Overview
Take a trip to Heidelberg on your Germany Vacation
One of the most beautiful and romantic cities on travel to Germany is Heidelberg, 93 kilometres/58 miles south of Frankfurt. It is surrounded by forest and attractively situated on the River Neckar. It is home to Germany’s oldest and most famous university. During World War II, it escaped almost completely from any damage. It retained its baroque narrow streets, picturesque houses and its famous castle. Its centre is the Aldstadt (Old Town) with unspoilt medieval architecture, wonderful old churches and a large selection of shops, cafes and restaurants.
Prominently situated overlooking the Altstadt is Heidelberg Castle which is beautifully illuminated at night. The views from this 16th Century castle are outstanding. It can be reached by taking the Bergbahn, a cogwheel train. Cultural performances often take place in the courtyard. One of the most popular is the Heidelberg Castle Festival from June to August which includes theatre and music (classical, jazz, folk and opera).
Many German vacations that stop here take in the 15th Century Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Ghost) and Heidelberg University, which date back to 1711. The library has a manuscript of medieval songs which was first completed in the 14th Century. The Baroque Palais Morass, on Heidelberg’s main street - reputedly the longest pedestrian shopping street in Germany - is the excellent Palatinate Museum which houses a collection that includes a cast of the lower jaw of the 500,000-year-old Heidelberg Man, porcelain, glassware, and sculptures.
Philosopher's Walk is a pathway that runs along the side of a small mountain for 2.5 kilometres/1.5 miles where one can enjoy views across the Neckar River to the old town. Along the way, there is the 11th Century Monastery of St. Michael and the ruins of a 4th Century Celtic hill fort.
Many German vacations that stop here take in the 15th Century Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Ghost) and Heidelberg University, which date back to 1711. The library has a manuscript of medieval songs which was first completed in the 14th Century. The Baroque Palais Morass, on Heidelberg’s main street - reputedly the longest pedestrian shopping street in Germany - is the excellent Palatinate Museum which houses a collection that includes a cast of the lower jaw of the 500,000-year-old Heidelberg Man, porcelain, glassware, and sculptures.
Philosopher's Walk is a pathway that runs along the side of a small mountain for 2.5 kilometres/1.5 miles where one can enjoy views across the Neckar River to the old town. Along the way, there is the 11th Century Monastery of St. Michael and the ruins of a 4th Century Celtic hill fort.
At a Glance
Languages
GermanCurrency
Euro (EUR)What do the experts say?
Globetrotters need to get a picture at Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairytale-like castle in Bavaria. It's a highly recognizable and picturesque location that consistently draws visitors for its stunning architecture and scenic surroundings. I have visited this place several times and it's a knock-out setting for photography!
Germany has several iconic castle hotels offering a unique and luxurious stay experience that can be booked through Goway's local partners. Some popular options include Schloss Hotel Kronberg, Burghotel auf Schönburg, and Schlosshotel Steinburg. These hotels provide a blend of historical charm and modern comforts, often set in picturesque locations like the Rhine Valley or the Bavarian Alps.
Germany has a highly efficient and well-integrated public transportation system that is good for both local and long-distance travel options. This includes buses, trams, subways (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), and high-speed trains (ICE, IC), among others. Public transport is generally reliable, comfortable, and relatively affordable, making it a popular choice for both residents and tourists.
One must-do or must-see local event is the Oktoberfest in Munich, the world's largest beer festival and folk festival, held annually. It's a vibrant celebration of Bavarian culture, featuring beer tents, traditional music, dances, amusement rides, and Bavarian cuisine.
Germany's rich history and internationalism make it unlike anywhere you've ever been in Europe. Its turbulent history brings a wealth of historical attractions, like the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Bundestag
Most Popular Time to Travel
Know when to go.
Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
HeidelbergPartly Cloudy
23°C / 73°F
35mm / 1.4"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
-
Travel Stories
Get inspired about Your Trip to Germany
Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.
With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.Exclusive Savings
Insider Benefits
Trending Stories

ExcellentBased on 5,307 ReviewsWe recently worked with Jacqueline to plan our trip to Greece and had a wonderful experience. We made several revisions to our itinerary and Jacqueline was patient, understanding and prompt in responding to our needs. In addition to the specific tours she booked, she provided extra options and local suggestions for each place we visited in Greece. Her attention to detail and responsiveness made our trip incredibly memorable. Mark MendellWe have used Goway several times to plan simple & more complicated trips. The last 2 trips we worked with Brooke Theron who is extremely customer focused. She listens well & is alway flexible to look at alternatives. We will continue using this representative & Goway.
Our only criticism is that they do not break down the various costs of a trip which makes tipping very awkward. It can also create a sense of " mistrust" when all the costs are not transparent. Cheryl HayesOur trip to Switzerland was an amazing experience. Our travel agent at GoWay, Bo was so helpful in helping my husband Louie plan just what we wanted to do on this trip. Taking the trains thru the county was easy by the many hours Louie and Bo worked on this. Also our helicopter ride in Zermatt on my birthday was just unbelievable. Flying around the Matterhorn and the Alps is one flight we will never forget. Thanks Bo for setting this up. The trip was one incredible adventure that we will never forget. Thanks again Bo, Lynn Gerber. Lynn GerberWe booked a Goway tour to Botswana and Zimbabwe and it was excellent. We worked with Brooke, the Goway represntative, to set up the tour and she was an outstanding agent who answered any questions we had very quickly and completely. Her hotel recommendation for the additional night we stayed was pefect.
Goway hires a local tour group, Jenman Safaris, to lead the safari in the 2 countries. The tour itself was amazing...the lodges that we stayed at were very nice and the food was great (except for one lodge's food). The Goway itinerary was slightly different than the actual Jenman Safari itinerary but most of the sites that we went to were the same as listed on the Goway itinerary. I would use Goway again because their choice of a local tour group was very good...nice lodges/camps and good food and knowledgeable tour guides.Ma FaOur GoWay tour representative, Michael Keon, was on top of all of our concerns and questions in a professional manner and we look forward to working with him in the future. Michael was very easy to work with and treated us like family.ThomasMatthew handled my honeymoon couple's very specific African itinerary like a pro! My clients went to four different travel agents who only wanted to send them on safaris. My clients had already done safaris and were specific on what they wanted to do and see. Matthew hit the nail on the head! Highly recommend!Amanda SchottSeamless prompt excellent communication from our first query about a possible destination to follow-up after the trip ended. Shalini’s knowledge, advice and enthusiasm were invaluable. JaneJacqueline Fagioli from Goaway Travel is excellent and very helpful and supportive. VenessaOur travel agent, Melissa Moses, created the perfect itinerary for our recent holiday to Portugal. Melissa had also planned our previous trip to England/Scotland. We have a great deal of confidence in her ability as she really listens to what we are looking for and she caters the plans according to our comfort levels and interests. customerJacqueline F. made our trip exceptional. Everything she planned or reserved worked out as it was supposed to. Croatia was amazing and I feel we were able to explore a lot of it because of Jacqueline.Allen
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified




