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  • Literaturstadt Heidelberg
    Provided by: Heidelberg Marketing GmbH, Foto Tobias Schwerdt

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.​

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

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Europe Germany Heidelberg Do & See UNESCO City of Literature

UNESCO City of Literature

The guide was updated:
Literature is omnipresent in Heidelberg. Walking through the city, you will find bookshops, second-hand bookshops, publishing houses and libraries on every corner. Hardly a day goes by without a literary event, no summer without the Heidelberg Literature Festival, no year without literary prize winners. A look at the lively author, translator and theatre scene shows the high literary productivity in the Neckar city. Since the beginning of December 2014, Heidelberg has been an official member of the "UNESCO Creative Cities Network" as a "UNESCO City of Literature". The city is thus the first UNESCO City of Literature in Germany.

Useful Information

Digital Travel Guide Download

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.​

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase
The Old Bridge

The Old Bridge

Together with its famed Bridge Gate, which was once a part of the city wall, the Old Bridge has always been a symbol of Heidelberg. The statues of Karl-Theodor (who built and gave his name to the current stone bridge) and of Pallas Athena, the goddess of wisdom and culture, stand enthroned here above the Neckar. The Bridge Monkey, re-erected in the 1970s on the Old Town side of the bridge, is one of the most popular photo motives. On the closest bridge column, below the statue of Karl-Theodor, are chiseled the impressive flood markings of recent centuries.
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Market Square with the Church of the Holy Spirit

Market Square with the Church of the Holy Spirit

One of the city’s oldest squares, Market Square is framed on the east by the town hall and on the west by the Church of the Holy Spirit. In the center of the square stands the majestic Hercules Fountain, erected between 1706 and 1709 as a reminder of the immense efforts required to rebuild the city after its almost destruction in the War of Palatinate Succession, 1689-1693. The Church of the Holy Spirit was constructed from 1400 by Ruprecht I as both a collegiate church and a final resting place. The distinctive feature of the church is its loft galleries, where originally the famed Bibliotheca Palatina was housed as a safely enchained library, until its abduction and transport to the Vatican during the Thirty Years’ War. Today the Church of the Holy Spirit is the city’s main Protestant church and attracts visitors in large numbers to its concerts and church services.
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Kornmarkt with Madonna statue

Kornmarkt with Madonna statue

The Madonna statue on Kornmarkt was erected in the course of recatholisation efforts under Prince Elector Karl Philipp. Created by Peter von den Branden in 1718, the Corn Market Madonna is considered the most beautiful baroque statue in Heidelberg. On the western side of the Kornmarkt stands the stately Palais Prince Carl – from 1788 an inn, till 1915 one of Heidelberg’s leading hotels, today an event venue with a magnificent Mirror Hall - and on the far eastern corner is the pale yellow house of the French Count de Graimberg. Charles de Graimberg became by his own volition and immense efforts the conservator of the castle and the founder of the city’s art collections. Graimberg died in 1864, having lived to see his dream of preserving the castle come true.
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The Old University

The Old University

In the Alte Aula, the hallowed old lecture hall of the Old University building, famous graduate students have defended their doctoral theses and received their degrees for some 300 years. Today the Alte Aula is the ceremonial hall of Heidelberg University. Mural paintings on the ceiling and front wall of the wood-panelled room represent the history of Germany’s oldest university. On the ground floor of the building, the three exhibition rooms of the University Museum trace in pictures, documents and German texts the history of the University.
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Philosophenweg (Philosophers’ Walk)

Philosophenweg (Philosophers’ Walk)

Philosophers’ Walk is considered one of the most beautiful walkways in all Europe. The famed pathway that meanders along the sunny side of the Heiligenberg has inspired countless scholars and poets through the centuries, and today offers visitors an unimpaired view of the castle and town, as well as numerous benches on which to linger and enjoy the matchless panorama. Above Philosophers’ Walk is the Heiligenberg, 439 meters or 1,440 feet above sea level. On its the many footpaths, visitors can explore the still partially preserved celtic ring wall, the Roman Temple of Mercury, from the Mithra cult, the Thingstätte – a gigantic open-air stage from the time of National Socialism – and the ruins of the monasteries of St. Michael and St. Stephan.
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Weisse Flotte Heidelberg (White Fleet)

Weisse Flotte Heidelberg (White Fleet)

Whether you are exploring Heidelberg for the first time, rediscovering your hometown or seeking a mini-vacation, a White Fleet cruise is a relaxing way to see one of Germany´s most beautiful townscapes. There are numerous cruises to choose from. During our tour of 40 minutes up to three hours you get great impression of Heidelberg, the castles in the Neckar valley, the Mannheim harbor or the Old Rhine at Worms. Charter: Are you looking for a special location for an event or a festivity? Client parties, Corporate events, Private group trips, Weddings, and so on.. Great music, food, laughter and constantly changing scenery will make your celebration one to remember. We assist you in planning your special event. Please contact us for more detailled information about buffets and prices.
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Solarboat Neckarsonne

Solarboat Neckarsonne

The ship (length: 36,90 m) on the Neckar River is powered by solar energy. The passengers experience the most delightful views of the city while the ship gently gildes by. The views are only enjoyable from the waterside. This is an environment that makes the trip the experience. Additional to the fascinating round view the ship offers many pleasant comforts: two bistros, PA system, and toilets. The largest and most modern solar steel ship in the world. Its maximum capacity is 200-250 persons. There are approximately 150 seats in the heated interior and 100 more available on the outside deck. The ship and the pier are both handicap accessible.” Charter Trips: You can also rent the solar shuttle for private charter trips. The commodious interior is ideal for bus and travelling groups. Weddings, meetings and all kind of group-events can be celebrated on board. Gliding on the Neckar River every event becomes a special highlight. We would be glad to support you in questions of catering, decoration, program and route.
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Heidelberger Liebesstein

Heidelberger Liebesstein

The "Heidelberger Liebesstein" is an Odenwald sandstone which stands on the north side of the Old Bridge. Couples in love can fix an engraved love lock there to seal their eternal love. The engraved love locks seal the eternal love of couples. According to an old tradition, couples close the lock together and throw the key into the river. The view through the love stone opens up a unique photographic perspective of the romantic landmark of the city - Heidelberg Castle.
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Walking Tour of the Old Town

Walking Tour of the Old Town

The oldest part of Heidelberg has far more to offer than the Alte Brücke (Old Bridge), the picturesque alleys and the unique view of the world’s best-known ruin. In the Old Town, dreamy squares are linked like beads on a necklace, with people of all ages and from around the world meeting in the many small cafes and pubs. A unique cultural offer beckons with museums and theaters as well. Let your guide take you on a tour of exploration to really get to know Heidelberg.
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City and Castle Sightseeing Tour

City and Castle Sightseeing Tour

You will first receive an unobstructed view of the “Stage Heidelberg”. Let your gaze wander up to take in the Romantic Castle, majestically towering above Karlsplatz (Carl’s Square). This is followed by a comfortable City and Castle Sightseeing Tour with a tourist guide along the River Neckar to a photo stop at the Alte Brücke (Old Bridge). Later, you will see Heidelberg Castle close up, with an outdoor tour in which your tourist guide will introduce you to the history of this fascinating building. You will see the inner courtyard and the famous Large Barrel. After the tour, you can visit the Deutsches Apotheken-Museum (German Pharmacy Museum) and then enjoy the ride with the funicular railway back to the Old Town (valley station Kornmarkt (Grain Square)), which is included in the Castle ticket.
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Parks and Gardens

Parks and Gardens

Those who are looking for a place to relax in the fresh air in between will find a nice place in one of the public parks. Here is a selection of "green oases": Castle Garden www.schloss-heidelberg.de The geometrically structured terraces of the Heidelberg Castle Garden "Hortus Palatinus" were once considered the "eighth wonder of the world". The large grotto contained elaborate water features, its walls were decorated with stones, shells and coral. The large terrace offers an impressive view of the eastern front of the castle and the Rhine plain. Neckar meadow The 5 hectare Neckar Meadow extends along the Neckar River in the centrally located district of Neuenheim. Picturesquely situated on the banks of the river, you have a wonderful view of the old town and the castle from some places. The Neckarwiese offers an ideal space for recreation, games, sports and fun. Philosophers' Walk / Philosophers' Garden The Philosophers' Walk winds its way up the southern slope to Heiligenberg. You can start the ascent from the Theodor-Heuss-Bridge. The Philosophers' Garden, located above Albert-Überle-Straße, is a sun-drenched natural balcony with a wealth of exotic plants. On the natural balcony of the Philosophers' Walk you can enjoy nature and the view of the city at the same time. Unprotected, the exotic plants thrive on this climatic island, which is one of the warmest places in Germany, and everything blooms weeks earlier than in the valley. Swan pond / park in front of the public library The swan pond complex is located near the old town between Poststraße and Kurfürstenanlage in the Bergheim district. Walking paths and benches, fitness equipment and a playground invite you to linger in the greenery. Botanical garden Founded in 1593, the Botanical Garden of the University of Heidelberg is one of the oldest botanical gardens: important scientific work by Heidelberg botanists is inseparably linked to it and its research and protective collections are of great importance. There is also a herbarium with unique specimens. The Botanical Garden is a place of teaching, research and protection of plants threatened with extinction, but also a place of contemplation and recreation. www.botgart.hip.uni-heidelberg.de The Heidelberg City Forest The Heidelberg city forest has a size of 3,300 hectares. Directly from the city, hikers and those seeking recreation can experience the forest: Many signposted hiking trails lead to attractive vantage points. www.natuerlich.heidelberg.de; www.heidelberg.de Heidelberg mountain cemetery A network of paths of over 20 km runs through the largest Heidelberg cemetery, the Bergfriedhof. Four signposted circular routes invite you to discover this place of important cultural and historical treasures. Numerous information boards and signposts lead to the graves of important personalities, such as Friedrich Ebert, Robert Wilhelm Bunsen or Carl Bosch. www.heidelberg.de/friedhof
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Viewpoints

Viewpoints

The Königstuhl rises 567.8 meters high next to Heidelberg's old town. Opposite the Heidelberg Castle on the north bank of the Neckar River stands the 440-meter-high Heiligenberg. The two local mountains offer a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding area from numerous vantage points: - Königstuhl - Molkenkur - Heiligenberg - Heidelberger Schloss/ Schlossaltan - Heidelberger Schloss/ Scheffelterrasse - Riesenstein - Kloster Stift Neuburg - Bismarcksäule - Heiligenbergturm - Fuchsrondell - Meriankanzel - Rhododendronanlage
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Hiking and cycling

Hiking and cycling

HIKING TRAILS Quality hiking trail Neckarsteig The Neckarsteig is a hiking trail certified by the German Hiking Association. It is around 127 km long and 3127 metres high and leads from Heidelberg to Bad Wimpfen, combining nature with the cultural and historical attractions of the region. The hiking trail offers very good continuous marking and is equipped with rest areas, hiking furniture and parking spaces for hikers. The individual sections of the trail can also be easily reached by S-Bahn or passenger boats. This makes the Neckarsteig ideal for multi-day hikes, individual day tours or walks. www.neckarsteig.de Wine and Culture Experience Trail Heidelberg-Rohrbach In the Heidelberg district of Rohrbach, interesting facts about wine, grape varieties, geology, climate, history and life culture as well as flora and fauna of the region are presented in the vineyards. The core of the Wine and Culture Experience Trail is a circular trail of about 20 km, which can be walked on from different directions. All entry points have good connections to the local public transport system. www.weinwanderweg-rohrbach.de Heiligenberg circular hiking Trail From the parking lot for hikers on the Heiligenberg, numerous hiking and circular trails invite you to take a walk through the city forest. The remains from Celtic, Roman and medieval times are partly preserved, restored and made accessible by a varied and comfortable circular hiking trail, the Celtic Trail. www.outdooractive.com https://www.komoot.de/guide/357/wandern-rund-um-heidelberg Via naturae and forest adventure trail on the Königstuhl The Königstuhl is a 567.8 meter high mountain and only a stone's throw away from Heidelberg's old town (7 km). Here you will find an oasis of peace and relaxation and have a fantastic view of Heidelberg and the Neckar valley. With the Via naturae and the forest adventure trail, you will find two special forest paths, for learning for young and old. www.outdooractive.com www.heidelberg.de The Burgensteig Along the mountain road ("Bergstraße") the Burgensteig and the somewhat shorter and easier blossom path ("Blütenweg") from Darmstadt to Heidelberg lead over 120 km. On narrow and unspoilt paths, it leads past streams, meadows and vineyards and over 30 castles, palaces and places of worship can be discovered. www.diebergstrasse.de www.outdooractive.com CYCLE PATHS Numerous cycle paths lead through Heidelberg. The city is therefore an ideal starting point for exploring by bike or to make a stop on a trip. The Heidelberg bicycle city map shows the best bicycle connections and provides a lot of useful information about cycling in Heidelberg. Neckartal-Radweg, www.neckartalradweg-bw.de Radweg Bergstraße (klassisch oder naturnah), www.diebergstrasse.de Burgenstraßen-Radweg, www.burgenstrasse.de Kurpfalzroute, www.outdooractive.com Odenwald-Madonnen-Weg, www.tourismus-bw.de Heidelberg-Schwarzwald-Bodensee-Radweg, www.tourismus-bw.de Kurpfalzachse, www.outdooractive.com Badischer Weinradweg, www.badische-weinstrasse.de The mountains in and around Heidelberg are ideal for mountain bike tours. The mountain bike route network covers around 300 km in the Odenwald, 90 km of which are in the Heidelberg area. www.natuerlich.heidelberg.de
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Segway-Tour "Highly Philosophical"

Segway-Tour "Highly Philosophical"

The Segway Tour opens up an entirely new perspective. Glide along the River Neckar to the historical and trendy quarter Neuenheim with a tour guide. From there, you will continue towards the zoo and through the Neuenheimer Feld, with its impressive university and hospital buildings, and up to the Philosophenweg (Philosophers’ Walk). This Heidelberg sight is not easily seen at first glance. The former vintners’ path was once taken by scholars who desired the inspiration of the “Heidelberg Triad”: The harmony of the Baroque city, the Castle and the River Neckar. It’s an extraordinary view!
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Studentenkarzer (Student Prison)

Studentenkarzer (Student Prison)

From 1778 to 1914, the university’s young students were briefly imprisoned here for minor offenses, such as willfully disturbing the peace of the citizenry. Many of the inmates passed the time away by immortalizing themselves on the walls of the prison with drawings, silhouettes, and expressive phrases. Their spirited artwork can be admired today on a visit to the prison. A combination ticket is available for entrance to the Alte Aula and the prison (Karzer).
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University library

University library

The red sandstone facade of the library, adorned with sculpted figures and portraits, proclaims the significance of the building that presides over some 3 million books. Within, the staircase landings display carved busts of famous scholars, and the library’s regularly changing exhibitions invite a closer look. A special attraction is the "Codex Manesse", the world-famous medieval collection of secular Lieder which once was part of Heidelberg’s Bibliotheca Palatina.
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Prinzhorn Collection

Prinzhorn Collection

The Prinzhorn Collection is the custodian of a worldwide exceptional body of work done by patients in psychiatric hospitals at the dawn of the 20th century, collated by the art historian and physician of the Heidelberg Psychiatric University hospital, Hans Prinzhorn from 1919 to 1921. The Prinzhorn Collection comprises some 5000 works, the majority in pencil or crayons, together with paintings in oils and watercolours, fabric art, and wood sculptures. 435 patients/artists, including some 80 women, are represented in the collection. They were mostly committed to institutions in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, and by and large diagnosed as "schizophrenic".
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The Heidelberg Zoo

The Heidelberg Zoo

A perfect outing for the whole family is Heidelberg’s wonderful zoo. Located in the Neuenheimer Feld area just over the Neckar, with a beautiful collection of trees, a large children’s playground, and a children’s zoo for one-to-one encounters, the Heidelberg Zoo is considered one of the most innovative zoos in Germany today. Founded in 1934 by the Nobel prize winner Carl Bosch and the ornithologist Otto Fehringer, the zoo is divided into five separate theme areas. Central to all is the relationship between man and animal.
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Märchenparadies (theme park)

Märchenparadies (theme park)

Rediscover numerous fairytales, such as Snow White, Dwarf Nose, Rumpelstiltskin or the Liar Baron - just the lovable, mysterious fairy tale characters that are known from the books. Whether it's a fast-paced kite ride, a witch ride or fun on the new climbing wall - children can let off steam to their heart's content on a total of 29,000 m² of parking space. You reach the fairytale paradise with the funicular railway. For those arriving by car, free parking is available.
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UNESCO City of Literature

UNESCO City of Literature

Literature is omnipresent in Heidelberg. Walking through the city, you will find bookshops, second-hand bookshops, publishing houses and libraries on every corner. Hardly a day goes by without a literary event, no summer without the Heidelberg Literature Festival, no year without literary prize winners. A look at the lively author, translator and theatre scene shows the high literary productivity in the Neckar city. Since the beginning of December 2014, Heidelberg has been an official member of the "UNESCO Creative Cities Network" as a "UNESCO City of Literature". The city is thus the first UNESCO City of Literature in Germany.
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