Tourist Attractions in Heidelberg, Germany

Upstream from the Neckarstaden in Heidelberg are the Karl Theodor Bridge, known as the Old Bridge (fine views), and the twin-towered Brückentor (Bridge Gate).

7km/4.5mi east of Heidelberg rises the Königstuhl (568 m/1,864ft; funicular), with an 82 m/269ft high television tower. There are extensive views of the Rhine plain, Neckar valley and Odenwald.

From the Philosophenweg in Heidelberg, which runs east from the north end of the Theodor Heuss Bridge along the right bank of the Neckar, on the slopes of the Heiligenberg, there is a famous view of the town and the castle.

Also on the north side of the Neckar are the Zoo (in Tiergartenstrasse), the Botanic Garden (in Hofmeisterweg) and a number of recently built University institutes.

From Bismarckplatz in Heidelberg, at the south end of the Theodor Heuss Bridge, the 2km/1.25mi long Hauptstrasse runs east to the Karlstor (1775).

Hockenheim, a few kilometers south of Schwetzingen, is famed for its Grand Prix racing circuit (Motodrom). There is a Motor Sport Museum, with many motorcycles and racing cars, a multi-media show and a collection of documents. At Obere Hauptstrasse 8, in the town center, is a Tobacco Museum. Also in the town is the Aquadrom swimming pool.

The dates for this annual four-day festival vary from year to year. Events include chamber concerts, and piano and organ recitals, as well as seminars and exhibitions highlighting women composers.

The repertoire is mainly contemporary and focuses on works by European women.

Two events are usually held on each day of the festival in impressive venues including Germany's oldest university, the Church of the Holy Ghost and the Kurpfälzisches Museum.

Southeast of Heidelberg is Mauer (reached by way of Neckargemünd), where Heidelberg Man was discovered. There is a Prehistoric Museum.

A plaque on the commemorates the work of Kirchhoff and Bunsen in the field of astrophysics. Across the street is a statue of Bunsen.

Between the Hauptstrasse and the Neckar in Heidelberg are the narrow streets and lanes of the old town. On the Neckarstaden (left bank of the river) is the old Marstall (Court Stables), now housing the University's art collection.

Downstream from the Neckarstaden in Heidelberg stands the Stadthalle (1903) used for congresses and other events. Here too is the landing-stage of the passenger boats on the Neckar (to Mannheim and Neckarsteinach).

The town of Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, has preserved part of its medieval walls. In the old town are the Old Town Hall (1554) and historic old half-timbered houses. Higher up is Schloss Berckheim, set in a beautiful park.

Above the town are the ruins of Burg Windeck (12th-13th C.; view). Still higher up is the Wachenburg (1913).