How to go up and visit Heidelberg Castle: funicular, schedules, prices

El Heidelberg icon monument, riding a Germany, is undoubtedly its majestic castle that rises half a hill above this city with great university tradition that extends over the valley of the Neckar River.

Now, I'll tell you in advance for when you go to visit Heidelberg castle which, although it does not look like it from a distance, is actually the remains of a large and precious renaissance style palace, which has become a symbol of Romanticism German.

But it doesn't matter, it's totally worth it. climb to the castle, and now I'll explain why.

Curiosities history Heidelberg castle

The origins of heidelberg castle They date back to the end of the 12th century when the first count palatine, and this area of ​​Germany began to be known as the Palatinate.

In the last ten years, being count palatine He established his residence in the castle.

During the following centuries the castle facilities were expanded with the incorporation of new buildings that showed magnificent Renaissance style facades.

But its decline began in 1689, during what is known as Nine Years' War, when the French attacked and almost completely destroyed it.

Later it began to be rebuilt, but in 1764 fatality occurred again in the heidelberg castle in the form of a large and devastating fire.

Since then the castle has remained almost entirely in ruins.

 How to take the funicular to Heidelberg Castle

The first attraction of the visit of Heidelberg castle is the possibility of ride the the most modern funicular in Germany.

You can also go up to the castle on foot along a path that starts from the very center of the historic city, but you would miss the attraction of going up on the aforementioned funicular, which will also get you there much faster.

Indeed, the funicular to Heidelberg Castle It is from 2004 and has capacity for 130 people.

This modern funicular departs from one of the most central corners of the city, after the Grain Square and covers a length of 471 meters.

It takes just over five minutes to get to the castle station, and its route ends a little further up, at the Molkenkur.

This funicular is the first stage to climb to the highest point of the mountain, the so-called king chair, The King's Chair, and in Molkenkur You can take a completely different funicular to reach this mountainous area.

In this case it is the oldest electric funicular in the world.

From 1907, the historic funicular with a striking red color has capacity for 50 people and runs for one kilometer to reach the aforementioned King's Chair, place from where several hiking trails.

Si visits Heidelberg in August during the celebration of summer cultural festival which is based in the castle, and you attend one of its cultural shows, the funicular becomes the meeting point for hundreds of spectators in suits and almost gala dresses who crowd to go up to the castle.

Of course, since the shows end at night, you will have to walk down from the castle.

Heidelberg funicular timetables and ticket price

Here you can consult the Heidelberg funicular timetable, both in summer and winter.

El funicular ticket priceLogically, it depends on the route you are going to use.

The price of the one-way ticket for the first funicular is 9 euros, and includes access to the castle gardens, and a visit to the Large Wine Barrel and Pharmacy museum.

If you are also going to want to go up to the top of the mountain on the next funicular after the stopover in Molkenkur, the price of the combined round trip ticket is 14 euros.

What to see and do when visiting Heidelberg Castle

Once you leave the funicular, your main visit will focus on a walk through the main courtyard of the old palace, where you can see the beautiful facades with reddish stones and Renaissance style.

There you also have the option of signing up for one of the official guided tours that will take you through the few open rooms in the castle, or visit the aforementioned Pharmacy museum and a sample of objects from Romanticism and the medieval period.

World's largest wine barrel at Heidelberg Castle

Also, as a curiosity, be sure to see the largest wine barrel in the world, with a capacity of 222.ooo liters.

This impressive barrel that you find in a basement, and which you can climb to take a photo, had the capacity to drink up to 5.000 visitors who climbed the castle for big festivals.

Heidelberg Castle Gardens

But, above all, during your visit to the castle you have to give a walk through the gardens that surround it.

The origin of the heidelberg castle gardens It dates back to 1616, when they began to be built until it was considered in its time in Germany as the “Eighth Wonder of the World".

The truth is that these gardens known as Hortus Palatinus They were never finished.

Nowadays the gardens have become an excellent gazebo from where to have beautiful panoramic views of the castle and the city of Heidelberg.

Concerts and cultural events at Heidelberg Castle

If you travel in Heidelberg in summer, one of its attractions is the possibility of attend a cultural show in the castle grounds.

As happens in other European cities, such as the case of Edinburgh festival, in Scotland, in Heidelberg Every year in the months of June and July the Castle Festival (Scholss Festspiele).

At heidelberg castle, in various spaces, such as the central patio, the Royal Room or the chapel, almost every afternoon and evening cultural shows take place, such as classical music concerts, opera recitals, dance shows and plays.

But, without a doubt, the most charismatic and popular show in Heidelberg Castle Festival which is celebrated every year is the operetta The Student Prince, and which I have had the opportunity to attend in my recent trip to Heidelberg.

This operetta reflects the festive atmosphere among the students of the Heidelberg University, where a royal prince arrives who eventually falls in love with a tavern keeper.

Heidelberg Castle visit schedules

The Heidelberg Castle opening hours They are, every day of the year, from Monday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 18 p.m., with last access at 17,30:XNUMX p.m.

El German Pharmacy Museum You can visit it from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m. from April to October, and from 10 a.m. to 17,30:XNUMX p.m. the rest of the year.

Heidelberg Castle ticket prices

As we have mentioned before, the entrance fee to visit Heidelberg Castle It is 9 euros, and includes the increase in the first funicular, visit of the castle gardens, the Large Wine Barrel and the German Pharmacy Museum.