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Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle is one of the most significant structures of the German Renaissance and is globally recognized as the epitome of German Romanticism. Located on the northern slope of the Königstuhl hill, the ruins tower approximately 80 meters above the old town of Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley. Originally built as a medieval fortress for the Counts Palatine of the Rhine, it was expanded over centuries by the Prince-Electors into a magnificent residence. Much of the destruction occurred during the Palatine War of Succession in the late 17th century, when the troops of Louis XIV blew up towers and walls. A subsequent lightning strike in 1764 caused a fire that sealed its fate as a permanent ruin, a state that captivated Romantic poets and painters in the 19th century. Highlights include the Ottheinrich building with its ornate facade and the Great Barrel, the world's largest wine vat, located in the castle cellars. Every year, millions visit the site, which also serves as the stage for the famous Heidelberg Castle Illuminations.
- Location: Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Top sights: Elisabethentor · Heidelberg Castle · Stückgarten
- Nearby: Neckargemünd (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 65 | 52 | 54 | 44 | 75 | 62 | 70 | 71 | 50 | 61 | 63 | 72 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The castle sits roughly 80 meters above the water level of the Neckar River.
- The Great Barrel has a storage capacity of 221,726 liters of wine.
- The castle was severely damaged in 1689 and 1693 during the War of the Palatine Succession.
- The Ottheinrich building is regarded as one of the earliest Renaissance palace structures in Germany.
- Famous admirers of the ruins included authors Victor Hugo and Mark Twain.
- The castle illuminations and fireworks take place three times a year (June, July, September).
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Heidelberg Castle (10)
Stückgarten🌳 park
West terrace of Heidelberg Castle. Historic garden with a view of the valley.
Kleines Fass
Wine barrel in Heidelberg Castle. Large barrel, but smaller than the Great Barrel.
Deutsches Apotheken-Museum🏛 museum
Entry included in castle ticket. Museum on the history of pharmacy.
Schlossgarten🌳 park
Castle garden in Heidelberg, Germany. Park at Heidelberg Castle.
Großherzogliches Palais🏰 castle
Building in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg. Former palace.
Dokumentations- und Kulturzentrum Deutscher Sinti und Roma🏛 museum
Museum in Heidelberg. Documents the history and culture of Sinti and Roma.
Karmeliterkloster Heidelberg⛪ monastery
Monastery in Heidelberg. Former Carmelite monastery.
Forum für Kunst🏛 museum
Museum in Heidelberg. Exhibition space for contemporary art.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get to Heidelberg Castle?
What is the 'Great Tun'?
When do the castle illuminations take place?
Do you have to pay entry for the castle garden?
What is the German Pharmacy Museum?
Heidelberg Castle: where is it located?
Heidelberg Castle: what is there to see?
Heidelberg Castle: when is the best time to visit?
Heidelberg Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
