Schloss Heidelberg
Schloss Heidelberg
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Each year, Heidelberg Palace attracts around one Million visitors from all over the world. Since the 19th century, These impressive ruins have been synonymous with Romanticism. The Heidelberg Tun, the statues on the facade and the gardens of the palace are Highlights of any visit.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Schloss Heidelberg
The area
Address
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • Nico Natuna
    Rudersdorf, Germany2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Iconic and historic landmark
    With its impressive battlements, towers, and courtyards, it is a sight to behold. But don't let its grandeur fool you - there is plenty of fun to be had here, too! From the Great Hall and the Heidelberg Tun to the gardens and the castle's own zoo, there is something for everyone. Whether you come to explore the castle's history or to take part in one of the many events held here, you are sure to have a great time! And if you're feeling brave, you can even take a stroll along the castle's battlements - just don't forget to duck when the cannon goes off!
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 May 2023
  • LinaJ
    Manila, Philippines182 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Majestic Place
    We love it ! Met my high school friends travelling around europe and this place was our meeting place. It stands majestically .The view and ruins were breathtaking . You just wanna stay up there and enjoy the view and the peacefulness of the place , fit for a queen !
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 12 May 2023
  • EndlessBlue
    Maple Ridge, Canada181 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Schloss Heidelberg
    You can either walk or take the Funicular up to the castle grounds. Either way the view is spectacular. The grounds are large, so make sure you give yourself enough time to explore, relax & enjoy.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 12 June 2023
  • AllanJGJ
    Wellington, New Zealand3,848 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A statement piece
    Definitely the 'big ticket item' in Heidelberg, particularly when combined with the funicular ride to get up and down. A huge sprawling edifice with parts clearly from multiple eras it certainly makes a statement glowering over the old town. The Pharmacy museum and the 'big barrel' are two of the more interesting things to do inside. Do go for a stroll all the way to the point where there is a splendid view and a couple of interesting sculptures.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 21 June 2023
  • David P
    Bridgeville, Delaware140 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very Enjoyable Tour
    Really enjoyed this tour although I do agree that the tour focuses mainly on the outside of the castle. Still a nice experience with a great guide. Make sure to take the tram all the way to the top overlook. Also make sure to look at the humongous wine barrel on the way out of the tour.
    Visited June 2023
    Written 30 June 2023
  • David N
    Hawthorne, California799 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Iconic Heidelberg Attraction
    You will definitely want to visit the castle if you have never been to Heidelberg before. It is quite large and has some ruins as well as renovated buildings. You can arrive here by car, bus, or the funicular, but I think the "fun"icular is the most fun way to go! You can also walk up the hill from the Altstadt, if interested. An entrance fee to the castle is required and they also offer a separate guided tour, which I highly recommend. With the tour, you are taken inside of some of the buildings (including the chapel) and are provided with a wealth of information on the castle's history. English tours are available. Once inside the castle courtyard, there is pharmacy museum, restaurants, and a huge wine barrel that you can also visit, so plan your time accordingly. Outside the castle, there is a garden and courtyard that is free. I recommend at least walking towards this area, so that you can get a good view of the fat tower that was blown up by the French in 1689 and left in ruins. It is a nice area to walk around in with a fountain towards the back and a unique modern sculpture of a horse.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 15 July 2023
  • woodie49
    Brighton, United Kingdom798 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful old town.
    We were staying in Stuttgart and visited Heidelberg on the 40 minutes non-stop ICE train. Just outside the station is a very helpful Tourist Information building where we were given a walking route map and information about buses. As we are in our 70s we didn’t want to walk unnecessarily as it was very hot. Gathered outside and leaning against the Information office, we were not expecting to see a large group of men, drinking beer and with numerous bottles arranged all around them! Not too welcoming. We followed the walking map we had been given and made our way to the famous old bridge over the River Neckar. We crossed to the other side but it was far too hot to venture up to the Philosophers Walk, which gives a lovely view across to the castle and town. We went up to the castle on the funicular railway, but had we known how long the wait in the queue would be, I think we would have walked up. The Castle is the highlight. Our return journey to Stuttgart was tiresome. Having made our way back through the old town to the station, we were on the platform when the board changed to say that the 5:33 was cancelled and there was not another until 7:13. So off we went to a cafe to wait. The train left on time for what would be the 40 minute journey. Problems on the line caused a diversion to Esslingen and we eventually arrived in Stuttgart just after 9pm. We have visited German cities a number of times independently in the past and swore by the public transport system,. Sadly we had three experiences like this and warn others to be aware when relying as tourists on trains - especially to the airport!!! However, we still prefer to visit places on our own, rather than in a group.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 23 July 2023
  • gfsc5
    Perth, Australia1,479 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Impressive buildings
    We visited the castle with a guide who took us up in the funicular, which was fun. The castle is essentially a collection of ruins (to varying degrees) but with some buildings saved to maintain their integrity. We focussed on the facades although we did go into the cellar area to check out some impressive wine barrels. Our guide was a font of knowledge and gave us a wonderful history of the castle and some of the impressive statues adorning one building in particular. One of the highlights of being up at castle level were the wonderful views over the Neckar River, the city, and the expensive riverside houses. Worthwhile visiting.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 July 2023
  • hollyblue5
    Thatcham, United Kingdom28 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating piece of European history
    Fascinating castle at the centre of European history. Definitely worth paying the extra for a guided tour (English ones run four times a day starting at 11:15) - you get to explore behind closed doors and hear a lot of history. The story of how Elizabeth, the daughter of James I of England ended up here is well worth hearing.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 9 August 2023
  • Lonnie H
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    take the tram and take the guided tour
    the palace has spectacular views. if you don't take the guided tour you only get access to a couple of places. the guided tour is an hour and takes you throughout the palace and was only 6 euro each. there are more great views from the grass areas / terrace. look for the tram to the castle unless you are fit and looking for a little sweat. even at 75 degrees at 10am the steps would have made me sweat.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 14 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles7,617 reviews
Excellent
4,428
Very good
2,534
Average
561
Poor
70
Terrible
25

Steph M
Chicago, IL14 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022
The views from the castle are beautiful, which certainly make it worth visiting. The tour however, I found only so-so. You get to see some interior rooms in the castle, but not as much I anticipated and there was some interesting tidbits/history, but not as much as other castles like Burg Eltz.
Written 11 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

William L
9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Couples
The English language guided tour was one of the best tours ever. Our guide was hilarious with such funny stories and comedic timing. Definitely worth a great deal more than the small fee.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JaniO
US393 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023
Didn't have time to take a tour of Schloss Heidelberg during my short visit to Heidelberg in February 2023 but was able to admire the ruined castle from the outside. Definitely worth visiting!
Written 28 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Whitechris1
Tennessee422 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Friends
We loved our tour of Heidelberg Castle. The architecture was amazing and the story even better. Interesting ties to King James of England/Scotland as well.
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand3,818 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022
Schloss Heidelberg is a grand and imposing structure dominating the hillside above the Old Town. It's no wonder that it's one of the most visited attractions in Germany. The 9-euros entry ticket provides a round trip funicular cable car up to the castle; access to castle courtyard and gardens, and view of world’s largest wine barrel!
Written 29 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MKTBE
Topeka, KS3,053 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Couples
Schloss Heidelberg is a well-preserved ruin and historic landmark in the City of Heidelberg. It is nestled on the hill 300 feet above the cities Old Town. It is a beautiful walk up to the fortress, or a second option of a little easier funicular ride. The castle is a combination of several buildings surrounding an inner courtyard, and a prominent turret proudly displaying a regional flag. The castle is also home to the world's largest wine keg! Just as breath-taking as the castle is from the city, it is an equally impressive view of the city of Heidelberg from the castle. Though the day of our visit was rainy, we really enjoyed our visit to Schloss Heidelberg.
Written 16 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Peter M
Melbourne, Australia1,301 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
Heidelberg Castle or known as Schloss Castle is a ruin in Heidelberg Germany. It was demolished in the 1600s and 1700s and is located 260 feet up the northern part of Konigstubl hillside. It dominates the old downtown. There was an earlier castle in 294 but destroyed by lightning bolts
Written 1 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lovetheoutdoors061
Oldsmar, FL118 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Couples
Great thing to do if you have limited time in Heidelberg. Buy the ticket for the funicular that takes you to the castle and then the next historic funicular up to the top of the mountain 1800+ feet above sea level. Was a cloudy day but that made it cooler. We were up that high with our heads in the clouds. For 2 people on the extended route was only 28 euros. Castle ruins were very interesting. We didn’t do the guided tour, just walked around and read the signs. Nice relaxing day trip before dinner in the old city, Highly recommend.
Written 26 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SwingiMA
Mannheim, Germany65 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • Friends
Being local, I hadn't taken a guided tour to Heidelberg castle. Now, after years, we took our South African and British friends there and booked the guided tour at the ticket office (english). It was so worth it.
We'd normally stick to the outside and skip the entrance fee as there isn't that much to see inside. So rather spend the few extra bucks for the guided visit and get an understanding of the history of a castle built by one of the most powerful german prince electors of his time until its destruction and resurrection as romantic ruins.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find any information on the timing of their english tours. When we went on a Sunday, the last english speaking tour was at 4 p.m.
Written 13 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mária L
Muri bei Bern, Switzerland68 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022
Well, the castle is certainly very nice, but the staff, deplorable....
(Due to a tragic event, we haven't celebrated my birthday for a long time), yet we decided to celebrate it in Heidelberg this year. It was a very bad decision. I would have liked to visit the castle inside, I got in line to buy tickets. The young man selling the tickets told me that he could not give me a ticket for the 11 o'clock guided tour, only for the 12 o'clock one. This was at 10:52. We asked him how long it would take to get on the elevator to the viewing platform. He said 10 minutes. Ah, we thought, we'll go up, have a look around and come down and go in with the 12 o'clock group. Well, it was 35 minutes up and apparently the same down and we had to wait 13 minutes before the lift went down. With a little math, I calculated that I had no chance of making the 12 hour guided tour.
We figured, never mind, they could easily exchange the ticket for the 13 hour tour. Well, I was wrong.
I got in line and showed the ticket taker to check it out, I bought my ticket at 10:52, but the trip to the top of the hill took 35 minutes instead of 10, so I didn't make the 12 hour group. Well, a huge discussion ensued, so much so that the elderly lady sitting next to me in the cassaban jumped up and started shouting at me in English. (Where's the logic, wheil we talked in German????) Then they asked me to stand aside until the security guard or duty manager or someone comes... Then a group of 3 people came to the cashier. The man in charge arrived. He asked where the ticket was. I said I gave it to the cashier. He started looking through the papers, but he couldn't find it. I said, never mind, the camera's over our heads, let's look back what happened 3 minutes befour. He said the camera was not working. PEOPLE, TAKE WHAT YOU CAN MOVE, NOBODY CAN PROVE ANYTHING!
In time, the man in charge found out that I was a racist because the man at the cash desk is a foreigner and his wife is a foreigner (note, I am also a foreigner in Germany), but I didn't understand what this had to do with the castle visit... and he wanted to call the police - unfortunately he didn't, I don't know what they would have said if they had been called for €6...
So be very sensible at the checkout! They cheat, lie, steal and are cheeky with their visiters!
Written 13 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 31-40 of 3,823
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Schloss Heidelberg - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor