Fascinating Heidelberg Sightseeing Walking Tour

The urban excursion instructor shares enlightening details about the city’s past, including its unique German European roots – information that isn’t readily available in conventional literature. She communicates in a gentle tone, articulating words with a distinctively clear, non-pretentious British accent.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Herkulesbrunnen Heidelberg - The tour guide, an expert in European and German history, will lead you through the tour, highlighting key points and sharing both historical facts and everyday details about Heidelberg. Why Hercules? The eternal hero was significant to ancient Europeans, but why is he found in Heidelberg? Our tour begins with Hercules.

  • Market Square (Marktplatz) - When Prince William of Great Britain and his wife, Kate, visited Heidelberg in 2019, they came to the city’s heart. This area has always been the center of the Renaissance city. Why?

  • Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche) - Once the focal point of a devastating war, the Church of the Holy Ghost is the largest and most treasured church in Heidelberg. We will visit the church and the tomb of the first Heidelberg King of the Old Roman Empire.

  • Carl’s Square (Karlsplatz) - I will share the story behind Heidelberg Castle, one of Germany’s most famous castle ruins and the city’s landmark. The notorious Sun King, Louis XIV of France, destroyed the castle to make Versailles shine…

  • Kornmarkt - This was the marketplace for corn, and in the center, you can admire a beautiful statue of St. Mary with child.

  • Old Bridge (Karl Theodor Bridge) - Why is this old bridge a landmark of Heidelberg? It is one of the most precious Renaissance bridges in central Europe. Who was Karl Theodor? The statues decorating the area hold great significance.

  • Hotel Zum Ritter - Over 430 years old, the Hotel Zum Ritter is renowned for its exceptional Renaissance and Baroque style. Victor Hugo once said…

  • Friedrich Ebert Memorial - Being a socialist in Europe was extraordinary. Visiting the home of one of the founders of the socialist party in Germany is also extraordinary.

  • Bruckenaffe - The Heidelberg Bridge Monkey dates back to the 15th century. Why a monkey? There is an intriguing story behind it.

  • New University (Neue Universitat) - The University of Heidelberg is the oldest university in Germany but not the oldest among the Germans. What secret lies behind this? Martin Luther founded the Protestant Church here… The Nazis burned books… No wonder they chose Heidelberg. Why?

  • Jesuitenkirche - Built between 1712 and 1759, this Baroque-style church was a great rival to the Church of the Holy Ghost. Why such rivalry?

  • The Palatinate Museum - To experience the history of the Palatinate, you must visit this museum. It is the jewel of the region. Initially, you might think you’ll only see medieval artifacts like porcelain and carpets, but then you realize you have the chance to delve into the Stone Ages when a skull called “Heidelbergensis,” dating back 640,000 years, reveals its secrets. Tickets cost 3-5 Euros.

  • Studentenkarzer - The student jail. A jail? Why did students have a jail? It was actually a rite of passage to be taken to jail… because…

What's Included
  • Guidance by a certified official tour guide
What's Not Included
  • Tips
  • All fees and/or taxes
Location
Marktplatz
The Hercules Fountain is located in the center of the Marketplace in between the Holy Ghost Church and the City Hall.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(16 Ratings)
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Nidhi_n
May 14, 2024
Excellent experience - It was an absolute pleasure to explore Heidelberg with Sarah! She is full of detailed historical information about the city, and also very welcoming and accommodating. If you’re in Heidelberg, this is a must do tour
Review provided by Viator
Brittasabine2019
May 5, 2024
Informative - Pleasant, entertaining city tour with lots of historical information, led by the very friendly Sarah.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paulallen2023
Jan 31, 2024
Heidelberg City Tour with Sarah - Sarah's city tour in Heidelberg was very informative and entertaining. Our tour guide offered a unique combination of professionalism and enjoyment which allowed us to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the city and its historical background. So if you're in Heidelberg, don't miss out on a magical experience with an English-speaking guide who checks all the boxes! Paul San Diego/California
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thalyssiai
Nov 16, 2023
Amazing tour! - Not a simple city tour, but an amazing connection to history, social life, and personalities. The tour guide has a pleasant voice, a funny way and historical knowledge.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jokull12
Jul 21, 2023
History of Heidelberg - This was a very knowledgable tour of history. We went through the dark ages up to after s the second war. I found it interesting how big part religious and war between katholic and protestant had on Heidelberg.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
384brianm384
May 30, 2023
Great Overview - Sarah was well informed, professional and very pleasant. We enjoyed her orientation to Heidelberg and we highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lweeber93
May 18, 2023
Great Tour and a lot learned! - This is such a great and informational tour. We live an hour away and often bring visiting family and friends to Heidelberg so I’ve done multiple tours here and this one was the best. The castle is not a part of this tour but you still get plenty of information about the castle and all you need for going and seeing the castle on your own later. Definitely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Konkakogia
May 4, 2023
Wonderful, educational experience! - Beautiful city ,quite historical and full of interest, which I would not have understood without the information I received from my guide. She was efficient, pleasant, humorous, and presented everything through her perspective, which made the tour a bit more personal. I was very pleased. It was exactly what I wanted.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peggyss6248yl
Dec 1, 2023
Great - It was a really nice and interesting tour of Heidelberg. Even though we all live nearby, we learned a lot of new things. Thank you :-)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
1tibilorio
Sep 8, 2023
Very interesting city - After visiting the Castle, we had a guided tour of the city. Lovely. Beautiful buildings, Christmas decoration stores that looked like they were from a fairy tale, the different university faculties.... very beautiful
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
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September 2024
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