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Historic neighborhood · Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg
Altstadt und Hauptstraße
Heidelberg's old town, between the Neckar and the hill, with the Hauptstraße, a 1.6 km pedestrian street between Bismarckplatz and Karlstor, and the squares Marktplatz, Kornmarkt and Universitätsplatz.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Altstadt und Hauptstraße
Heidelberg's Altstadt occupies a narrow strip between the Neckar river and the slope of the Königstuhl. Because the city emerged from World War II with almost no damage, the center retained its old layout and Baroque buildings rebuilt after the destruction at the end of the 17th century.
The backbone is the Hauptstraße, turned into a pedestrian street of about 1.6 km, from Bismarckplatz, the main tram hub, to the Karlstor gate at the other end. Along the way are Universitätsplatz, the Marktplatz with the town hall (Rathaus) and the Heiliggeistkirche, plus churches, shops, bookstores and cafés.
The parallel and cross streets are worth exploring: Untere Straße concentrates bars, Steingasse leads to the Alte Brücke, and the Kornmarkt, with the statue of Our Lady in the center, has one of the most photographed views of the castle. On the Hauptstraße is also the Haus zum Ritter, from 1592, one of the few Renaissance buildings that survived the fires of 1693.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours to walk the Hauptstraße and the squares without entering museums. With museums and churches, half a day or more.
Best time
Early in the morning, before the shops open, the squares are empty. On summer evenings Untere Straße and Marktplatz fill up. On Sundays most shops are closed, but cafés and restaurants usually remain open.
How to get there
From the central station, take a tram or bus to Bismarckplatz, where the Hauptstraße begins. Some lines run along the Neckar banks to stops for the Altstadt and Rathaus/Bergbahn.
Tip
Start at Bismarckplatz and walk toward the castle: that way the castle gradually appears at the end of the side streets. Watch your belongings in crowded places, especially in summer.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Altstadt und Hauptstraße
How long is the Hauptstraße?
About 1.6 km, from Bismarckplatz to the Karlstor gate. It is entirely pedestrian and passes the main squares of the Altstadt.
Where can you see the castle from in the Altstadt?
The Kornmarkt offers one of the best-known views, with the castle just above. The Neckar riverbank and the Alte Brücke also show the castle well, especially at night when it is illuminated.
Is there a Christmas market?
Yes. Heidelberg’s Christmas market usually runs from late November until just before Christmas, spread across several squares in the Altstadt such as Marktplatz, Kornmarkt and Universitätsplatz.