Heidelberg Castle Gardens: A Self-Guided Tour of its Ruins

Heidelberg , Germany

Heidelberg Castle Gardens: A Self-Guided Tour of its Ruins

Active

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Heidelberg Castle has beguiled visitors for centuries. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover its princely residences, battle-scarred fortifications, and terraced gardens carved from rock. You’ll also hear the history behind the castle grounds, where royal romance, French destruction, and Renaissance hydraulic engineering created this captivating ruin.

This tour starts at the castle’s entrance archway, where you’ll explore the massive western rampart and circular defensive towers. You’ll also weave through the various levels of the terraced gardens created by engineer and architect Solomon de Caus in the early 1600s. Along the way, you’ll discover how war and lightning created the ruins that drew poets like Goethe, turning this castle into an icon of Romanticism.

I’ll tell you about the elaborate Elizabeth Gate that Friedrich V built overnight as a birthday surprise for his wife, and show you bathing terraces equipped with heated rooms and water organs.

Available options

Heidelberg Castle Gardens: A Self-Guided Tour of its Ruins

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

You'll tour the gardens and terraces of Heidelberg Castle, a striking ruin that towers above the city and reflects centuries of history. Please note that admission to the castle itself is not included in this tour.

You’ll pass through the Stückgarten at Schloss Heidelberg, a peaceful garden area offering scenic views of the castle and its surroundings. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

You'll spot the Englischer Bau, part of Heidelberg Castle’s impressive complex, known for its Renaissance-style architecture. Please note that entry to this building is not included in this tour.

You’ll catch a glimpse of the Ruprechtsbau, the oldest surviving part of Heidelberg Castle, showcasing medieval architectural features. Please note that entry to this building is not included in this tour.

You’ll pass by the Haupttor of Schloss Heidelberg, the castle’s main gate that once served as a grand entrance to the fortress. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

You’ll spot the Elizabeth Gate, a romantic structure at Heidelberg Castle said to have been built overnight as a birthday surprise for the Queen. Please note that entry to the gate itself is not included in this tour.

You’ll stroll past the Garden of the Palatinate, once designed as one of the most splendid Renaissance gardens in Europe. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

You’ll pass by the Bäderterrasse, a historic terrace within the castle gardens that offers sweeping views of Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

You’ll catch a glimpse of the Neptune Brunnen, an ornate fountain featuring the Roman god of the sea, adding a decorative touch to the castle grounds. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

You’ll stroll along the Scheffelterrasse, a scenic terrace named after the poet Joseph Victor von Scheffel, offering panoramic views of Heidelberg. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour starts at the castle's entrance archway. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a picturesque university town nestled in the Neckar Valley, renowned for its romantic old town, historic Heidelberg Castle, and the iconic Old Bridge. The city's charming atmosphere, rich history, and vibrant student culture make it a unique and appealing destination.

Top Attractions

Heidelberg Castle

A ruined castle overlooking the Neckar River, Heidelberg Castle is a symbol of Romanticism and a major tourist attraction. The castle offers stunning views, a museum, and the famous Heidelberg Tun, the world's largest wine barrel.

Historical 2-3 hours €7 (adult), €3.50 (children)

Old Bridge (Karl Theodor Bridge)

The iconic Old Bridge spans the Neckar River and offers stunning views of the castle and the old town. It's a perfect spot for a romantic stroll and photography.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Walk)

A scenic path along the Neckar River, offering panoramic views of Heidelberg's old town and the castle. The path is named after the 19th-century philosophers who used to walk here.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Heidelberg Old Town (Altstadt)

The charming old town of Heidelberg is a maze of narrow streets, historic buildings, and lively squares. It's home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a great place to explore and soak up the city's atmosphere.

Historical Half a day to a full day Free to explore, costs vary for shops and restaurants

Heidelberg University

One of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities, Heidelberg University is known for its historic buildings, beautiful gardens, and renowned faculty. Visitors can explore the university's museums, libraries, and historic lecture halls.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, costs vary for museums and special exhibitions

Must-Try Local Dishes

Studentenkuss

A local chocolate treat made from marzipan and dark chocolate, shaped like a kiss. It's a popular souvenir and a must-try for chocolate lovers.

Dessert Contains nuts and dairy

Heidelberger Studentenkuss

A local chocolate treat made from marzipan and dark chocolate, shaped like a kiss. It's a popular souvenir and a must-try for chocolate lovers.

Dessert Contains nuts and dairy

Sauerbraten

A traditional German dish made from marinated beef, usually served with red cabbage and potato dumplings. The dish is known for its tender meat and rich, tangy sauce.

Main Course Contains beef and gluten (from the marinade)

Maultaschen

A traditional Swabian dish consisting of pasta pockets filled with a mixture of meat, spinach, and breadcrumbs. They are usually served in broth or with fried onions.

Main Course Contains meat and gluten (from the pasta)

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Boat tours Spa treatments Garden walks Café hopping Museum visits Theatre performances

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Heidelberg, with pleasant weather and numerous outdoor events and festivals. The city is lively, and all attractions are fully operational.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: German
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Heidelberg is generally a safe city, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Frankfurt Airport • 80 km
Stuttgart Airport • 130 km

By train

Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof

By bus

Heidelberg Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The tram system is efficient, clean, and user-friendly, with frequent services throughout the day.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Taxi Heidelberg, mytaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Altstadt) Bergheim Weststadt Neuenheim

Day trips

Neckarsteinach

15 km • Half day

A charming town along the Neckar River, known for its historic castles and scenic views. Neckarsteinach is a great day trip from Heidelberg, offering a mix of history, nature, and local culture.

Schloss Schwetzingen

15 km • Half day

A stunning baroque palace and garden complex, once the summer residence of the Electors of the Palatinate. Schloss Schwetzingen is a great day trip from Heidelberg, offering a mix of history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Hirschhorn

25 km • Half day

A picturesque town along the Neckar River, known for its well-preserved medieval old town and scenic views. Hirschhorn is a great day trip from Heidelberg, offering a mix of history, nature, and local culture.

Festivals

Heidelberg Spring Festival • Late April to early May Heidelberg Christmas Market • Late November to late December Heidelberg International Film Festival • Late September to early October

Pro tips

Visit the Heidelberg Castle early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best views
Try local specialties like Studentenkuss and Sauerbraten at traditional restaurants and cafes
Explore the Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Walk) for stunning views of the old town and the castle, especially at sunset
Take a boat tour along the Neckar River for a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings
Visit the old town on a Sunday morning for a more relaxed atmosphere and to enjoy the local markets and cafes