Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most beautiful and romantic cities, located in the southwest of the country along the Neckar River. It is best known for its well-preserved Old Town, the oldest university in Germany, and the impressive ruins of Heidelberg Castle, which rise above the city and offer spectacular panoramic views. The historic Old Town features narrow cobblestone streets, baroque architecture, lively market squares, and the famous Old Bridge, creating a charming and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of cafés, traditional restaurants, and small shops, all set against a scenic backdrop of forested hills. Thanks to its large student population, Heidelberg combines centuries of history with a vibrant cultural life. Museums, theaters, and festivals enrich the city throughout the year, while nearby nature trails and river cruises provide opportunities for relaxation. With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Heidelberg is an unforgettable destination for travelers.
The New University and Old University of Heidelberg are conveniently located in the historic old town, in short walking distance to the Neckar River and Heidelberg's most famous sights. The Old University building was built between 1712 and 1728 on behalf of elector Johann Wilhelm and was called “Domus Wilhelmiana” in his honour. The Old University houses the Rector’s Office as well as the university museum, which was established in 1996. The historic student prison (Studentenkarzer) is located in the back of the Old University.
The New University building, constructed by Carl Grube in 1931-34, is a soberly utilitarian structure. Its construction was made possible by the then American ambassador, Jacob Gould Schurman, who organized a campaign in the United States to collect donations for this purpose. The only artful decoration it offers is a sculpture of Pallas Athene above the main entrance, with a caption penned by the scholar Friedrich Gundolf: “To the living spirit”. The courtyard of the New University holds the Witches’ Tower (Hexenturm), the only surviving and once strongest part of the town’s medieval fortifications.
How to get there
Heidelberg is easy to reach. Centrally located in Germany, it can be reached by plane, bus and train, or car.
By air:
The closest international airport is Frankfurt Airport (FRA), just 50 minutes away by train (most recommended, see below) or car.
There are also airport shuttles running from Frankfurt airport to Heidelberg.
By train:
There are frequent trains running to Heidelberg from all over Europe. For timetables and tickets, refer to Deutsche Bahn or privately owned Flixtrain
By car:
From Frankfurt Airport take the A5 freeway (Darmstadt-Karlsruhe/Basel), take exit #37 at the Heidelberg freeway junction to A656/B37 to Heidelberg, and follow the signs to city center. For parking in the city, follow the parking guidance system.
Accommodation
There are several hotels in walking distance. We will post some examples here later.