by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:25th April 2016
A Relaxed Finale on Our Lakes and Lederhosen Road Trip
After days spent weaving our way through alpine scenery, lakeside towns, and traditional Bavarian landscapes, Heidelberg felt like the perfect place to draw our Lakes and Lederhosen road trip to a close. Rather than packing in endless sights, we wanted somewhere that encouraged us to pause, park the car, and simply enjoy being there.
Heidelberg’s compact Old Town, riverside setting, and relaxed atmosphere made it ideal for just that. With the car safely parked for the night, we explored entirely on foot, wandering at an unhurried pace and letting the city reveal itself naturally. After the constant movement of a road trip, Heidelberg offered a welcome sense of calm — a place to slow down, reflect on the journey so far, and savour the final chapter rather than rush through it.
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Where is Heidelberg?
How to get to Heidelberg
- By Train
Heidelberg is extremely well served by rail. Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof has frequent connections to major cities including Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Munich. From the main station, trams and buses run regularly into the Old Town, or it’s a pleasant walk if you’re travelling light.
- By Car
Heidelberg is well connected by road and easy to reach from across southern Germany. The city sits close to the A5 and A6 autobahns, making it a convenient stop on a road trip. Parking is best done in public car parks on the edge of the Old Town, as the historic centre has restricted access.
The River Neckar and Heidelberg’s Iconic Setting
A Riverside City Guarded by Castle RuinsRiver Neckar flows gently through Heidelberg, with the town unfolding along its banks and rising into lush, wooded hills on either side. It’s a wonderfully scenic setting, one that feels calm and timeless.
Looking down over the city from above is the unmistakable silhouette of Heidelberg Castle, its imposing Renaissance ruins acting as both protector and symbol of the town.
The River Neckar
Today, the castle dominates the skyline and neatly puts to rest the old saying that lightning never strikes twice. In fact, Heidelberg Castle has suffered two devastating lightning strikes — the first in 1537 and the second in 1764 — in addition to wars and destruction.
The view from Kornmarkt with Schloss Heidelberg on the hill
Despite all this, the castle remains hauntingly beautiful, its weathered walls and towers adding to Heidelberg’s romantic appeal rather than diminishing it.
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Gateway to Heidelberg: The Old Bridge and Its Legends
Sandstone Arches, Floods and FolkloreAlong the south bank of the Neckar stands one of Heidelberg’s most recognisable landmarks, the Old Bridge Gate — the historic entrance to the Old Town.
The Old Bridge Gate
The bridge itself, officially known as the Old Bridge Heidelberg, was built in the 18th century from local Neckar Valley sandstone under Prince Karl Theodore. It replaced a series of earlier wooden bridges that were repeatedly destroyed by floods and warfare.
Standing close by is one of Heidelberg’s most curious figures — the Heidelberg Bridge Monkey.
Heidelberg Bridge Monkey
The current bronze sculpture was installed in 1979, but legends of a bridge monkey date back to the 15th century. The monkey is said to symbolise humility, reminding both city dwellers and outsiders that neither is better than the other — and encouraging all who cross the bridge to look back at where they came from.
I love nothing more than planning a trip and so often I use the DK Eyewitness books. I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our Germany road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.
Exploring Heidelberg’s Old Town
Baroque Streets, Market Squares and Gothic GrandeurHeading south from the Old Bridge Gate, you’re drawn straight into Heidelberg’s charming Baroque Old Town, where narrow lanes open into lively squares filled with cafés and historic buildings.
The view down a lane with the Church of the Jesuits
At the heart of the Old Town lies Marktplatz, dominated by the impressive late Gothic Church of the Holy Spirit. Its tall steeple rises above the surrounding rooftops, acting as a constant point of reference as you wander the streets.
The Church of the Holy Spirit
Tower of the Church of the Holy Spirit
Marktplatz is a wonderful place to pause — lively without feeling hectic — where you can soak up the easygoing atmosphere of this friendly university town while admiring the elegant Old Town Hall (Rathaus).
Image Caption
Hotel Hackteufel: Food, Beer and a Warm Welcome
A Traditional Stop in the Heart of the Old TownDuring our short stay, we discovered the welcoming Hotel Hackteufel, a traditional bar and restaurant tucked away in a lively part of the Old Town.
Hotel Hackteufel
Although it sits in a popular and tourist-friendly area, we had a genuinely great experience here. The staff were warm and welcoming, and the menu offered a varied selection of local cuisine and regional beers — exactly what you hope for after a day spent exploring on foot.
Official Tourist Information for Heidelberg
For maps, walking routes, local history, seasonal events, and practical visitor advice, the official Heidelberg tourism websites are an excellent place to start your planning:
- Heidelberg Tourism (Official)
- Heidelberg Visitor Information (English)
- Heidelberg Castle & City History
- Baden-Württemberg Tourism (Regional)
These resources are especially useful if you want to explore Heidelberg at a relaxed pace and uncover more than just the headline sights.
* This post may contain links to affiliated sites where we earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.
