Heidelberg

Best time to visit

Best time to travel

April to June and September to October suit walking, river views and castle visits especially well.

Travel tips

Travel by Ildy tips

• Ride the Bergbahn from the Kornmarkt in the old town past the castle to Molkenkur, then change to the upper funicular to the Königstuhl: it saves the steep climb and gives you a second viewpoint high above the Neckar.
• Buy a Heidelberger Studentenkuss in the Old Town: nougat praline on a wafer under dark chocolate, created in 1863 by confectioner Fridolin Knösel, so the story goes, as a discreet token between students and young ladies.
• On a few summer evenings each year, the Schlossbeleuchtung bathes the castle ruin in red Bengal light before fireworks rise over the Neckar; watch from across the river for the full view.
• In the Studentenkarzer, the university's own lock-up for unruly students until the early 20th century, the walls are covered with paintings, verses and silhouettes left by those who served time there.