Heidelberg Sightseeing: Old Bridge to the Castle

The sights of Heidelberg are best taken in a sequence that follows the Neckar and then climbs. This page lists them as numbered stops, from the Old Bridge to the castle and the hills, with the practical details for each.

  1. The Alte Brücke. The Karl-Theodor-Brücke was built between 1786 and 1788 in red sandstone. At its southern end stands a gate with two towers, and beside it the Brückenaffe, a bronze monkey sculpture holding a mirror. From the north bank the bridge and the castle make the standard Heidelberg picture.

  2. Marktplatz. The square is framed by the Rathaus and the Heiliggeistkirche, a late Gothic church whose tower can be climbed during the day. Hours change with the season, so ask at the entrance. In the middle stands the Hercules Fountain.

  3. Hauptstrasse. This pedestrian street runs for about 1.6 km between Bismarckplatz and Karlsplatz and is lined with shops and cafes. Haus zum Ritter at number 178 is a Renaissance house dating from 1592.

  4. University quarter. The Studentenkarzer at Augustinergasse 2 housed student offenders from 1778 to 1914, and the cells are covered in graffiti. A combined ticket with the University Museum is €7.50 for adults and €5 reduced, and it closes from 24 December 2026 to 11 January 2027. The university listing has hours. Nearby, the Marstall is a former arsenal that now serves as a student canteen.

  5. Kurpfälzisches Museum. At Hauptstrasse 97, in the Palais Morass. Opening hours are 10:00 to 18:00 from Tuesday to Sunday. It holds a replica of the Mauer 1 jaw, and the exhibition Unschätzbar runs until 30 May 2027.

  6. Karlsplatz. The widest view up to the castle is from this square at the eastern end of Hauptstrasse. In winter it hosts the ice rink.

  7. Heidelberg Castle. The Schlossticket costs €11 for adults until 31 December 2026 and €12 from 1 January 2027, with reduced fares at €5.50 and €6. It covers the funicular from Kornmarkt, the courtyard, the Great Tun and the German Pharmacy Museum. The grounds open at 09:00 and close at 18:00, and the state rooms are open only on a tour that costs €6. Read the castle page .

  8. Königstuhl. The funicular climbs in two sections to the summit at 567 m. A Panoramaticket costs €17 return, and prices rise in January 2027. See bergbahn-heidelberg.de .

  9. The Philosophenweg. On the north-bank slope, this path of about 2 km looks directly over to the castle. Its approach, the Schlangenweg, is steep and slippery when wet.

  10. Thingstätte on the Heiligenberg. A Nazi-era amphitheatre, built in 1934 and 1935. It is a place for quiet reflection and historical context rather than a casual photo stop. It is free, unlit and unfenced, with uneven steps, so go in daylight.

Getting around

Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof is roughly 2 km west of the Old Town, and a tram or bus takes you to Bismarckplatz. The Old Town is pedestrian. The HeidelbergCARD costs €25 for a day and includes the castle ticket, several museum entries and VRN travel.

Read more: Heidelberg walking tours and the two-day plan . To compare tours, browse Heidelberg sightseeing tours on GetYourGuide .