Heidelberg is a picturesque and historic town in south-west Germany. The town is considered one of Germany’s foremost intellectual centres, thanks to the 14th-century Heidelberg University, which has educated some of Europe’s finest minds, from poets and philosophers to scientists. Georg Hegel, Robert Schumann, W. Somerset Maugham and Dmitri Mendeleev are among some of the most notable alumni.
For travellers, Heidelberg’s fine architecture, particularly its old Gothic churches and Renaissance ruins, most famous of which is Heidelberg Castle, is a major attraction. The castle is a magnificent building situated on a hillside overlooking the town. Taking a tour of these sights is the best way to gain valuable insight into the history and artistry that have made Heidelberg the UNESCO City of Literature that it is today. Here are five of the best Heidelberg tours.
From €20/per person
Guided walking tours of Heidelberg have so much to offer thanks to the storied Old Town and impressive castle. This excellent guided tour is designed to unlock the secrets and stories that visitors may otherwise miss out on if they were to navigate the streets of the Old Town on their own. This tour also visits Heidelberg Castle, where you will have the chance to explore the gardens, wine cellar and courtyard. You’ll also learn about the town’s art and architecture and find out where some of the best dining options can be found.
From €29/ per person
Break free from the tourist trail of Heidelberg for a chance to get to know the town like a local. You’ll have the chance on this guided, two-hour tour to experience true German culture and customs via hidden back streets, historic churches, and cafes packed with local people in the know. This alternative tour is a great chance to see another side of the popular destination, as well as some of the highlights. As with all other tours on this list, departures are available daily throughout the year.
From €65/ per person
There’s no greater, and more fun, way to get around a city than by Segway. Allowing you to get further afield during the guided, two-hour excursion than the walking tours, this option has a unique itinerary that includes glimpses of the countryside around Heidelberg, a visit to Neuberg Abbey and fantastic views over the historic town in the Neckar Valley. This tour’s regularity allows it to fit a variety of different itineraries; you can choose from one of three daily departure times at 9:30am, 1pm and 3:30pm. Safety gear and Segway rental are included in the fee.
From €65/ per person
Germany and beer go hand-in-hand for many visitors to the country, and rightly so, especially in historic towns like Heidelberg. This tour combines both history and beer into a neat two hour and thirty minutes package. You’ll get to learn all about the Old Town and its relevance to what you see today, particularly around Heidelberg University. The large student population has long led to a high demand for good bars in the area. You’ll also be able to visit a microbrewery to taste some of the local produce and find out about the best bars to continue the experience beyond the tour.
From €165/ per person
This private, three-hour walking tour option is perfect for anybody travelling solo or in their own group and looking to have a tour tailored more to your preferences. Sights you can choose to explore include Philosopher’s Walk, Heidelberg Castle, the university and the Church of the Spirit. Prices for this tour start at €125 for a solo private tour in German. However, the cost is €165 for English or Russian language tours. This price remains the same regardless of the number of people in your group, up to 26 people.
