Heidelberg Old Town Private Walking Tour including Castle Visit
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Welcome to Heidelberg, a charming place with smiling locals, an attractive destination with important tourist attractions that covers all areas of interest. Its beauty and idyllic setting on the river Neckar is well known by locals, as well as the lifestyle provided by this setting. This multicultural vibrant University City and its 15 neighborhoods is a hotspot for both families and students, as well as for the creative industries, business, academics and researchers. Surrounded by forest, Germany’s oldest and most famous university town is renowned for its baroque Old Town, spirited student atmosphere, beautiful riverside setting and evocative half-ruined hilltop castle. Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most enchanting cities, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit this Romantic town that inspired many artists!
Available options
Heidelberg Old Town Private Walking Tour including Castle Visit
What's included
Private Walking Tour
Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
We shall start our tour in the Old Town, the heart of the city life. Here, experience the wonderful combination of old and new buildings, narrow streets, market squares, arts, history, science, shopping, eating and relaxing. The main road through the Old Town is one of the longest pedestrian zones in Europe and is where most of the shopping is centered.
2
Have a look at the Church of the Holy Spirit, the most famous church in Heidelberg, one of the few buildings in the city to survive the many wars during the past centuries.
3
Pass by the local University and learn how it was founded in 1386 on instruction of Pope Urban VI, Heidelberg is Germany's oldest university and one of the world's oldest surviving universities. Don’t miss a visit to the Student Jail, where students were arrested for minor offences and still allowed to attend class, under the condition of returning here after.
4
In the second part of the tour we will visit the Castle of Heidelberg.
What's not included
Gratuities
Entrance Tickets Heidelberg Castle
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
18 reviews
5★
15
4★
2
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
