Heidelberg Uncovered: Staycity's Top 5 Picks

1. All Aboard the Funicular

A train with a view… Heidelberg’s funicular is an old-fashioned railway running up and down Königstuhl Hill, stopping to change lines at the majestic Schloss Heidelberg. Hop on at Kornmarkt Square in the Old Town and head up into the clouds.

If you get off at Heidelberg Castle (you must!), check out the cellars to find the world’s largest wine barrel. You can also take an audio tour of the castle ruins, visit the German Apothecary Museum and discover mystical creatures in the fairytale children’s park. After all that excitement, jump back on the funicular and continue to the top of the hill, where a spectacular 360-degree view of Heidelberg and its surrounding woodland awaits you on a clear day.

2. Kayak the Neckar River

You’ve looked down at the city from the hill and castle, now it’s time to look up. Local guide Ludger Benighaus leads kayaking tours for singles, couples and groups. Paddle along the Neckar River while learning about Heidelberg Castle, the city’s culture and history, or opt for a tour through one of the beautiful surrounding areas.

You’ll see castles, float beneath bridges and experience Heidelberg from a completely different perspective. Most tours last around two hours and cost €49 per person.

3. Find the Nazi Amphitheatre

If you go down to the woods today, you might discover the ruins of a gigantic Nazi amphitheatre. Commissioned by Joseph Goebbels and opened in 1935, it was part of the Thingspiel movement, designed to bring people together for theatre performances and propaganda events.

To find this Thingstätte, follow the Philosophenweg (Philosopher’s Walk) on the opposite riverbank to Heidelberg Castle. Along the way, you’ll pass exotic plants and information boards detailing the city’s history. Around two kilometres later, the amphitheatre emerges from the forest. Prepare to be amazed by its incredible scale.

4. Schnitzels and Beer in Altstadt

Sometimes the best way to experience a city is simply to wander. Heidelberg’s Altstadt (Old Town) is filled with cobbled streets, beautiful Baroque architecture and countless traditional bars, restaurants and independent shops.

Stop by Wirtshaus zum Spreisel or Zum Seppl for generous portions of authentic German food. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Saumagen (sow’s stomach). Vetter’s Brewery is the place for a local beer, while Schnitzelbank serves an excellent schnitzel. We've also put together a list of our favourite restaurant recommendations in Heidelberg.

You could easily spend hours wandering through the Old Town, exploring its museums and ancient university. Before you leave, don’t forget to touch the monkey’s right hand on the Old Bridge – legend says it means you’ll return to Heidelberg one day.

5. Locked Up in the Studentenkarzer

Go to jail, move directly to jail… The Studentenkarzer was the university prison where students could be incarcerated for weeks at a time for misdemeanours.

Although students still attended lectures, they spent the rest of their time confined to private jail cells on campus. Over time, being imprisoned became something of a rite of passage, with students covering the walls in drawings, graffiti and humorous messages. Visit today to see their artwork and get a fascinating glimpse into student life in Heidelberg's past.

We highly recommend Germany's hidden gem of Heidelberg for a fairytale getaway. With so many things to do, a beautiful Old Town, a picturesque castle, fascinating museums, scenic walks and excellent day trips within easy reach, Heidelberg deserves a place at the very top of your Germany travel list.

Make your fairytale trip come true and book your Heidelberg getaway here.