City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Heidelberg, Germany
Framed by green hills, a scenic river and a dramatic castle ruin, Heidelberg is a western German city that feels like a storybook brought to life in its location along the Neckar River. Whether you're drawn to history, architecture, nature or the vibrant student culture of Heidelberg University - dating to 1386, it’s Germany’s oldest university - Heidelberg delivers a bit of everything.
Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle (Heidelberger Schloss) sits about 262 feet above Old Town. This Gothic‑Renaissance ruin dominates the skyline and makes a fun and unique destination to visit from private boat slips for rent. The castle site is accessible on foot, by vehicle (with limited parking) or via the historic Bergbahn funicular from Kornmarkt. It often hosts summer theatre and music at the Schlossfestspiele.
Check out the castle’s ornate architecture, gardens and stunning river views. Don't miss the German Pharmacy Museum on the castle grounds. Included in admission, it offers a glimpse into centuries‑old apothecary practices.
Heidelberg Mountain Railway & Königstuhl
The Bergbahn funicular (a mountain tram) connects Kornmarkt, the Heidelberg Castle, Molkenkur and the Königstuhl summit. The Königstuhl summit is approximately 1,860 feet. At the top, enjoy panoramic vistas, nature trails, a café and a hotel restaurant and bar. It’s reachable via the original 1907 wooden cars. If you're in search of mountain-top accommodations, the Berggasthof Konigstuhl hotel is an excellent choice.
The lower Molkenkurbahn, originally water‑ballast in 1890 and electrified in 1907, leads through the castle station to Molkenkur. At Molkenkur, passengers transfer to the historic Königstuhlbahn, inaugurated in 1907, which retains wooden‑bodied cars from its early days. The lower section accommodates modern glass-roof cars, and the upper section offers panoramic views across the Neckar Valley and Rhine Plain.
Altstadt & Hauptstrasse
The lively pedestrian street traverses the heart of Old Town, which is lined with medieval architecture, cafes, boutiques and shops. Sites to visit in the area:
- Church of the Holy Spirit: climb the steeple for sweeping city views
- Student Jail (Karzer): once a quirky dorm for misbehaving scholars, complete with graffiti‑filled walls
- Palatinate Museum: captures Heidelberg's Roman-to-modern history
Karl‑Theodor Bridge
Built in 1788, the Karl-Theodor Bridge (known as Old Bridge) is a sandstone arched bridge that links Altstadt to Neuenheim. It makes an excellent photo op (with Heidelberg Castle in the background), or simply watch sightseeing boats cruise along the river. Be sure to get a photo with the quirky bronze Bridge Monkey statue. Legend says touching it brings wealth or a return visit. We’ll take a return visit, thank you very much.
Philosopher’s Walk
The Philosophenweg (Philosophers’ Walk) is a 1.25-mile hilltop trail on the north bank (across the river from the Heidelberg Castle). Once frequented by university philosophers, it offers unparalleled views of Heidelberg Castle, Old Town, the Neckar River, vineyards and cypress trees.
Heidelberg Botanical Garden
The Heidelberg Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten), established in 1593, features medicinal and exotic plants. Part of Heidelberg University, it has a beautiful array of orchids, ferns, East Asian perennials, bromeliads and more. Guests can explore or take guided tours and workshops. It’s an excellent spot to relax and enjoy nature before returning to a marina or private boat dock for rent.
Heidelberg Zoo
Looking for fun and furry creatures while moored at private boat lifts for rent in Heidelberg? The Heidelberg Zoo is home to more than 150 different species from around the world, including sloths, lions, tigers, kangaroos and more. Founded in 1933, it has a mission to raise awareness about conservation and is part of the European Endangered Species Program (EEP) and the West African Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA).
