll through the charming streets of the old town, stopping by the Church of the Holy Spirit, and the Kurpfälzisches Museum.
  • Cap off the evening with a beer at Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus, one of the oldest breweries in town, and toast to a day well-spent.
Day 2

Panoramic Views and Philosopher's Walk

  • Start your morning with breakfast at Café Gundel, a local favorite for pastries and coffee.
  • Take a short funicular ride up to Königstuhl, the highest peak of the nearby hills, for breathtaking views of Heidelberg.
  • Embark on a stroll along the Philosopher's Walk, a scenic path that offers views of the town, the river, and the castle.
  • Indulge in some retail therapy at Hauptstraße, a famous shopping street known for its fashion boutiques and local souvenir shops.
  • For dinner, head to Red Ox Inn, a cozy restaurant with a romantic ambiance serving modern German cuisine with a twist of culinary art.
  • End the night by enjoying a drink at the popular Student Jail Bar, a quirky spot that was actually once a prison for student revelers.
  • Heidelberg offers a mix of medieval history, charming streets, and stunning views, making it a perfect destination for a short yet unforgettable trip.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Heidelberg by plane is to fly to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and then take a direct train to Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof, which takes approximately 45 minutes.

Car

The best way to get to Heidelberg by car is to drive via the A5 motorway and exit at the Heidelberg/Schwetzingen exit. From there, follow the signs to Heidelberg city centre.

Train

The best way to get to Heidelberg by train is to take a direct train to Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof from major German cities such as Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin.

Boat

While there are no direct boat connections to Heidelberg, the best way to travel to Heidelberg by boat is to take a river cruise along the Neckar River and disembark at a nearby town such as Neckarsteinach or Mannheim. From there, take a train or bus to Heidelberg.

Bus

The best way to get to Heidelberg by bus is to take a long-distance bus from major German cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, or Cologne. The bus will arrive at the Heidelberg central bus station next to Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof.

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