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Funicular · Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg
Heidelberger Bergbahn
Funicular that departs from Kornmarkt in the Altstadt, stops at the castle and continues to the Molkenkur. There you change to the upper section, with old-style wooden carriages, which climbs to the Königstuhl hill at 568 meters.
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 Heidelberger Bergbahn
The Heidelberger Bergbahn has two sections. The lower section, the Molkenkurbahn, opened in 1890 and links Kornmarkt station in the Altstadt with the castle stop and the Molkenkur. It originally ran by water counterweight, became electric in 1907 and today uses modern, larger carriages.
At the Molkenkur you change to the upper section, the Königstuhlbahn, opened in 1907. The cars were rebuilt with wooden bodies in the original design and climb through the forest to the hilltop.
The final stop is the Königstuhl, a 568-meter hill above Heidelberg. Up there is a viewing platform with views over the Neckar valley and the Rhine plain, forest trails and a restaurant. On clear days the view reaches the Palatinate on the other side of the Rhine.
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
The ride from Kornmarkt to the castle takes only a few minutes. To go up to the Königstuhl and return with time for the viewpoint, allow 1h30 to 2 hours.
Best time
In the morning, to reach the castle before the tour groups. For the Königstuhl, choose clear days when the view reaches the Rhine plain. In summer there is a queue at Kornmarkt station at midday. The upper section may have different schedules or close for maintenance: check before you go.
How to get there
Kornmarkt station is in the Altstadt, a short walk from the Marktplatz. From the main station, take a tram or bus to the Rathaus/Bergbahn stop.
Tip
Buy a ticket for the section you will use: only to the castle, to the Molkenkur, or to the Königstuhl. One option is to take the funicular up to the Königstuhl and walk down through the forest to the castle by a marked trail.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Heidelberger Bergbahn
Do I need to change cars to get to the Königstuhl?
Yes. The lower section runs from the Kornmarkt to the Molkenkur, passing the castle. At Molkenkur you change to the upper section, with wooden cars, which goes up to the Königstuhl.
What is there at the top of the Königstuhl?
A viewpoint with views over the Neckar valley and the Rhine plain, forest trails and a restaurant. It’s a good place for a half-day walk away from the Altstadt.
Does the Bergbahn operate year-round?
It usually operates year-round, with shorter intervals in the high season. Maintenance stops occur, mainly on the upper section: check before you go.