Heidelberg Landmarks and Monuments

(Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany)

A wealth of centuries-old buildings and similar landmarks in Heidelberg serves to give the city its medieval character, making it a visitor's dream to explore on foot. The Heidelberg Castle dominates the Old Town, standing guard over the historic centre, which is set on the banks of the River Neckar.

Cross over the picturesque Old Bridge for some great photo opportunities, historic monuments and local landmarks, as well as a peek at the helmeted Bridge Gate. Those visiting Heidelberg who are prepared to walk can experience nearby sights, such as Thingstatte, a disused amphitheatre built under Nazi supervision. Heidelberg's many landmarks are below.

Heidelberg Castle (Heidelberger Schloss)

Address: Über dem Ostlichen, Ende der Altstadt, Heidelberg, D-69117, Germany, DE
Sitting high on the plateau and dominating the Old Town, the castle is Heidelberg's most well-known landmark. Visitors can access Heidelberg Castle by taking a steep climb on foot, or alternatively they can use the mountain railway (Bergbahn) from Kornmarkt. You can take a guided tour of the buildings or go at it alone. From the castle courtyard you will see various architectural styles, evidence the various parts of the castle were built in different periods. The cellar contains the largest wooden barrel in the world, and samples of wine are available. The best views of the city can be had from Belvedere terrace. Don't forget to tour the delightful English gardens, once visited by Goethe.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 17:00 (castle courtyard), 24 hours (castle gardens)
Admission: no charge (castle gardens), charge (castle courtyard)

Bridge Gate (Breckentor)

Address: Altstadt, Am Neckar, Heidelberg, D-69117, Germany, DE
The picturesque medieval Bridge Gate, which leads to the Old Bridge, is an unmissable Heidelberg sight. This well-preserved gateway is sided by two white towers with Baroque helmets, and sits on the Old Town side of the Neckar River. The West Tower was formerly used as somewhere to detain miscreant, being home to dungeons, while the East Tower contains a spiral staircase.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: no charge

Old Bridge (Alte Brucke)

Address: Altstadt, Am Neckar, Heidelberg, D-69117, Germany, DE
The picture-worthy Old Bridge is an essential stop of on any walking tour of the Old Town. Constructed in the late 18th century and spanning the Neckar River, the Old Bridge was the first stone bridge to be constructed in this spot after a series of wooden bridges were destroyed. Visitors can read the plaque here commemorating the city's success in defending Heidelberg from invading French troops in 1798. In addition, the bridge is home to sculptures produced by an 18th century official court sculpture, Franz Konrad Linck.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: no charge

Schwetzingen Castle (Schloss Schwetzingen)

Address: Schwetzingen, Germany, DE
Schwetzingen is situated just 12 km / 7 miles from Heidelberg and is a popular daytrip destination for its castle and gardens. More of a palace than a castle, the gardens are the main attraction, where you can peacefully stroll among peacocks and a spectacular range of plants and flowers. The architectural variation of the gardens makes them even more interesting, and there is a recently restored mosque on-site. The Marktplatz in front of the castle is popular among diners and coffee lovers, with a selection of eateries and cafés to choose from.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Thingstatte

Address: Auf dem Heiligenberg, Heidelberg, D-69121, Germany, DE
Heiligenberg, about a one-hour walk from the Old Town area of Heidelberg, is home to Thingstatte, a Nazi-built open-air amphitheatre. Also accessible by car, you can explore the dilapidated theatre, which was built by forced labourers. Test the acoustics while you are here - they are really quite impressive. Adjacent to the theatre is a 9th-century monastery, which was deserted at the turn of the 16th century. There is a lovely beer garden nearby and a small guesthouse for those who are too tired, or merry, to walk back to the Old Town.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: no charge

Palais Boissereé

Address: Hauptstrasse 235, Heidelberg, Germany, DE
Located on the eastern side of Heidelberg's Markt area, the Palais Boissereé is a particularly grand, former palace building and known for its medieval architecture. The Palais Boissereé hosts a number of temporary exhibitions each year and these events are known to have once attracted many famous German poets and writers, including the Brothers Grimm, amongst others. Standing to the north of the Karlsplatzes and dating back more than 300 years, the palace is home to a permanent collection of historic Germany paintings.
Open hours: daily - seasonal variations
Admission: charge

Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg (Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg)

Address: Grabengasse 1, Heidelberg, D-69117, Germany, DE
The oldest university in the whole of Germany, the University of Heidelberg is of great historical significance and an important landmark in its own right. Heidelberg University was originally split into four main faculties - law, medicine, philosophy and also theology, and previously was centred around the Universitätplatz. Today, the university now boasts almost 20 different faculties and is home to more than 30,000 students, with the main campus being located on the northern side of the Neckar River.
Open hours: daily
Admission: no charge