Explore Heidelberg Castle, ruling over the valley of Heidelberg from high above. The castle rises up from the middle of a lush green forest of the Odenwald on a steep hill above the valley floor: the Königstuhl.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
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Duration 1.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English, Russian, German
Private group

Highlights

Learn more about the impressive castle while enjoying with fantastic views of the city
Let yourself be enchanted by the region's magical flair
Admire the largest wine barrel in the world and taste the delicious regional wines

Full description

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.

Includes

Castle tour with guide

Tickets for Castle and cable car
Entrance to museums and attractions

Covid-19 precautions

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 48 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.8/5
Transportation
3.4/5
Value for money
4.6/5
Safety
4.9/5

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It says hotel pickup. One would expect a van or car. No. The guide will walk to your hotel, and then you will walk to the start site. Our tour was to start at 12:00. Our guide finished a tour at 12:00. She would have had to walk 15 minutes to get us, and then 15 minutes back. By then it would be at least 12:30. She asked if we would just meet her at the start point. We did. Tour started 20 minutes late, but she stayed with us 20 minutes past the stated end time. Should NOT advertise hotel pickup!

October 9, 2019

The castle is magical and our guide (Olga) was so knowledgeable

The Heidelberg castle is a magical place, full of so much history, but we'd never had the full experience of knowledge and understanding of its history had it not been for Olga, our guide. She provided a great tour, in English, with great historical insights. I highly recommend this tour and Olga as your guide.

July 26, 2018

We made these reservations last minute, and even though it was the off-season, we were surprised to find something available. The guide was very knowledgeable, and her English was very good. The off-season has its advantages as we were the only two on the tour. This allowed easier back and forth with the guide, and we were able to ask a lot of questions. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would strongly recommend it. Our only regret is that we only had half a day to spend in Heidelberg.

November 22, 2017

Heidelberg Castle Tour: Residence of the Electors

Heidelberg Castle Tour: Residence of the Electors

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The castle is magical and our guide (Olga) was so knowledgeable