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Castle · Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg
Heidelberger Schloss
A red sandstone ruin on the slope of the Königsstuhl above the Altstadt. It contains Gothic and Renaissance palaces, the giant wine barrel (Großes Fass), the Deutsches Apotheken-Museum and a terrace with views over the Neckar.
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 Schloss
The Heidelberger Schloss was the residence of the prince-electors of the Palatinate. The first mention of a castle in Heidelberg is from 1214, and over three centuries the rulers added Gothic and Renaissance buildings to the complex, all in red sandstone. French troops destroyed much of it in 1689 and 1693, and a lightning strike caused another fire in 1764. The court moved to Mannheim in 1720, and the castle was left in ruins.
In the 19th century the ruin became a symbol of German Romanticism. The French count Charles de Graimberg spent decades preserving the site and publicizing it in engravings, and the state decided to keep the ruins instead of rebuilding them. Only the Friedrichsbau, with statues of the prince's ancestors on the façade, was restored between 1897 and 1900.
In the inner courtyard are the façades of the Ottheinrichsbau and the Friedrichsbau. Beneath one of the buildings is the Großes Fass, a barrel built in the 18th century to store wine received as tribute, watched over by the statue of Perkeo, the court jester of Prince Karl Philipp. In the Ludwigsbau and the Apothekerturm tower is the Deutsches Apotheken-Museum, with reconstructed old pharmacies and bottles and mortars from several centuries.
From the terrace (Altan) and the castle garden you get the best-known view of the town: the roofs of the Altstadt, the Heiliggeistkirche and the Alte Brücke over the Neckar. The palace interiors can only be visited with a guide, on timed tours; the courtyard, barrel, pharmacy museum and terraces are included in the standard ticket.
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
From 1h30 to 3 hours, including the courtyard, the barrel, the pharmacy museum, the terraces and the garden. Add about an hour if you do the guided tour of the interior.
Best time
Right at opening or late in the afternoon, when tour groups have left. Late-afternoon light illuminates the terrace view nicely. In summer the castle is very busy at midday. Check the time and language of guided tours before you go.
How to get there
On foot, via the Burgweg stairs from Kornmarkt, a 15–20 minute climb. Or by the Bergbahn funicular, from Kornmarkt station to the Schloss stop in a few minutes. From the main station, take a tram or bus to the Rathaus/Bergbahn stop.
Tip
Check in advance whether your castle ticket includes the Bergbahn ride to the castle stop. Wear comfortable shoes: the courtyard and gardens have uneven paving and steps. The castle garden, behind the buildings, is quieter than the courtyard and has the best views.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Heidelberger Schloss
Can you enter the castle’s halls?
Only with a guided tour at set times. Without a guide you can visit the courtyard, the giant barrel, the Deutsches Apotheken-Museum, the terraces and the garden. Check guided tour times and languages before you go.
What is the Großes Fass?
It is a giant wine barrel, built in the 18th century in the cellar of one of the palaces to store the wine producers paid as tribute. Next to it stands the statue of Perkeo, the court jester who, according to local legend, was the barrel’s guardian.
Why is the castle in ruins?
It was destroyed by French troops in 1689 and 1693 during the War of the Palatinate Succession, and was struck by lightning in 1764. The court had already moved to Mannheim, and in the 19th century it was decided to preserve the ruins rather than rebuild them.
How long does the walk up take?
About 15 to 20 minutes via the Burgweg steps from the Kornmarkt. It’s a steep but short climb. A good option is to go up by funicular and walk down.