Things to Do in Heidelberg
- Parking is limited in Heidelberg—the best way to get around is by bus or tram, and there’s a funicular railway that runs up to the castle.
- Free Wi-Fi hotspots can be found at various locations around the city.
- The cobblestone lanes and steep hills of Heidelberg can be uneven, so wear comfortable shoes if you plan to take a walking tour.
- Most of Heidelberg’s attractions are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance to avoid disappointment.
Marktplatz, or the Market Square, is in the heart of Heidelberg's old town and is often full of activities. It is located between the Church of the Holy Ghost and the Town Hall building. In the Middle Ages, this square was used for public proceedings which included burning witches and heretics at the stake, and putting people charged with petty crimes into cages so the public could torment them. The square was, and continues to be, used for markets where fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, flowers, crafts, and other food and goods are sold. Today the markets take place twice a week.
At the center of the square stands a fountain and statue of Hercules that was built in the early 1700s. The statue you see today is only a replica though; the original is kept safe in the Kurpfälzisches Museum. During warm months, the cafes located along the edges of the square have outdoor seating for patrons to enjoy the view and the nice weather.
The Karl-Theodor-Bridge (Alte Brucke) in Heidelberg is a sandstone pedestrian bridge that goes across the Neckar River linking the old town on one side with the Neuenheim district on the other. It was built in 1786, and even though there were several other bridges before it in this location, it was the first one made of stone. On the city side of the bridge, there are two towers that once formed part of the city walls. They contain old dungeons which were used to hold criminals. Between the towers, you can see a plaque honoring the Austrian troops who helped defend the bridge against an attack from the French in 1799.
Another feature visitors will notice is a statue of a monkey holding a mirror. The monkey represents the idea that neither those who lived within the city walls nor those who lived outside the city were any better than the other, and that they should look over their shoulder as the cross the bridge to remember this. Other sculptures on the bridge include a monument to Prince Elector Carl Theodor, who had the bridge built, and one devoted to the Roman goddess Minerva.
The Old Heidelberg University, Germany's oldest university, was build in the early 1700s. It now holds the Rector's Office, the Old Assembly Hall, and the University Museum. The museum shows the history of the university beginning with its foundation in 1386 through today. Exhibits, portraits, and documents explain this history in three different sections. There's one about the Palatinate electors, one about the Baden era, and one about the twentieth century. In addition to the permanent exhibits, every few months there is a new special exhibit opens.
In the square in front of the building is a fountain of a lion, called Löwenbrunnen. The lion was the symbol of the Palatinate. At the back of the Old University, visitors can see the student prison, which was in use until 1914 and is now one of the most popular attractions in the city. Students could be put in the prison from two days to four weeks depending on the offense, although life there was quite comfortable.
SEA LIFE®Speyer, on the banks of the Rhine River, is an aquarium offering an interactive, educational glimpse of life under the sea. Here you'll find thousands of creatures across hundreds of species, including colorful tropical fish, all living in recreated habitats.