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Heidelberg University

Heidelberg University: Our most recommended tours and activities

Heidelberg 6-Hour Tour from Frankfurt

1. Heidelberg 6-Hour Tour from Frankfurt

Experience the charm of Heidelberg on this day trip from Frankfurt which includes entrance to Heidelberg Castle. Board a bus in the morning and spend the day seeing sights like the one of the largest wine bottles in the world.  Hop aboard an air-conditioned bus at a centrally-located bus stop in Frankfurt. Sit back and relax on the drive to Heidelberg. Visit the world-famous ruins of Heidelberg Castle which has a stunning combination Gothic and Renaissance elements.  Stroll through the expansive courtyard and admire the views from the terrace. Marvel at one of the largest wine barrels in the world. Wander through the medieval town center to find the Old Bridge, the Karlstor, and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Admire the Haus zum Ritter (Knight's house) with its magnificent Renaissance façade. Take a walk on old narrow lanes lined with half-timbered houses. Pass by Germany’s oldest university and is full of interesting stories.  Extra time can be spend philosophizing on the Philophenweg (Philosophers' Way) or purchasing a glass or two of excellent regional wine. Return to Frankfurt by bus at the end of your tour. 

Heidelberg: Private Walking Tour With Professional Guide

2. 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. 

Heidelberg - Old Town tour Including Castle visit

3. 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: Old Town and Castle Scavenger Hunt with App

4. Heidelberg: Old Town and Castle Scavenger Hunt with App

Play your way through Heidelberg Old Town with a scavenger hunt on your smartphone. Uncover facts, history, and stories about the Heildeberg as you walk through the Old Town, past Heidelberg Castle, and over the Old Bridge. First, download Telegram and text Sir Peter Morgan to set up your scavenger hunt. Follow the directions on your app and head to the Old Town to begin your adventure. As you solve puzzles, riddles, and location-based tasks, learn fascinating facts about Heidelberg. Explore the Old Town, strolling through quaint streets, the Korn Market, and over the Old Bridge. Continue to Heidelberg Castle, learning the history of this historic building as you solve. If you need a rest, pause the game as long as you wish. Stop for a coffee or a beer, or enjoy a piece of cake before solving your next clue. Join forces with friends to solve the puzzles or test yourself and finish the hunt solo.

Heidelberg: The University in the Old Town

5. 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.

Other Sightseeing Options in Heidelberg University

Want to discover all there is to do in Heidelberg University? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Heidelberg University

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 237 reviews

I didnt realise that the tour was for a small group. We had a total of 7 people. We took a minivan and Michael was very accommodating and made us feel comfortable. We were like a family travelling together. Michael shared with us alot of information along the way. He also shared recommendations on places to go to, restaurants to visit and things we can do in Frankfurt. He also brought us to the castle, the Pharmacy Museum, The Hielderberg Tun and shared with us the history behind it. We were give ample time to expore the old town. It was truly a heartwarming experience and Michael made it even more memorable.

Although was a company scheduling issue at the beginning, it worked it out well. Michael our driver was very personable, knowledgeable and eager to assist. The castle has much history and details to observe, I think a bit more time to explore old downtown would have made it greater. I’m satisfied with services provided. Thank you!

Our guide Peter was excellent - very informative and a pleasant gentlemen. The castle tour was amazing and Peter informed us just enough to make it interesting - not overwhelming us with dates and facts. We would have liked to have a little more time downtown in the city, but overall very happy with our choice.

The castle was amazing! I was a little skeptical as it states ruins but it is magical! The town is great too! Definitely a must see!

Peter was a fantastic guide, and Heidelberg was everything I imagined it would be!