With a red-roofed old town and medieval bridges that span the River Neckar, Heidelberg is a place that serves up German romance straight out of a storybook. Poets, philosophers, and dreamers have long been drawn here, singing the praises of the little town on the river with its stately Heidelberg Castle (Heidelberger Schloss). In addition to exploring the castle’s ruins and garden, visitors will find no shortage of things to do in Heidelberg. Home to Germany’s oldest university, the city is a lively place that appeals to students, tourists, and locals alike.
One of the best times to visit Heidelberg is in the summer, when the weather is warm, rarely too hot, and rainy days are less common. There are fewer students around in the summer months, too, although they’re replaced by tourists who flock here, particularly in July and August. If you want to avoid the crowds, the winter months are mild, and there are events like the Heidelberg Christmas Market and an open-air ice rink. Both are open in the Altstadt (Old Town) district from the end of November.
If you plan to base yourself in the Altstadt, you’ll find most Heidelberg sights within walking distance. If you want to use public transport, the city’s trams and trains are easy to figure out and use, although if hiking is high on your list of things to do, it’s worthwhile renting a car. With your own wheels, you can easily access routes like Heidelberg’s famous Philosophers’ Walk, a trek loved for its views over the River Neckar.
Most travelers will have the Karl-Theodor Bridge and Heidelberg Castle high on their must-see lists, but there’s another attraction worthy of a photo in town. Don’t miss the quirky Heidelberg Tun, which is said to be the world’s largest wine barrel, and is tucked away inside the castle ruins. Mark Twain famously remarked that “an empty cask the size of a cathedral could excite but little emotion in me”—but judging by the lines for photos, many disagree with him.
