Heidelberg Castle

Castle facts, history, tours and tips for travellers

Heidelberg Castle is definitely the most popular castle ruin in Germany. The majestic palace sits prominently on a hill overlooking historic Heidelberg. Schloss Heidelberg has inspired poets for centuries, no wonder it is a huge tourist attraction and well known around the world.

Located on a spur called Jettenbühl on the northern slope of the Königstuhl mountain, visitors can enjoy the most splendid views over the Neckar valley, and to the old town of Heidelberg.

Let me show you around Heidelberg Castle, tell about its history, and give you tips how to visit the magnificient palace that is known as Schloss Heidelberg in Germany.

Heidelberg Palace, Baden-Württemberg

History & Facts of Heidelberg Castle

A castle on the hill above Heidelberg was first mentioned in the early 13th century. Around 1300 there were even 2 castles mentioned. However, it was not until 1400 that building activities were documented.
Heidelberg palace was built and extended over three centuries in different styles (Gothic and Renaissance elements). You can clearly see that in the picture above.
Here is the timeline of Heidelberg Palace:

1400 - Palsegrave Rupert III (Pfalzgraf Ruprecht III) became King Ruprecht I and built Ruprechtsbau
1556 - Ottheinrichsbau was the first German Renaissance palace.
1601 - Friedrichsbau and 1614 - English Bau, two large residential buildings were erected.
1610 - The beautiful Palace Gardens (Hortus Palatinus) were layd out by architect Salomon de Caus. The multi-level terraced gardens became famous for landscaping and horticultural techniques and design.
1688-1697, during the war of succession, the castle was destroyed twice by the French. Rebuilding began immediately each time, but reconstruction was never completed.
1764 - Still in the rebuilding phase, lightning caused a major fire and destruction. The palace decayed. Heidelberg citizen even used the ruin as a source of building materials for their own houses.
Around 1800 - The ruins became an object of Romantic enthusiasm. For many artists, the ruins, the surrounding hills and the river were a perfect ensemble.
1810 - French Charles Graf von Graimberg initiated the preservation of Heidelberg Castle.
1897-1900 - After long discussions whether the castle should be restored it was decided to preserve the complex. Only the Friedrichsbau, which was not completely destroyed, was restored.

Father Rhine, Heidelberg Palace Gardens

Things to do at the castle

The palace itself is the main attraction, of course. However, there is much more to do and explore in the castle:

The Heidelberg Tun is the world's biggest wine barrel that holds 220,000 litres (58,100 U.S. gallons). The vat (Fass) was built in 1751.
The German Pharmacy Museum (Deutsches Apothekenmuseum) in the Ottheinrichsbau displays a large collection of old stuff used in a pharmacy in earlier times.
You can marry at the palace. Really! From February to December you can arrange a civil wedding ceremony at Heidelberg castle.
Don't forget to walk around the gardens and enjoy the beautiful views over Heidelberg and the Neckar. There are some excellent vantage points you shouldn't miss.

It is easy to spend an entire day at the palace. There is a restaurant that invites you to relax after you are done with the sightseeing.

How to get to Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg can be easily reached by car and train. Guided tours to Heidelberg castle are available from Frankfurt.

View Heidelberg in a larger map

Getting there by car

The closest motorway (Autobahn) is the A5, use the exit Heidelberg and follow the signs to the "Zentrum", or "Stadtmitte".

You can't drive up to the castle, as there are rarely parking spots available. Parking in the streets around the castle is mostly reserved to residents.

Once you arrive in the "Old Town", you have the choice of walking or taking the funicular (Bergbahn) to the castle. Watch out for the car park P12 at the "Kornmarkt. From here you can either walk, or take the short ride on the funucular. The first stop is already Heidelberg castle.

It is a scenic way to walk up to the castle, either on a steep and winding road, or on a small staircase with 315 steps. You don't have to count the steps as you walk up, each step has a number on it to show you your progress. I admit, it was a bit strenuous.

View to the castle from the gardens

Getting there by train

The next ICE train station is in Mannheim with connections from and to Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Berlin and other major cities. S-Bahn and regional express trains run frequently from Mannheim to Heidelberg and take about 15 to 20 minutes.
Read more about the German rail system and train travel when you plan a journey by rail.

Tours from Frankfurt to Heidelberg

This Half-Day Tour to Heidelberg from Frankfurt leaves Frankfurt in the morning for an one hour drive to romantic Heidelberg. You will visit the castle, see the wine barrel and have time to stroll around the old town. Don't miss the fantastic views from the Karl Theodor Neckar bridge.

Another great option is to combine the Heidelberg morning tour with a visit of the Unesco Heritage Rhine Valley afterwards. A boat trip, wine tasting and dinner is included. Find more information about the Heidelberg and Rhine Valley Combination Tour

A Lufthansa shuttle bus runs from Frankfurt airport to Heidelberg and drops passengers off at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Heidelberg. This is a very convenient way to travel with lots of luggage. The bus starts about every 60 to 90 minutes in both directions.

Tourist Information Heidelberg Castle

The main tourist information centre is at the main train station, there is another one in the town hall.

Castle opening Hours:

The palace courtyard and the giant barrel are open daily from 8:00am to 5:30pm
The German Pharmacy Museum (Deutsches Apothekenmuseum) is open April to October from 10:15am to 6:00pm November to March from 10:00am to 5:30pm

Admission Fee:

You can get a combi ticket for the funicular, the palace courtyard, the big barrel and the pharmacy museum for 5 Euro.
You can only visit the palace inside when you book a guided tour. Guided tours (available in German & English ) cost a supplement of 4 Euro.

Mövenpick Restaurants at Heidelberg Castle

You don't need to starve when you visit Schloss Heidelberg.
Schlossweinstube is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 17:30pm for dinner, and on Sundays from 11am to 3pm for brunch.

Enjoy local specialties in the Backhaus Tuesdays to Sundays from 11am to 18pm in the summer season (April to October).

Wine tasting and snacks are available in the Fasskeller

Schloss Heidelberg is truly a special place to celebrate a huge event. Guests can get married in the Schlosskapelle and celebrate afterwards in a magnificient ambience. The Ottheinrichsbau, Königssaal and other rooms can be rented for your function.
Catering is offered through the Mövenpick Restaurants.

Heidelberg Discount Card

Save money while you spend a full day exploring Heidelberg. With the Heidelberg Card you get:

free entry to Heidelberg castle

free use of funicular, public transport

city guide and pocket map

discounts on city tours, boat rides, museum entries

Heidelberg Welcome bag

You know what it is like when you do sightseeing, the Euros for different attractions add up. With this card you can save a lot of money.

Hotels in Heidelberg

When you are looking for a bed after walking up the 315 steps to the castle, I am sure you'll find a nice hotel in Heidelberg. Use the search box below to find a great deal from HotelsCombined.