Heidelberg’s Old Town attracts countless tourists from all over the world year after year. In addition to the famous Heidelberg Castle high above the city, the medieval city centre is particularly fascinating. Narrow alleyways, magnificent baroque buildings and impressive monuments give it a special appeal. Heidelberg’s old town centre exudes a unique charm. The wooded area of the Königsstuhl and the Neckar meandering through the city make the atmosphere very special. Several faculties of Germany’s oldest university are located in the centre of the city. The ‘Ruperto Carola’ was founded here in 1386. The numerous students from all over the world also give Heidelberg’s old town an international flavour.
Places of interest: The highlights of Heidelberg’s Old Town
The longest pedestrian zone in Europe – shopping and strolling in Heidelberg City Centre
Heidelberg’s Old Town is world-famous. You can spend a wonderful day in medieval alleyways, on picturesque squares and at many sights. Many people think so. Around 13 million curious visitors come to Heidelberg every year.
A particular highlight is the main street, which at 1.6 kilometres is the longest pedestrian zone in Europe. Take your time to stroll along it. We recommend that you start your exploration of the main street in Heidelberg City at Bismarckplatz. There are several multi-storey car parks here, so you can easily find a parking space. But that’s not the only advantage: if you start from here, you will experience the sights of Heidelberg’s Old Town in perfect order. Step by step, the splendour of the historic buildings increases until you finally arrive at the impressive highlight – the Old Bridge Heidelberg and the majestic Old Heidelberg Castle.
If you walk along the main street, you will see many beautiful historic buildings. Take your time to enjoy them. You will pass many cafés, bistros and restaurants. Sit down and take in the scenery and the colourful hustle and bustle of Heidelberg City. Don’t forget the small side streets of Heidelberg’s Old Town. They are also really worth seeing.
Tip: Take your time to browse the shops. You will find over 450 shops in Heidelberg City. And what’s special: You won’t just find the big chain shops here, but more than 300 owner-managed shops and boutiques of all kinds.
University Square – the centrepiece of Heidelberg University
On your way along the main street, you will pass numerous magnificent old buildings. A total of five squares give the old town of Heidelberg a special flair. Halfway up the main street, you will pass the University Square. The baroque Old University, which was built between 1712 and 1735, stands on the north side. Numerous surrounding street cafés and restaurants attract a young crowd. This also applies to the canteen, which is located here. Heidelberg University was founded in 1386 and is considered to be the oldest in Germany. With 33 associated Nobel Prize winners, it is also one of the strongest in terms of research. You can visit the magnificent Old Assembly Hall here. As you walk through the rows, you can feel the atmosphere of the scholars.
Insider tip: A special attraction at Heidelberg University is the student carcass. In the past, students had to serve their sentences here if they violated public order. The atmosphere is unique: the original wooden furniture is still in the room. The walls are full of doodles and tell stories of times gone by.
The market square – centre of the old town
And then you are already at the market square, a special highlight of Heidelberg’s Old Town. The market square is one of the oldest squares in Heidelberg. Beautiful rows of houses border the square on two sides. To the east, you can see the historic Heidelberg Town Hall. Opposite is the imposing Heiliggeistkirche, which was built between 1398 and 1515. With its impressive architecture, it characterises the image of the square and gives it a special atmosphere. In summer, the market square is surrounded by palm trees around the Hercules Fountain, which was built between 1706 and 1709. Tables in the surrounding restaurants invite you to linger. Take in the atmosphere of the beautiful square and the colourful hustle and bustle.
From the market square on the right, you reach the fish market, a small, romantic square with restaurants. From here, Steingasse leads to the Old Bridge. There are also numerous restaurants with outdoor tables along Steingasse.
The Old Bridge in Heidelberg – a landmark with history
The Old Bridge in Heidelberg is one of the top sights in Heidelberg’s Old Town. The crowds in Steingasse are correspondingly large. A colourful crowd pushes its way in both directions. When Steingasse opens up, your gaze falls directly on the medieval bridge gate of Heidelberg’s Old Bridge. It stands there impressively with its two towers.
Special tip: To the left of the bridge gate you will find the bridge monkey, whose legend dates back to the Middle Ages. The mirror in his hand invites you to engage in critical self-reflection. Touch it and you will gain prosperity and happiness. If you want to return to Heidelberg, rub the fingers of your right hand. If you stroke the mice at the monkey’s feet, you will gain fertility.
History: Heidelberg City – City of Science and the Romantics
Heidelberg’s old town has a long history. The city was first mentioned in 1196. In the 13th century, Heidelberg developed the character of a residential town. As a result, the Old Town and the castle were built according to plan. The founding of the university in 1386 contributed to Heidelberg’s further prosperity.
Heidelberg’s Old Town was completely destroyed in 1693 during the War of the Palatinate Succession. The city was rebuilt on the medieval layout. The baroque appearance that emerged at that time still characterises the city today. The Old Castle, which was also destroyed, remains in ruins. Its romantic flair attracted famous poets and romantics in the 19th century.
Gottfried Keller, Clemens von Brentano, Joseph von Eichendorff, the Brothers Grimm, Friedrich Hölderlin and, of course, Goethe were among them. The Old Bridge Heidelberg was built at the end of the 18th century. This further increased Heidelberg’s appeal.
‘The city in its location and with all its surroundings has, one may say, something ideal…’ Goethe wrote in his diary in 1797.
‘Old Heidelberg, you fine, city rich in honour on the Neckar and the Rhine, no other can equal you …’ praised Scheffel in 1852.
Heidelberg’s old town was spared destruction during the Second World War, so you can still admire its beauty today.
Special tips: Student pubs and love stone
If you want to feel the atmosphere of the student city, you can do this very well in one of the historic student pubs. The ‘Zum Roten Ochsen’ is already 180 years old. Students were already meeting in the ‘Wirtshaus zum Sepp’l’ in the 17th century – to name just two examples.
Tip for lovers: The 3.5 tonne love stone is located on the banks of the Neckar opposite Heidelberg Old Town. You can attach a love lock here.
Surroundings: Heidelberg old town and its striking sights
Old Heidelberg Castle – historic ruins with charm
The Old Heidelberg Castle is a first-class sight. You can reach it on foot via around 300 steps and a steep path. It’s strenuous, but doable. If you want it to be more comfortable, you can take the cog railway.
The ruins of the Old Castle are wildly romantic – enjoy the Old Town atmosphere of the Heidelberg tourist hotspot! Perhaps a guided tour of the castle will also fit into your programme. From the valley-facing side of the ruins, you have an overwhelming view of Heidelberg’s Old Town.
Philosophenweg – A walk with a dream view
If you want a dream view of Heidelberg’s Old Town, we recommend a trip to the Philosopher’s Path (Philosophenweg). It is located on the opposite side of the Neckar to the Old Town. Cross the Old Bridge and follow the steep ascent. Once at the top, you can walk in the footsteps of professors and philosophers. The path is lined with Mediterranean vegetation and the view of the city, Heidelberg Old Bridge and Heidelberg Old Castle is unique.
Philosophengärtchen – Mediterranean flair in the centre of Heidelberg
As you walk along the Philosopher’s Path, you will pass the Philosopher’s Garden. Due to the mild climate, palm trees, lemon trees and other Mediterranean plants grow here. It is an enchanting place to relax while you let your gaze wander over Heidelberg.
Thingstätte – historic open-air theatre with a past
You can discover an impressive sight on the Heiligenberg: the The Thing Site (Thingstätte). It was built in 1934 by the National Socialists in the Germanic style. The large open-air stage is surrounded by 56 semi-circular rows and offered space for 20,000 people.
St Stephen’s Abbey ruins – Hidden history in the middle of the countryside
On the Michelsberg, you can visit the ruins of St. Stefan Monastery Ruins. The romantic ruins are scattered between tall trees. Next to it is the Heiligenberg Tower, a round observation tower from the 18th century. You can climb the tower and enjoy the impressive panoramic view or sit on a bench, feel the peace and quiet and let the special atmosphere take effect on you.
King’s Chair – The ‘royal’ view of Heidelberg
You have a particularly ‘royal’ view from the King’s Chair (Königstuhl), Heidelberg’s local mountain. You can easily reach the Königstuhl with the mountain railway, which departs from Kornmarkt every 20 minutes. The steep ride is an experience in itself and rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view of Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley.
