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Bavarian Beer Tour
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Hotels In
Heidelberg

City Center
Heidelberg University
Old Bridge
Hauptstrasse

 

CLICK HERE FOR A PANORAMA OF HEIDELBERG

Heidelberg Castle is one of the most photogenic sites is all of Europe.  You will not be able to stop taking pictures.  Every which way you look, you will be able to take postcard-like scenes.

I have been to Heidelberg many times.  It is a definite must-see sight for any tourist in Germany, and there is a certain
allure to this old university town on the banks of the Neckar.

The 13th Century castle is a delight to visit, and the town is simply magnificent (but crowded) in the summertime. 

CLICK FOR A MAP OF THE CASTLE AREA

If you are arriving during the crowded summer months, you will want to park in Parking Lot 13, which is in the downtown area immediately under the castle.  When you exit from the parking garage, you will be able to look up over the downtown shops and see the castle on the hill above you.  It certainly gets your pulse going seeing it high on hill above.

You can follow the signs toward the castle and the many steps leading up the hill along the outer castle walls.  Remember to bring comfortable shoes and a sturdy constitution for this veritable stairway to heaven.  At the top of the stairs, you will have to pay to enter the castle grounds. 

The grounds are quite extensive, and include an outer garden along the lower walls, a higher garden around the upper portion of the castle, the courtyard, and the wine vat area.  The courtyard holds a restaurant, and there is also a smaller snack-type restaurant across from the main gate right outside the castle.

If you visit when it isn't crowded (read: dead winter), the road coming up above the castle may be open and you can drive up above the castle and park in one of the small (20-30 spaces) parking lots on the side of the road.  This will allow you to skip the trek up the castle steps and let you start from the top!

Take some time to explore the Heidelberg downtown area as well.  The bridge across the Neckar is a great place to take pictures of the castle skyline.  Heidelberg is still at its heart a university town, and features numerous cafes, shops, and restaurants along its long pedestrian thoroughfare.






 







 

 

Other European Castles

Hohenschwangau
Take a trip into the Bavarian Alps to see the castle Bavaria's Mad King Ludwig grew up in.



Neuschwanstein CastleNeuschwanstein
Venture into the Bavarian Alps and visit the fairy tale landmark upon which the Walt Disney based his Disney Land Castle: Mad King Ludwig's Schloss Neuschwanstein.

Moving to Germany?  Look at out our tips!

Moving to Germany
Whether you are a member of the US Air Force, Army, or Navy, check out our guide to moving to Europe. 
 

Vacation Tips

Browse our options below to help plan your vacation activities.  Don't miss these sights and activities.  Preview our photos before you go.

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