Heidelberg Castle (Schloss Heidelberg) is an incredible structure that sits perch 80 meters (260ft) above Old Town, on the Königstuhl hillside.
This incredible piece of history has seen many kings, wars, and renovations, making it the structure that stand before us today.
Heidelberg Germany was one of our favourite cities to visit, and Heidelberg Castle the absolute stand out of our 5 week house sit in this amazing city.
Today, I am going to share with you our visit to Heidelberg Castle, the details, history and some of the things to do when you choose to visit next time you are in Germany.
Let’s jump in.
Heidelberg Castle Details
Website: www.schloss-heidelberg.de
Location: Schlosshof 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm
Best Time to Visit: During the week/Summer
Bookings: Tickets purchase at the castle
Pricing:
- Entrance to Courtyard: €9.00 ($9 USD)
Things To Do:
- Castle Gardens
- Scheffelterrasse (Oberservation deck)
- Worlds Largest Wine Barrel
- Pharmacy Museum
- The Balcony
- Scharffs Schlossweinstube im Heidelberger Schloss (Fine Dining Restaurant)
Where is Heidelberg Castle?
Heidelberg Castle is located in Heidelberg Altstadt (Old Town) in the city’s west. It is approximately 2.3km from Bismarckplatz and 3.5km from Heilbronn main station.
Trams and buses run to Bismarkplatz or Universitätsplatz where you can walk up to the castle or catch the Rathaus/Bergbahn cable car.
How To Get To Heidelberg Castle
You can get to Heidelberg Castle by the Heidelberger Bergbahnen (cable car) from Old Town for €9.00 which also includes castle courtyard entry.
Or you can walk up and enjoy the number steps of Kurzer Buckel or the cobblestone ramp Burgweg.
These paths have some amazing views, although the hills can be quite steep.
How Old is the Heidelberg Castle?
Heidelberg Castle was originally built in 1214, with further additions in 1294. The castle has since had many rebuilds due to various incidents including lightning strikes in 1537 and 1764.
The castle has also undergone rebuilds, restoration, and renovation throughout it long history.
What Happened to the Heidelberg Castle?
Heidelberg Castle was struck by lightning both in 1537 which destroyed the upper part of the castle, with another strike later in 1764.
The castle has also been the scene of many wars, with the French destroying its defenses and burning it upon retreating during The Nine Years’ War 1689.
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Heidelberg Castle History
Heidelberg Castle was originally built in 1214. The incredible structure has had many iterations over its time, with renovations changing with the changing of kings.
The time of its existence has seen it subject to many catastrophes, including a lighting strike in 1537 that destroyed the upper part of the castle.
The castle was also part of the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) a religious war between the European Protestant States and the Roman Catholic States.
And the Nine Years’ War between the French and Grand Alliance, in which the castle was held by the French from 1688 before retreating in 1689, destroying the castle defenses and setting it on fire.
Throughout the time of its history, it has been the grounds for many wars, fires, and lightning strikes, another hitting the castle in 1764.
Today, the castle is being rebuilt to uphold the structure’s rich history.
Here you can visit and view the ruins, wander the hauls of the pharmacy museum, and stand on the incredible balcony at the castle anterior.
Related: Heidelberg Altstadt (Best 3-Minute Video Guide)
Our Experience At Heidelberg Castle
We arrived at the castle by walking up through the hills from Old Town, enjoying the history and the city’s amazing views.
Upon arriving at the castle’s outer gate you will be welcomed by the beautifully kept gardens, which overlook the Old Town.
Here you will be able to see the castle, and the ruined structure and wander through the castle gardens free of charge.
Things To Do
Heidelberg Castle has so much to offer, with the surrounding gardens and views showcasing the castle’s history.
This alone is worth a visit, even if you choose not to enter the castle courtyard.
Below is a list of things to do in the castle to help you decide what you might like to see on your trip.
Heidelberg Castle Gardens
Heidelberg Castle gardens is an incredible open space surrounding the historic castle.
The gardens have many statues, walkways, and open spaces providing you with many photo opportunities.
Entry to the castle gardens is free, which is perfect if you want to head up and explore.
There is also an onsite cafe where you can relax for a drink and enjoy the amazing views.
World’s Largest Wine Barrel
Heidelberg Castle is also home to the world’s largest wine barrel, which can be seen inside the castle via the courtyard as a part of €9.00 ticket.
This huge barrel built in 1751 barely fits in the room sits.
Spanning 8 meters wide and 7 meters tall the barrel, with a capacity of 220,000 liters, dwarfing tourists.
Here you can walk up the side and onto the platform above for some great photos.
The Balcony
Placed at the front of Heidelberg Castle, overlooking Old Town is the Balcony.
This platform sits perfectly over the great city, giving you an idea of what royal families of the past would have seen during their reign.
The Balcony showcases stunning views of the Church of the Holy Spirit, Old Town, Old Bridge, and The Neckar River.
Giving you a photo opportunity from every angle.
The Pharmacy Museum
Located inside the castle is the pharmacy museum.
Here you will be able to view unique pieces of history.
The museum holds over 20,000 exhibits from over 2000 years of pharmacological practice.
The museum contains complete pharmacy dispensaries and a range of technical instruments and laboratory devices.
Entry to the museum is added to the €9.00 fee as apart of the castle entry fee.
Scheffelterrasse (Oberservation deck)
Scheffelterrasse is an observation deck located on the northwestern part of the castle garden.
This viewing point presents visitors with incredible views of Old Town, Old Bridge, The Neckar River, and Heidelberg Castle.
There is no admission fee to visit Scheffelterrasse, as it is a part of the castle gardens.
Meaning you can visit as much as you want without paying a cent!
Things To Consider
Heidelberg Castle is a popular destination with over 1 million visitors annually.
With this in mind, a good time to visit is during the week, as there will be fewer crowds.
The castle during the German summer (June-August) when you can enjoy the gardens.
Related: How to Travel Cheap: 12 Essential Tips for Affordable Travel (2023)
Final Thoughts
Heidelberg Castle is one of the most beautiful sites we have visited on our travels.
Its 16th-century red sandstone ruins headline what is one of the most incredible cities in the world.
With open gardens, observation decks, and striking architecture, this should be high on your places to visit.
So, is Heidelberg Castle on your list of places to visit?
Let us know in the comments below.
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