Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Heidelberg , Germany

Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

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(26 reviews)

40m

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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About this experience

Join Heidelberg resident Erin McGann on a winding self-guided audio tour of the picturesque Altstadt, the old town of this fascinating German city on the banks of the Neckar River.

Take in the famous Church of the Holy Ghost in the center of the main market square, discover the carvings that allowed residents to check the legal size of their pretzels (really!), hear stories of the catastrophic floods, find out which buildings are the oldest, hear how the university students got so rowdy they ended up with their own prison, and learn about the romantic history of our ruined castle.

The tour is ready whenever you are and the audio plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline.

Available options

Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

VoiceMap Application

Lifetime access to Heidelberg's Altstadt tour

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

Enjoy the flexibility of a GPS-enabled audio tour of Heidelberg’s Altstadt whenever you’re ready to take it. Erin McGann, history geek, writer, and Heidelberg resident, takes you on a walk through the winding streets of the picturesque Old Town. Erin lets you in on some local secrets including stories about the dramatic floods that plagued the residents for hundreds of years, the secrets of the German street names, what the pretzel carvings on the Church of the Holy Ghost mean, why there is a student prison, and stories about the residents of the famous castle. Download the tour, pop your phone in your pocket, and let this enthusiastic Heidelberger resident take you around the town she loves.

Stop 2 Pass by

The center of the Altstadt, the Marktplatz, or Market Square, is where you can sit outside in the summer and enjoy a coffee, or a Glühwein in December at our gorgeous Christmas Market. There’s a lot of history in this square, and we’ll do a full circle on the audio tour.

Stop 3 Pass by

The Alte Brücke, or Old Bridge, is a bit of a misnomer. Built in 1877, it’s quite young compared to the rest of Heidelberg. Depending on who you ask, it’s either the 11th or the eighth bridge on that spot. Floods are a common experience in Heidelberg’s history, and if you know where to look, you can find the marker for the highest flood ever to hit the town.

The Student Prison, or Student Karzer was an important part of student life for over 135 years, from 1778 to 1914. No, students weren’t put in prison for bad marks, but what they did get up to was driving the town residents crazy. So much so, the phrase ‘letting the pigs loose’ in German is a local idiom for getting drunk and rowdy.

This square has been a meeting place for Heidelbergers since the 1500s, but the name Kornmarkt only came about in the 1600s. The red stone and white building here is a side of the Stadthalle, or the City Hall.

A landmark in Heidelberg, this church holds the keys to some fascinating stories about our historic town. Why are there doors halfway down the building? Have the shops under the eaves always been there? Find out more as we circle the building in the audio tour.

Jesuitenkirche is the main Catholic church in Heidelberg. The variegated red stone is from the Neckar valley quarries, and it practically lights up from within in the evening light. The construction began in 1712, and finally finished with the addition of the tower in 1872.

The Castle is located only halfway up the hill. You can take the old funicular, with its 100-year-old wooden carriages, up the last leg to the summit. There are incredible views over the city, many nature trails, a falconry open to visitors, and a small amusement park for children. You can, of course, make the climb yourself.

What's not included

Smartphone

Transportation

Food/Drink

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 3.9

17 reviews

5★

4★

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2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. 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. VoiceMap has sent you 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:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. 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