Pack your curiosity and leave your everyday worries behind because Heidelberg in Germany is no ordinary stop on the traveler’s itinerary.
This city blends rich history and exciting culinary adventures, offering a full range of experiences.
And with Trainline, you’re just a ticket away from your perfect journey through this German lesser-known destination.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Margarita Almpanezou. Image Location: Heidelberg, Germany.
Take a journey back in time
First stop: Old Town, a treasure trove where the past whispers to the present. Amble along the cobblestone streets that pulse with history and local life. From the Gothic Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit) standing solemnly among lively, color-streaked markets, this place is a historian’s playground and a photographer’s paradise.
Pro tip: Worked up an appetite exploring Heidelberg’s Altstadt? Make a beeline for Unter Freunden (“Among Friends”) to redefine your pizza experience. Dive into an eclectic mix of top-notch pizzas, featuring bold toppings like hummus, figs, or even pear-gorgonzola. Here’s the twist: forget standard slices! At this gem, you slice according to your craving and pay by weight.
Image Credit: Getty Images, joe daniel price. Image Location: Heidelberg, Germany.
Marvel at majestic ruins of Heidelberg Castle
Next, chug along uphill to Schloss Heidelberg, a structure marrying architectural grandeur with “ruined” perfection. Offering soul-stirring views and stories etched in stone, this stop is your first-class ticket to understanding German Renaissance splendor.
On your way to uncorking history, don’t miss the legendary Heidelberg Tun. This colossal barrel, once a reservoir of eclectic tributes, now pours out rich tales of the past. Beyond its battle scars and staves, it symbolizes a heritage of celebration — a must-see relic that fills every visit with a sense of wonder.
Wander and wonder on the Philosopher’s Walk
Switch tracks from the conventional as you meander along the Philosopher’s Walk. Once a route tread by deep thinkers, it’s the perfect way for contemplation or simply derailing your everyday worries, all while surrounded by some of Heidelberg’s most inspiring views.
Unlock the fun at Heidelberg’s hippest lock-up
Imagine sauntering through the ultimate academic backstage, where every scribble on the wall is a badge of honor from Heidelberg’s cheekiest scholars.
Welcome to Studentenkarzer, the grooviest slammer where serving time was a rite of passage and the “inmates” basically ran the joint. From dueling daredevils to nightlife knights, these rebellious intellects turned their detentions into legendary shenanigans, crafting a vibrant tapestry of graffiti tales and leaving behind a legacy of mirthful mutiny.
So, if you’re up for a jaunt through history’s coolest “big house”, where the vibe is more house party than hard time, Heidelberg Old University’s funky Studentenkarzer is your ticket to time-traveling revelry.
Note: Studentenkarzer is currently closed for restoration but is set to re-open in March 2024.
Image Credit: Getty Images, bbsferrari. Image Location: Old Bridge, Heidelberg, Germany.
Unearth liquid lore at Kulturbrauerei
Just a stone's throw from the iconic Karl Theodor Bridge, affectionately known as the Old Bridge, lies an often-overlooked treasure trove of tradition and taste: the Kulturbrauerei on Leyergasse street. This modern brewery thrives within ancient walls that have witnessed the art of brewing through generations.
Step into a realm where the past clinks glasses with the present in a quintessential German beer hall, complete with inviting long tables and a peaceful beer garden. Here, embark on a culinary adventure with hearty Palatinate specialties, perfectly complemented by the brewery’s own crisp, unfiltered beer. Prost (“cheers” in German) to hidden gems!
Savor Heidelberg
Heads up, foodies! Heidelberg’s not just about dreamy castles and scholarly pursuits. It’s a culinary hotspot where your taste buds can go wild.
7 dishes to try when you’re in Heidelberg
- Leberknödel: Unleash your inner carnivore with these meaty dumplings — a mouthwatering mingle of beef liver and minced meat that’ll have you saying, “Mehr, bitte!” (More, please!)
- Studentenkuss: Send your senses swooning with a “student’s kiss”, where waffle and nougat lock lips, shrouded in dark chocolate secrets. Sweet nothings, anyone?
- Saumagen: This isn’t some hogwash; it’s “sow’s stomach” stuffed to the brim with a party of flavors, making every slice a hearty high-five to your appetite.
- Dampfnudeln: Sweet or savory, these steamed buns are no damp squib. They’re fist-sized feasts that roll out the flavor red carpet right into your mouth.
- Herzdrigger: Dive heart-first into these potato Klöße (boiled dumplings), cuddling a piece of liver sausage in a warm, starchy embrace, all swimming in creamy, bacon-studded bliss.
- Quetschekuchen: Plum crazy for tart? Here’s a sweet high-five from Heidelberg. Enjoy this juicy, cinnamon-sprinkled spectacle that plays footsie with your sweet tooth.
- Schwetzingen Spargel: Don’t just tiptoe through the tulips — take a culinary romp in the asparagus fields. Relish these royal roots, harvested fresh from Schwetzingen — Heidelberg’s veggie crown jewel.
Ready for your Heidelberg adventure? Dodge the airport bustle and track a scenic route by train. Watch rolling landscapes and quaint villages chugging by, setting the scene for a mix of brainy history, eye-candy views, and culinary waltzes. So, why wait? Make your trip flawless from the get-go with Trainline, and let Heidelberg weave its timeless story around your heart.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Sanga Park. Image Location: Heidelberg, Germany.