Heidelberg Castle, the Neckar River, and More
The university town of Heidelberg boasts one of the most impressive historical city centers in Germany. The Heidelberg Castle, one of the country's most famous castle ruins, looms above the city.
It was partially destroyed at the end of the 17th century. Although the castle has not been fully restored to this day, it still attracts millions of visitors annually. It can be reached by a lovely walk from the Old Town or via the funicular railway. The Old Town features charming winding alleys and old buildings in Baroque style, along with many shops, restaurants, and hotels.
If you have time, take a break on the Neckar Meadows. Here, you can relax with a view of the Old Town and the castle. Afterwards, you can visit Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität.
Out of Heidelberg, Into Nature
To the north of Heidelberg, the Odenwald extends from the city limits. On hikes or bike rides along the Neckar, you can discover nature. Peaches, almonds, or wine are grown here.
With a cozy vacation apartment in Heidelberg, you can enjoy a relaxing holiday with your family in Heidelberg and its surroundings.
Family Highlights in the Heidelberg Surroundings
Fun for both young and old is not only found in Heidelberg but also in the surrounding area. A trip to Mannheim is worthwhile. There, the Luisenpark invites parents and children to relax. You can lie down, play, and eat on large meadows. Small boats are available to explore the little pond in the park.
Also not to be missed is the Corn Maze Hockenheim. For animal lovers, a visit to the Bird Park Plankstadt is worthwhile. A cozy vacation apartment in Heidelberg is the perfect idea for a family holiday in the Rhine-Neckar region.
On the natural balcony of the Philosopher's Walk, you can enjoy nature and the view of the city. On this climate island, Japanese loquat and American cypress, Spanish broom and Portuguese cherry, lemon, and pomegranate grow. Perfect for nature lovers and an unforgettable panorama!
Hearty Palatinate Cuisine
In the typical local cuisine, potatoes, pork, leeks, or sauerkraut are staple ingredients. The stuffed pig's stomach is well-known, which you can try, for example, at the Wirtshaus zum Nepomuk. Or you might enjoy a steamed dumpling with a salty crust and vanilla sauce. You should definitely also try the Heidelberg Student Kiss.
Also from the area are the nearby-grown white wines of the Southern Wine Route in Rhineland-Palatinate.
Museums in Heidelberg
Besides Heidelberg Castle, the Old Bridge is one of the city's most visited landmarks. The bridge gate with its small towers is characteristic.
The Kurpfälzisches Museum in the Palais Morass, besides its permanent exhibitions, also hosts several special exhibitions. The opening hours are (as of August 2023):
• Tu-Su: 10 AM – 6 PM
The admission prices for the permanent exhibition are 3€ on weekdays, 1.80€ on Sundays and public holidays. Children and teenagers up to 16 years old are free.
A more global perspective is offered by the Ethnological Museum in the Palais Weimar. The opening hours are (as of August 2023):
• Wed-Sat: 2 PM – 6 PM
• Sun & Public Holidays: 11 AM – 6 PM
The regular admission price is 7€, reduced price is 5€, families pay 14€.