With some 12 million tourists and 1.4 million overnight bookings in more than 7.500 hotel beds in 2017, Heidelberg is one of the most popular tourist magnets in Germany. Who can resist attractions such as the world-famous Heidelberg Castle, the romantic Old Town and the picturesque location of this beautiful city on the Neckar River, surrounded by hills and forests? Heidelberg has fascinated poets and painters for centuries and has become the epitome of the German Romantic period.

Over 200 years ago Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote in his diary, “There is something ideal about the city and all that surrounds it, if I may say so.” Other poets of the Romantic period, such as Joseph von Eichendorff, Clemens Brentano and Achim von Arnim, also fell under Heidelberg’s magic spell, as did author Mark Twain, composer Robert Schumann and artist William Turner.

And rightly so. There is much to see within the confines of this city; a wide array of sights and all so accessible. The majestic Heidelberg Castle, towering over the Old Town, is the jewel in the crown. Perhaps what makes it such a gem is the fact that it has been a ruin for over 300 years.

The long history of Heidelberg is inextricably interwoven with that of its over 600 year-old university, the Ruperto Carola, with its historical auditorium, the Alte Aula, almost sacred in its appearance. It is the oldest university in Germany.

Once upon a time, scholars dressed in starched frock-coats could be seen strolling ponderously along the famous Philosophers’ Walk, the Philosophenweg. From this vantage point, the panoramic view over Heidelberg is unique – what lies before you is a spectacular postcard vista of the Old Town, the Old Bridge, the Castle and the almost 600 meter high Königstuhl, the holt overlooking the city. From the Philosophers’ Walk, a winding path takes you down towards the Old Bridge, the Alte Brücke, another stonelike landmark of the former royal residence Heidelberg.

At the Old Bridge, the Nepomuk Terrace is the place for romantics – at the Lovers’ Stone, the Heidelberger Liebesstein, lovers can attach a lock as a symbol of their undying love. A few steps away lies the Old Town, the Altstadt, with its picturesque squares, churches, museums and numerous other sights. In the quaint little lanes, alleyways and secluded courtyards of the historic city center, there are plenty of surprises awaiting the curious visitor.

The kaleidoscope of overseas visitors to Heidelberg is matched by its own rich cultural repertoire ranging from dance to theater, music and many public events, a multifacetted cultural scene which has something for everyone. Among the highlights you find the International Music Festival „Heidelberger Frühling“ which is the largest music festival in South Germany and one of the top international festivals for classical music, the legendary Castle Illuminations that captivate thousands of people, the Heidelberger Schlossfestspiele (Castle Festival) with a fantastic program of opera, theater and concerts on the town’s most beautiful stages at Heidelberg Castle or the Enjoy Jazz Festival which offers varied concerts at exclusive performance areas in Heidelberg. Hardly any other city of comparable size offers such a wide range of cultural events. 

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