Nestled in a valley between two hills, Heidelberg has much more to offer than just the pretty old town and picturesque castle. Head out on one of these short walks around Heidelberg for amazing views, nature, history and delicious German beer. These are the best short walks around Heidelberg.
Heidelberg is an excellent place to visit and worth way more than just a day trip. I’ve spent a significant amount of time in Heidelberg and these are my favourite walks. So, lace up your shoes and get moving on one of these fantastic walks. Highlights include the old bridge, the Philosophers Way, a brewery and ruins of an old monastery.
Walking Around Heidelberg
The best part about walking around Heidelberg is the diversity of options available. Here’s a quick break down of the short walks. I go into more detail about each of the routes below.
Paths/Trails:
- If you want to stick to the flat, walking next to the river is the best option (Route 1 or 4).
- There’s also the Philosophers Way which provides some more uphill while sticking to the paved surfaces (Route 2).
- For those looking for a more adventurous trail, the hills around the old town provide many options, from gravel roads to slightly more technical paths (Route 3 or 4).
Scenery:
- Walk next to the river, across the beautiful old bridge (Route 1 or Route 4).
- Take the Philosophers Way for excellent views of the castle and old town (Route 2).
- Alternatively head through forests and up hills to see ruins and a great view over Heidelberg (Route 3).
- Wind through forest next to the river to arrive at a brewery (Route 4).
Difficulty:
- If you’re next to the river, it is mainly flat and an easy walk.
- If you are thinking of heading into the forest there are some great paths around, just expect more elevation change.
Map of The Routes
Check out the map below for each of the recommended short walks in Heidelberg. Tap on the side bar to toggle each of the maps on/off.
- Blue – Route 1
- Orange – Route 2
- Green – Route 3
- Red – Route 4
Starting Point
All the short walks start on the old town side of the old bridge.
Recommended Walks
The following four short walks around Heidelberg provide an options route for various levels of fitness and free time. Importantly walking is about getting to explore. if you see a nice path, a cool building or anything else, head over and have a look. All these walks start from the old bridge in the centre of the old town.
Route 1 – Bridge to Bridge
Duration: 0.5 – 1 hour.
Distance: ~4 km
A short flat walk for all fitness levels. As you stroll around the river, take in the beauty of Heidelberg Castle, the picturesque old bridge and impressive Neckar River.
- Start at old bridge and head either left or right. You can go either direction.
- The first bridge upstream from the old bridge will give you incredible views of Heidelberg and is a great spot for sunset (see the picture below).
- You can easily extend or shorten this route by going one bridge further downstream or one less. Just head downstream for more bridges.
- On the northern bank of the river (opposite the castle) it’s possible to either walk next to the river or the road. Just keep a look out for the stairs heading down. I recommend walking next to the river as it’s much more peaceful.
Route 2 – The Philosophers Way
Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours.
Distance: 5 km (take a shortcut down the stairs for a faster walk).
This short walk is for those looking for something hillier, while getting a beautiful view over the castle and old town. The whole route is on paved roads and can be quite busy on weekends in the warmer months.
- Start next to the river and make your way up this road here. The road takes you up hill and through the forest.
- Emerge out of the forest and continue along the road for views of the castle and old town below.
- After pausing the appreciate the view, continue downhill before arriving in in the student filled, Neuenheim.
- From Neuenheim, either cross the Neckar River on the Ernst-Walz Bridge or stick on the northern side and cross again at the old bridge.
For a quicker, more intense walk, take the stairs from the base of the old town straight up the hill (Schlangenweg). Alternatively, combine the Philosophers Way with Route 3 or 4.
Route 3 – Hilltop Surprises
Duration: 3 – 5 hours.
Distance: 10km return.
The longest of the short walks in Heidelberg and an excellent option in warmer weather due to the shady forest. This walk is for the more adventurous as there’s a lot of uphill.
- From the old bridge either take the stairs straight up after the old bridge, or walk around and start by heading up the Philosophers Way from Neuenheim. Either way you’re in for a lovely walk through the forest, even if it is mainly uphill.
- I would recommend stopping off at the Aussichtsturm auf dem Heiligenberg or the Fuchs-Rondell – Aussichtspunkt on your way up for some views over Heidelberg.
- Continue uphill to reach Thingstätte, an open air theater built during the Third Reich. Walk through the Thingstätte and keep heading uphill.
- Finish at the ruins of an old monastery. Within the monastery there’s another viewpoint and you are able to wander around the ruins.
- Head back down hill, either on the same path or by taking one of the many others available through the forest.
Route 4 – Beer Run
Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
Distance: 4 km one way (shorter if you walk next to the river).
Possibly the best of the short walks in Heidelberg thanks to the destination. Brauerei zum Klosterhof GmbH is located within the grounds of a monastery and brews all their own organic beers. The brewery is a perfect spot to sit and enjoy some of the best beers in Heidelberg.
There are many different ways to get to the brewery:
- Meander through the forest on trails above the river, (this is what is recommended on the map)
- For those simply wanting to enjoy a beer as soon as possible I would recommend taking the river route. From the old bridge simply cross to the northern side of the river (opposite the castle/old town) and turn right. Follow this road for about 3 kilometres before a final short uphill to get to the monastery and brewery.
- Combine this walk with one of the others that I have mentioned above, the Philosophers Way links perfectly into the trails that head to the monastery. I have done this several times and would recommend heading this way. This is a lovely walk providing some excellent views over Heidelberg as well as some lush forest.
Getting back from the brewery is even easier than getting there. If you’ve had a few too many beers and don’t want to walk, the best way is to just head back down the hill to the bus stop here. Simply get bus 34 straight back to the old bridge. Alternatively, it’s an easy flat walk next to the river back to town. Or, if you’re feeling more energetic after all those beers you can go along back through the forest.\
Running Events in Heidelberg
If these short walks aren’t enough for you, there are several running events which take place each year in Heidelberg. From the weekly Park Run to the grueling Trail Marathon. If you’re a runner and interested in joining an event these are for you.
If you’re into running check out my Five Most Memorable Runs in Europe.
Heidelberg Trail Marathon
Time: September each year.
Website
This is not your average marathon. It is one of the toughest and most beautiful marathons in Germany. The 42-kilometre route passes many of the highlights of Heidelberg and has over 1,800 m of elevation gain up three separate peaks. There are several other distances available including a half-trail and a shorter twilight trail. For longer distance runners, the race also includes a 50-kilometre option.
Check out the 2023 route map below.
Heidelberg Half Marathon
Time: April each year.
Cost: 35 Euro (Half Marathon 2024)
Website
This half marathon includes several parts of the recommended routes above. As with the Trail Marathon held in September, the half marathon is quite challenging due to the larger elevation gain and mountainous route. Despite the difficulty, the route is a highlights tour of Heidelberg. Run over the picturesque Old Bridge, next to the river and then up the Philosophers Way (Route 2 above) before heading into the forest. Cross the river again and run past Heidelberg Castle before finishing in University Square. Expect difficult terrain but beautiful scenery.
Park Run Heidelberg
Park Run’s are held all over the world, and are a terrific way to meet people while running or walking. There’s no time limit and no pressure to compete. Park Run is new to Heidelberg and started in late 2023.
Start: On the railway promenade between Pfaffengrunder Terasse and Lange Tafel, here.
Time: 9am every Saturday.
Distance: 5km.
Cost: Free
Website
For those of you that know Park Run, bring your personal barcode for a time at the end. For new runners, sign up beforehand on the website which also has more information including the route map.
Note: If you don’t speak German you’ll need to translate the page. Most modern browsers should have the feature built in.
Conclusion – Immersive Short Walks
Ready to lace up your shoes and embark on an unforgettable adventure through Heidelberg’s captivating landscapes and historic landmarks? Whether you’re drawn to the tranquility of riverside strolls or the exhilaration of forest trails, there’s a walk waiting for you in this picturesque German town. Share your favorite short walk in Heidelberg with us and inspire fellow travelers to discover the beauty of this charming city on foot. Start your journey today and make memories that will last a lifetime!
What’s your favourite short walk in Heidelberg?
Happy Exploring!
Kieren