Heidelberg Castle Tours and Activities

Heidelberg Castle which includes tranquil scenes, a small town or village and heritage architecture
Heidelberg Castle showing a ruin 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-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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Top Heidelberg Castle Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
Berggasthof Königstuhl

Berggasthof Königstuhl

4 out of 5
Königstuhl 2, Heidelberg, BW
Berggasthof Königstuhl
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
City Partner Hotel Holländer Hof

City Partner Hotel Holländer Hof

3.5 out of 5
Neckarstaden 66, Heidelberg, BW
City Partner Hotel Holländer Hof
Staycity Aparthotels, Heidelberg

Staycity Aparthotels, Heidelberg

Speyerer Straße 9, Heidelberg
Staycity Aparthotels, Heidelberg
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

Heidelberg Castle offers a range of activities for visitors, including guided tours that delve into its rich history. For a romantic getaway, couples can enjoy stunning views from the cable car ride to the castle. Additionally, explore nearby theatres for cultural experiences and partake in various local activities that showcase the charm of Heidelberg. Embrace the romantic atmosphere while discovering the beauty of this historic site.

Shopping

In Heidelberg, visit Maimarkt Mannheim, a vibrant public market located 14.5km away, offering a mix of local goods and lively city vibes. If you're up for a drive, explore nearby shopping centres for a wider range of gifts and souvenirs to take home.

Recreation

Explore Maerchen Paradies, a delightful outdoor playground just 1.4km from Heidelberg Castle, perfect for families. For sports enthusiasts, head to Hardtwaldstadion, 9.7km away, or enjoy a round at Golfclub Hohenhardter Hof, located 11.3km from the castle, both offering great outdoor vibes.

Adventure

Hockenheim Racing Track offers thrilling motor racing experiences only 14.5km away, perfect for adrenaline seekers. For family fun, MIRAMAR waterpark, also 14.5km away, boasts exciting water slides and attractions. Meanwhile, the Odenwald-Vosges Trail, a scenic hiking trail merely 644m away, invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

In Heidelberg, the Heidelberg Theater and Orchestra offers a vibrant cultural experience just 805m from the castle, perfect for a romantic evening. For a unique twist, the Planetarium Mannheim, 17.7km away, mesmerises families with stargazing. Don't miss the lively Neckarstrand pub, 19.3km distant, ideal for drinks and entertainment.

*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 is a must-visit for tourists, offering a mix of historic landmarks, stunning gardens, and cultural experiences. Explore the beautiful Heidelberg Castle Garden and take in the views of this iconic site. With numerous attractions, including the renowned Heidelberg University and charming churches, there’s plenty for families and culture enthusiasts alike to enjoy during your visit.

  • Marktplatz: Located a mere 322m from Heidelberg Castle, Marktplatz is a vibrant square steeped in history. It’s a fantastic spot to soak in the local atmosphere, featuring charming architecture and lively markets that showcase the region's culture.
  • University of Heidelberg Old Campus: Only 644m away, this historic university campus exudes a rich cultural vibe. As one of Europe’s oldest universities, it offers captivating buildings and serene gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll while appreciating its academic legacy.
  • Karl Theodor Bridge: Also situated 644m from the castle, this iconic bridge spans the Neckar River, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The bridge's historical significance and picturesque setting make it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.

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 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

For a budget-friendly trip to Heidelberg Castle, consider visiting in January to February or August, when accommodation prices are lower. Sundays offer the cheapest stays, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to compare prices and filter for eco-friendly options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities through package deals can also save you money. Explore free activities around the castle and take advantage of public transport for affordable travel, ensuring you have a memorable 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 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: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, allowing you to find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel category—for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will highlight sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Heidelberg Castle hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.