Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle showing tranquil scenes, a small town or village and heritage architecture
Heidelberg Castle which includes building ruins and tranquil scenes
Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle
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-litre) 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

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Things to do near Heidelberg Castle

A trip to Heidelberg Castle offers a variety of engaging activities, including exploring its stunning architecture and picturesque gardens. Visitors can enjoy guided tours that delve into the castle's rich history, as well as attend theatrical performances in the nearby areas, providing a delightful cultural experience. Don't miss the breathtaking views of the Neckar River and the charming city of Heidelberg from the castle grounds.

Shopping

Discover the vibrant Maimarkt Mannheim, a public market located 5.6km from Heidelberg Castle, where you can enjoy a bustling atmosphere and local goods. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting nearby shopping centres for an even wider selection of gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Maerchen Paradies offers a whimsical playground experience, perfect for families seeking outdoor fun just 559m from Heidelberg Castle. For sports enthusiasts, Hardtwaldstadion, located 3.7km away, presents a vibrant atmosphere for various athletic activities. Golfclub Hohenhardter Hof, 4.3km distant, invites golf lovers to enjoy stunning outdoor courses.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Hockenheim Racing Track, located 5.6km from Heidelberg Castle, and feel the adrenaline rush. For a family-friendly day, enjoy the waves and slides at MIRAMAR Waterpark, also 5.6km away. Alternatively, explore the Odenwald-Vosges Trail, a scenic hiking trail 249m from the castle.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Heidelberg Castle with a cultural evening at the Heidelberg Theater and Orchestra, just 311m away. For a family-friendly outing, visit the Planetarium Mannheim, 6.8km away, or unwind with a drink at Neckarstrand, a charming pub 7.5km from the castle.

Find the best attractions near Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle is a must-visit for tourists, offering a blend of cultural and historic experiences. Nearby, you can explore the renowned university, charming churches, and scenic outdoor spots perfect for families. For convenient stays, consider popular or discount hotels located near the castle. Don’t miss the opportunity to delve into the history of Heidelberg Palace while enjoying the captivating views that this iconic landmark has to offer.

  • Marktplatz: Located a mere 124m from Heidelberg Castle, Marktplatz is a vibrant square steeped in history. Its charming atmosphere is enhanced by beautiful architecture and bustling market stalls, making it a perfect spot to soak in the local culture.
  • Brass Monkey: This unique monument, situated 186m from the castle, is a cultural landmark that showcases the artistic spirit of Heidelberg. Its intriguing design and surroundings invite visitors to reflect on the city's rich heritage and contemporary vibrancy.
  • University of Heidelberg Old Campus: Just 249m from the castle, this historic university campus is one of Germany's oldest. With its stunning buildings and scholarly atmosphere, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's academic legacy and cultural importance.

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 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 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 on your visit to Heidelberg Castle, consider travelling in the cheaper months of January to February or August, with Sunday being the least expensive day for accommodation. Use Expedia's search tool to compare room rates and filter for the best deals, arranging results from lowest to highest price. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package can lead to further savings. Enjoy free activities around the castle and utilise public transport to navigate the area affordably.

  • 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 Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Heidelberg Castle is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel accommodation for Heidelberg Castle with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.