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Heidelberg Culture & history

Our most recommended Heidelberg Culture & history

Sinsheim: Technik Museum Day Pass and IMAX 3D Ticket

1. Sinsheim: Technik Museum Day Pass and IMAX 3D Ticket

Explore the Technik Museum Sinsheim – which offers a unique variety of technology, unparalleled worldwide, just an hour south of Frankfurt. Embark on a journey through time and discover the milestones of technical history. See a red Ferrari, learn about the record that the Blue Flame set, and learn the cubic capacity of the Brutus experimental vehicle. See the largest dance hall organ in the world, and the Concorde. In addition to the supersonic jets and other aircraft that you can walk right up to, there is even more: hundreds of elegant vintage cars, motorcycles high in horsepower, sports cars, colourful dragsters, powerful agricultural machines, Formula-1 legends, nostalgic racing bikes, and huge steam locomotives. Imax 3D Laser 4K Then, enjoy a unique adventure documentary and Hollywood blockbusters in IMAX size, on gigantic, 22 x 27-meter screen. Enjoy a crystal-clear and razor sharp brilliance from the screen with 12-channel surround sound and mega bass. Take a break at our restaurant or bistro which will spoil you with cold and hot meals, beverages as well as coffee and cake.

Heidelberg: Private 3-Hour Tour with Castle Visit

2. 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: BODY WORLDS Museum Entrance Ticket

3. Heidelberg: BODY WORLDS Museum Entrance Ticket

Learn about all aspects of the human body through unique exhibits at the amazing BODY WORLDS Museum. Visit the permanent collection created by plastinator Dr. Gunther von Hagens and curator Dr. Angelina Whalley and explore the human anatomy. Examine organ functions, questions about health, and the interesting Anatomy of Happiness exhibition that examines what makes is content. Track your own happiness at interactive stations and understand the wonderful complexity of your inner world. Marvel at the precise and scientifically focused preparation of the plastinates, and enjoy their aesthetically pleasing, creative, and often delightfully whimsical presentation.

Heidelberg: Torchlight Tour with a Night Watchman

4. 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 Castle Tour: Residence of the Electors

5. Heidelberg Castle Tour: Residence of the Electors

Enjoy a walk through the former Hortus Palatinus to the Heidelberg Castle ruins. After a walk to Bushel Terrace, boasting views of the city far into the Rhine, you will be guided through the castle complex and down to the wine cellar, where you will find the world's largest wine barrel. For those who fancy a taste, regional wine is available for sampling, or you can go straight to the Pharmacy Museum in the courtyard. Near the Old Bridge over the Neckar River, the impressive castle ruin is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Germany and a major landmark of Heidelberg. The castle was built from the red sandstone of the Neckar Valley in the 13th Century as a fortress and later served as the residence of the Elector of Heidelberg until its destruction in 1689, during the Nine Years' War. Over the centuries it has been rebuilt by various electors and today shows distinct stylistic elements from three periods. Reach the castle by foot or take the cable car from the historical downtown.

Heidelberg: The University in the Old Town

6. 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.

Heidelberg and Rhine Combination Tour from Frankfurt

7. Heidelberg and Rhine Combination Tour from Frankfurt

Explore romantic Heidelberg and the Upper Middle Rhine Valley on a delightful combination of a city tour and river cruise. Admire some of Germany's most charming sights, from the medieval castles in one of the country's most beautiful cities to a ride on a classic steamer. Your day starts with a ride south from Frankfurt to the picturesque city on the river Neckar. Tour the famous Heidelberg Castle for a look at the long courtyard, the mighty terrace, and one of the largest wine barrels in the world, and then take a walk in the city's medieval town center to marvel at the Old Bridge, Karl's Gate, the Church of the Holy Spirit, and the House of the Knights, as well as the oldest university in Germany. Next, the tour takes you into the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its remarkable scenery and medieval structures. Admire the mighty castles, villages, and charming little vineyards, and then board a Rhine steamer for a voyage downriver from Kaub to the town of Assmannshausen. Once you're back ashore, stop to sample the local wine in a local tavern and enjoy a delicious dinner in a restaurant by the riverbank before the time comes for your return to Frankfurt.

Heidelberg: Private Walking Tour With Professional Guide

8. Heidelberg: Private Walking Tour With Professional Guide

Visit Heidelberg with a guide on a private walking tour of the city. See the most important tourist attractions and find out why this university city is loved by students and families alike. 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 its half-ruined hilltop castle. Meet your guide and set out to explore Heidelberg's Old Town. Walk down one of the longest pedestrian zones in Europe and see Heidelberg University, the oldest one in Germany. Learn how the university was founded in 1386 and hear about the student jail, which was established in the 1780s and operated until 1914. See the Church of the Holy Spirit, visit the Old Bridge, and rub the Bridge Monkey of Heidelberg to ensure good fortune. You'll also have the opportunity to have a view of the iconic Heidelberg Castle. As this is a private tour, your itinerary can be adjusted to suit your preferences. 

From Frankfurt: Heidelberg & Rothenburg Full-Day Tour

9. From Frankfurt: Heidelberg & Rothenburg Full-Day Tour

Two of southern Germany's most charming communities offer a look at the country's medieval charm. You'll see the romantic city of Heidelberg and the historic town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Your journey begins with a morning tour to Heidelberg. Tour the famous Heidelberg Castle for a look at the long courtyard, the mighty terrace, and one of the largest wine barrels in the world, and then take a walk in the city's medieval center to marvel at the Old Bridge, Karl's Gate, the Church of the Holy Spirit, and the House of the Knights, as well as the oldest university in Germany. Next, follow the Romantic Road into the uplands of Bavaria for a visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved medieval town in Germany. High above the Tauber River valley, the picturesque old lanes and the castle garden give you a look at the elegance of another era. See the wood-carved altar of St. Jakobs Church and marvel at half-timbered houses, the city gates, and the mighty Renaissance Town Hall. In the afternoon, take some leisure time to explore the town on your own. Look for the local delicacy called a "Schneeball," a fried dough ball with many different toppings before you meet your group for your journey back to Frankfurt.

Heidelberg History Tour

10. Heidelberg History Tour

Experience a unique tour of Heidelberg's Old Town. Hear old legends about the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Old Bridge, the Studentenkarzer ("Student Jail") and the Heidelberg City Hall. Find out about the Heidelberg Bridge Monkey and the story of the "Kettenkalb." Who knows these stories better than the night watchman or his daughter? Hear amusing anecdotes and interesting stories about Heidelberg's landmarks. Immerse yourself in the Heidelberg of the past, presented by your eccentric guide in historic costume. Experience how the city's history lives on today in myths and sayings. This unique tour is suitable for all ages.

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What people are saying about Heidelberg

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 125 reviews

My family and I thoroughly enjoyed the Heidelberg/Rothenburg Full Day Trip. It was not rushed at all and we were able to enjoy both sites without getting too tired. It helped that we just happen to be the only ones in the tour (we were 4) so we pretty much had our own schedule. Peter, our guide, was very attentive and accompanied us all throughout. I highly recommend this trip if you only have a few days to visit this part of Germany.

Definitely worth seeing. You should take some time if you want to see everything in peace. Highlights are of course the Concorde and the Tupolev. Otherwise, of course, car fans get their money's worth, keyword Formula 1, Ferraris,... The Imax film about the Hubble telescope was also definitely worth seeing. So: a really successful day, especially for our boys (13 and 17) :-)

Very interesting with many very neat exhibits. Just a look at the Concorde and the Tupolev is worthwhile. The entrance fee is justified considering the large investment.

This was amazing!! We had the best tour kid who was knowledgeable, funny, and went above and beyond for us! Would go again!

Just right for technology enthusiasts and IMAX cinema has better 3D effects than normal 3D cinema.