Historic Heidelberg: A Walk Through Germany’s Oldest University Town

What makes Heidelberg so unique, and why does it exude a charm that’s distinct from other German towns? As you wander the city’s narrow streets, these answers will unfold in its Old Town‘s storied passageways. You‘ll learn about the French troops who once reduced Heidelberg to ashes, only for the city to be reborn as an architectural wonderland.

Starting at Marktplatz, you‘ll make your way through Heidelberg, seeing its baroque architectural features spring to life amongst hidden remnants of the former medieval city. Our walk leads us to Alte Brücke (the Old Bridge), where you‘ll enjoy a beautiful view of Heidelberg Castle. There you‘ll hear about the mystery of who was behind the Old Bridge’s explosion. At the old city gates, you‘ll encounter an intriguing bronze monkey which, legend has it, brings about different fates, depending on where you touch it. I‘ll tell you how Heidelberg was impacted by World War II and you‘ll see the poignant book-burning memorial and the site of the old Jewish synagogue. You‘ll also pass the new and old university buildings, and hear about some of their notable donors, like John D. Rockefeller and Walter Chrysler. Finally, on your way back to Marktplatz where our tour ends, you‘ll encounter numerous beautiful Madonnas adorning the street corners.

Along the way, you‘ll have a chance to:

• Saunter along Hauptstrasse, the heart of Heidelberg‘s old town, filled with cafés and other cultural delights
• Peer into a student union canteen in an old medieval stable just off of Marstallstrasse (Stable Street)
• Shop at the Käthe Wohlfahrt Heidelberg, a famous German Christmas store
• See the Heidelberg University Library, built in the city’s prominent Wilhelmian architectural style
• Hear the astounding history of the Studentenkarzer, a dedicated student prison, created by the university when the local police force could no longer contain unruly students
• Gaze upon the medieval Church of the Holy Spirit and hear about Heidelberg‘s role in the Holy Roman Empire
• Find out who went to Heidelberg University, and which of them are considered good and not-so-good alumni
• Find the Hexenturm, an old medieval witch‘s tower that was incorporated into the new university building built around it

Upon finishing this tour, you‘ll have developed a greater appreciation for the history, architecture, and legends of Heidelberg. As you‘re guided through the streets, you‘ll be passing by plenty of places to eat and drink, all listed in the Tips section below.