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HeidelbergWalking tours

Our most recommended Heidelberg Walking tours

Heidelberg: Walking Tour of the Old Town

1. Heidelberg: Walking Tour of the Old Town

Look behind the scenes of Heidelberg! If you want to discover the exciting, romantic, funny and always entertaining stories Heidelberg has to offer, join this guided tour of the old town and learn more from the qualified guides. Enchanting alleys and squares, small gardens that pop up unexpectedly, museums and galleries: Heidelberg’s old town has many facets. This tour will breathe life into the city’s past, adding rich detail to the contours of today’s city. Whether it is the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Jesuitenviertel, Germany’s oldest university with its Students’ Prison, or other sightseeing attractions: every place of interest in the old town has a unique ambiance and history well worth immersing yourself in for a few minutes. The tour also passes along the main street, one of the longest pedestrian zones in Europe. Many detours into the alleyways of the old town confirm the truth of the old saying “you only truly learn about the countryside by taking the back roads.”

Heidelberg: Night Watchman Historic Adventure Tour

2. Heidelberg: Night Watchman Historic Adventure Tour

Learn all about the lives of those on the outside of society with this interactive historical adventure tour through scenic Heidelberg. Take in the City Hall, Korn Market, and all the key sights as you go. Meet your Night Watchman at Hercules fountain in the Market Square to begin your tour of Heidelberg from below. Hear stories from Medieval history as you pass by the landmarks like the Korn Market Madonna, the Palais Prinz Carl, and the Palais Graimberg. Pause at Karl Square and admire the ruins of the city's old castle. Stroll through old small streets and paths with your guide including Eselspfad, Leyergasse, Semmelgasse, and Steingasse. Stop at the 18th-century Holländer Hof and learn about the fate of those living outside the city walls. Admire the iconic old town bridge as you immerse yourself in old Heidelberg in the company of your Night Watchman.

Heidelberg: On the trail of the Night Watchmen

3. Heidelberg: On the trail of the Night Watchmen

The call of the night watchman rang out every hour in the streets of the former electoral residence on the Neckar. And now it sounds again: During the tours of the Heidelberg night watchman. The tour starts at the Market Square, by the Hercules Fountain. You'll pass by the City Hall, Holy Spirit Church, and Palais Prinz Carl (former Grand Hotel, one of the most beautiful wedding locations in the region). Walk along small historic streets like Burgweg and Kanzleigasse until you reach Karl Square from where you can enjoy the best view of the world-known ruins of the old castle. Pass by many old historic buildings like Palais Boisseree, Science academy, Schmitthenner House, and many more. The guide will share entertaining stories about the sites and things that one experienced in the nocturnal streets of Heidelberg, the history of the city, its streets and squares, its local originals, and personalities.

Heidelberg: 2-Hour Spooky Tour with Hangman’s Daughter

4. Heidelberg: 2-Hour Spooky Tour with Hangman’s Daughter

Enjoy a very special walking tour with ghost stories of Heidelberg. Join the Hangman’s Daughter on one of her walks and search for old haunted houses and witches hidings. Hear stories of poltergeists who wreak havoc in town houses, the souls of burned witches, and evil dogs in the darkest corners of the old town. Explore Heidelberg’s romantic old town and learn about dreadful crimes and cruel punishments during the Middle Ages. Find out how an executioner could make a living with his “services” in the old days and get to know the dark side of the town.

Heidelberg: Private 3-Hour Tour with Castle Visit

5. Heidelberg: Private 3-Hour Tour with Castle Visit

Discover Heidelberg and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the old town. In just a few hours you can explore all the historical sights. Learn interesting information and get great insider tips that won’t be found in any guide book – specifically tailored to your wishes. Stroll along one of the longest pedestrian zones in Germany directly through the picturesque old town and admire the magnificent Baroque buildings. See the beautiful Old Bridge and the impressive Church of the Holy Spirit, which once housed a collection of valuable documents. Walk through the former Hortus Palatinus (Garden Palatinate) to Heidelberg Castle ruins. After a detour to Scheffel Terrace with breathtaking views of the city and the Rhine River, you will head to the castle complex itself. Here you can see the largest ever wine barrel and enjoy wine tasting in the castle cellar or visit the Pharmacy Museum in the courtyard.

Heidelberg: Torchlight Tour with a Night Watchman

6. Heidelberg: Torchlight Tour with a Night Watchman

Discover Heidelberg by night as your Night Watchman leads you through the medieval alleyways of the old town. Light up your torch and experience Heidelberg as its inhabitants did hundreds of years ago. Start your tour from the Market Square by the Hercules Fountain. Pass by the city hall, the Korn Market, Palais Prinz Carl, and Palais Graimberg. Make your way to Karl Square to take in the views of the ruins of the old castle. Wander through many of the old streets and paths, such as Burgweg, Ingrimstreet, Mittelbadgasse, and Steingasse. Have a glimpse at the Haspelgasse, also known as "The Bermuda Triangle", where most of the town's bars can be found. Finally, end your tour at the Old Town Bridge.

Heidelberg: entertaining guided tour to old town highlights

7. Heidelberg: entertaining guided tour to old town highlights

Discover one of the most romantic cities in Germany on this guided walking tour. Stroll through the winding streets of the beautiful Old Town and be entertained by the stories behind the historical buildings. Find out where famous visitors found inspiration in the city on the Neckar River.  Start your tour of Heidelberg with the statue of Hercules in front of the town hall and find out what brought the Greek hero to the city of German romance. Wander through the charming small streets of Heidelberg's Old Town which still bears witness to the medieval layout of the city.  Find out which house was the only one that survived the great city fire of 1693 and what connection the French poet Victor Hugo had to the Renaissance building. Learn how the picturesque city cast its spell on famous wordsmiths and artists including Goethe, Heinrich Heine, Mark Twain and Turner.

Heidelberg: night watchman tour through the old town

8. Heidelberg: night watchman tour through the old town

Discover the mysteries of Heidelberg on this walking tour. Listen to stories from the past as you walk through the city and admire the scenic views at the Old Bridge and Heidelberg Castle. In this night tour, you will get to know the city of Heidelberg in the company of a historical personality. Upon meeting the night guard who will serve as your guide, start strolling along the alleys and streets of Heidelberg. Listen as your guide tells the story of the great fire disaster in 1693, the difficult reconstruction of the city, and the changing rulers. Afterward, visit the Old Bridge, hear scary stories about the city's past, and enjoy the evening view of the illuminated Heidelberg Castle and the Heiligenberg. The night guard will also tell you about the students, their connections, and the student detention center.

Heidelberg - Old Town tour Including Castle visit

9. Heidelberg - Old Town tour Including Castle visit

Start your tour at the Lion Fountain and walk by the oldest University in Germany which dates back to 1386. It is also one of the world's oldest and highly ranked universities which are functioning till date. One of the most popular squares of Heidelberg - Universitätsplatz is also located here. Here, you will see the Lion fountain in front of the main portal of the Old Assembly Hall. Walk by the Hauptstrasse, which is one of the oldest and popular shopping streets in Europe, you will visit the largest Church in Heidelberg, the Church of the Holy Spirit which is located in the center of the Old town. It was built between 1398 and 1515 and is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Walk across the marketplace known as the Marktplatz. Dating back to the medieval period, it is the oldest square of the city and has existed since the inception of the city. You will see the town hall as well as the Church of the Holy Spirit here. Stroll on the Karl-Theodor Bridge, the arched-shaped Old Bridge which spans the Neckar river. Over a period of more than 700 years there have been 9 bridges constructed on this site. The current bridge was constructed in 1788 by Elector Charles Theodore. It is one of the famous landmarks in Heidelberg where you can also see the beautiful views of the hillsides which surround the city. You will have the chance to picture yourself along with the Old bridge gate which is towards the southern end of the bridge. Experience the Philosopher’s trail which is located on the Northern banks of the Neckar river. It is said that many Philosophers and Artists throughout history have walked on this romantic path offering them solitude. Here, you can see views of the beautiful Old town, the Neckar river and the Heidelberg Castle. Get to see the corn market which is a very popular square in Heidelberg from where you can see spectacular views of the Heidelberg castle standing in its background. In the center of this square, there is a Mary column along with three fountains known as Kornmarkt-Madonna made by Peter van den Branden in 1718. Mark Twain, the famous American writer is said to have visited this market in 1874 during one of his visits to Heidelberg. Finally, You will visit the Heidelberg Schloss which dates back to even before 1214. Struck by lightning, damaged by fire, the Castle still stands today and is a very famous landmark in Heidelberg and a very popular castle in Germany. Prince Elector Ruprecht III is known to be the first royal to have resided here. Within the cellars of the Heidelberg Castle you will find the Heidelberg Tun, which is the world's largest wine barrel and can store about 58000 gallons of wine.

Heidelberg: The University in the Old Town

10. Heidelberg: The University in the Old Town

The Ruperto Carolao is the oldest University in Germany and was founded in 1386 by Rupert I, Elector Palatine. This walking tour takes you to the University Library, which houses the world-famous Medieval song collection Codex Manesse, and across the road to St. Peter’s Church, the oldest church in the Old Town. The Alte Aula, or old auditorium, and the Karzer, the historic Students’ Prison, are two of the stops along the way. Between 1778 and 1914, students were punished for trivial offenses in the Karzer. The tour offers you a chance to get to know the history of the university and its student life.

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What people are saying about Heidelberg

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 521 reviews

The tour guide was super personable and friendly. He involved us in the tour by asking questions, but always in such a way that a pleasant atmosphere remained. The tour was the perfect length and the information was very well chosen. We were a very mixed group of all ages and I think everyone had fun. We learned a lot and laughed a lot, the tour was very worthwhile for us :)

Very great event, we would book again at any time! We explored Heidelberg and Heidelberg Castle on our own during the day. In the evening the night watchman tour with lots of background information. Simply great!

Our Guide Charolette was so friendly and knowledgeable. Shared not only the history but interesting stories and pointed out unique places to eat and shop!

Stephanie was extremely knowledgeable and fun. She not only provided interesting history but also pointed out several fun inside tips.

Our tour guide designed the tour with a lot of commitment and passion, that was great.