This stunning castle in Germany attracts famous tourists with its Storybook Charm
Nestled within the lush green forests not far from Frankfurt and Stuttgart lie the most beautiful and romantic ruins – a true icon of the German region. Placed on a hill overlooking the old town of Heidelberg and the river, Heidelberg Castle is a landmark that has been visited by travelers, painters and poets since it was built in the early 13th century. Half and half renaissance palace, this castle has dominated the sky above Heidelberg for more than 700 years, bearing witness to the destruction of war, strikes. Unlike the well-preserved Neuschwanstein Castle inspired by the beauty of Disney, what remains of Heidelberg Castle today is nothing short of amazing – a building that speaks of power, history, art, mystery, and strength.
Despite its tumultuous history, the castle remains a living museum, towering above the city that lies beneath its walls. Below, the Altstadt (old town) Humps with energy. Students from an old German university (complete with an old prison for random students) wandered through the small cobblestone tunnels, entering payment points between designated centuries. The contrast between the castle’s Want exterior and the city’s youthful vibrancy is what adds to HEIDELBERG’s Charm, Chark. Every year, more than a million visitors come to the top of the hill (or ride well in the middle of their program) to explore the castle’s large courtyards, collected facades, panel views, and unique history. It is a must-stop for history and architecture lovers alike to visit Germany.
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Exploring the beauty of Heidelberg Castle
Friedrichs Wing, Heidelberg Castle – Alexandre Prevot / Shutterstock
Exploring Heidelberg castle is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the architecture. Although it has never been completely restored, inside its walls, visitors will find a combination of preserved halls, reorganized facades, and artifacts full of mystery. At the heart of the castle sits the courtyard, surrounded by a unique combination of architectural styles from different eras. Nearby, the Ottheinrich building, which houses a magnificent imperial hall, is decorated with ornate statues of Roman emperors and ancient heroes. The hall is said to be one of the most beautiful rooms in the castle, with many pieces that survived the war and fire. Inside the building’s first floor resides the fully equipped apothecal Museum, which displays old laboratory equipment, rare herbs, and the output of historic apothecaries.
From here, visitors can explore the Friedrich wing, the palace we live in, with original paintings and statues of kings and queens inside, while the outside is decorated with sculptures. One of the highlights of the Castle’s Perious Tun, its barrel was rebuilt by Prince-Elector Carl Theodor after it was first destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War. This barrel can hold approximately 58,000 liters of wine and is built under a platform with a Dancefloor. A statue of a small court Jester called Perkeo is always looking at the barrel, not sure if anyone is drinking more wine than he was supposed to drink. Beyond the main buildings, the Castle’s grounds offer stunning panoramic views over the river Negatar. Adjacent to the Citadel once stood the Hortus Palatinus, a magnificent renaissance garden that was often called a “wonder of the world.” Today, although the garden is not as unique as it was originally planned to be, visitors can appreciate its open green spaces, rows of trees, and beautiful grottos.
Arrival at Heidelberg Castle
View of the old bridge in Heidelberg – Daniela Baumann / Getty Images
Getting to Castle Heidelberg is straightforward. You can take a bus from the central train station to the stop “Bergbahn,” or walk about an hour from the station to the steep path that leads to the castle (called the Burgweg). If you prefer not to go uphill, you can take the railway, or the Heidelberg Bergbahn, from the Kornmarkt station in the old town. Admission tickets are around $13 and give visitors access to the castle courtyard and gardens, a large wine barrel, and a German pharmacy museum. Combined tickets include round-trip rides on funyar and are available at the station below or online. Guided tours are highly recommended, as they provide insight and access to the history of the castle, its architecture, and the legends that live within its walls.
The fort is open all year round; However, spring and early autumn provided the best experience, with mild weather and surrounding greenery. Not to mention, the castle hosts a special light show at Christmas time, even though it’s cold, giving visitors access to one of Europe’s best Christmas markets. Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon at the castle to avoid the crowds, especially during summer weekends when the fun line is long. Evening visits are ideal, as the castle walls glow at sunset and the city lights up below. After exploring the castle, make time to explore Heidelberg’s old town, where landmarks such as the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke), the Church of the Holy Spirit, and Heidelberg University are all within walking distance. With a different view of the castle and the old city, the philosophers walked the easy path facing the river.
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