Heidelberg Parks and Gardens

(Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany)

Plenty of recreational spaces are available around the city of Heidelberg, offering peaceful spots to sit and relax, trails for walking, jogging and cycling, and also playground areas for children. If you are in the mood for a stroll around some pretty gardens, then the English-style planting within the gardens at Heidelberg Castle is a good place to start.

A rather unexpected horticultural treat and always popular with those who have a love of all things oriental, the Heidelberg Bonsai Museum is quite unmissable. Plant lovers will also find that a visit to the University Botanic Gardens is a great way to pass the time. Heidelberg's most noteworthy parks and gardens are displayed here.

Philosophenweg

Address: North of the Neckar River, Heidelberg, Germany, DE
A particularly famous German pathway running alongside the Neckar River and valley, the Philosophenweg offers a peaceful escape from the crowded streets of Heidelberg city centre, although be prepared for a fairly steep climb. Passing though vineyards, orchards and many areas of extreme natural beauty, expect to enjoy exceptional views of the Altstadt district. Nearby are a number of popular hiking trails and hills, while a neighbouring meadow is home to several summer fireworks displays and is sited right next to the Neckar River itself.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: no charge

Fairy Tale Park

Address: Königstuhl, Heidelberg, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 06221 234 16
Located at the top of the Königstuhl hill and connected by a funicular railway, the family orientated Fairy Tale Park is suitable for children of all ages. Highlights include many themed areas and characters, an impressive playground and even some fun hobby horses.
Open hours: March to June, September and October, Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 18:00; July and August, daily - 10:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge, concessions available

Bonsai Museum

Address: Mannheimerstrasse 401, Wieblingen, Heidelberg, D-69123, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 06221 84 9110
The Heidelberg Bonsai Museum is home to around 100 specimen bonsai trees, with popular species including Japanese maples, zelkovas, beech, a ginkgo and several junipers. A number of the exhibits are planted as miniature forests, recreating nature in perfection. Many weekend events often take place throughout the year at the Bonsai Museum, including workshops and lectures.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

University Botanic Gardens (Botanischer Garten der Universitat)

Address: University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 340, Heidelberg, D-69120, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 06221 54 5783
The University Botanic Gardens are one of the true gems for plant lovers visiting Heidelberg and contain a rather diverse array of plant collections. Established at the end of the 16th century, the Botanic Gardens are amongst the oldest in Europe and therefore contain many impressive and mature specimens. Particularly popular are the greenhouse exhibits, which include flowering orchids, succulents, cacti, ferns, bromeliads and other exotic plants. In total, the gardens are home to more than 10,000 different plant species, many of which are well labelled.
Open hours: gardens, daily - 24 hours; greenhouses, Monday to Thursday - 09:00 to 16:00, Friday - 09:00 to 14:30, Sunday - 09:00 to 12:00, 13:00 to 16:00
Admission: no charge