Planning a trip and wondering what to do in Germany? There’s more here than you think – and less of the obvious if you know where to look. From repurposed Cold War bunkers to Baroque palaces, Germany’s attractions are layered, complex, and often completely unexpected.
You can walk through Berlin’s fractured history, hike across volcanic craters in the Eifel, or spend an afternoon in a forest that inspired the Brothers Grimm. Want castles? Go beyond Neuschwanstein. Into beer? Leave Munich behind and head to Bamberg or the Franconian countryside.
The things to do in Germany aren’t just photo ops – they’re immersive, often strange, and easy to reach. We’ve picked 20 of the best, based on variety, access, and the kind of stories you’ll want to tell afterwards.
Neuschwanstein against the backdrop of the alps - a must see place in Germany © Samet Guler/Shutterstock
If you're searching for the best castles in Germany, this one sets the bar. Perched on a forested ridge in the Bavarian Alps, Schloss Neuschwanstein is the stuff of architectural theatre – all white limestone, high towers and cinematic views. Commissioned by “Mad” King Ludwig II and inspired by medieval legends and Wagner’s operas, it’s no surprise Disney lifted the design for Sleeping Beauty’s castle.
Despite its fame, it still feels impressive in person, especially if you view it from the Marienbrücke bridge or hike one of the forest trails around the hill. Inside, the throne room and singer’s hall take the fantasy up a notch.
Want less tourist traffic and more completed palace? Head to nearby Schloss Linderhof – Ludwig’s only finished residence. It’s smaller but richly decorated, with formal gardens, terraces, and a royal bedchamber that’s all gold leaf and velvet. Together, they’re two of the best places to visit in Germany if you're into eccentric royalty, dramatic landscapes, and over-the-top interiors.
Take the train to Füssen from Munich (around 2 hours), then hop on a bus or taxi to Hohenschwangau village. From there, it’s a 30-40 minute uphill walk to the castle. Shuttle buses and horse-drawn carriages are also available.
Late spring and early autumn offer the best mix of clear views and lighter crowds. Summer is peak season – expect queues and limited same-day tickets. Winter brings snow-dusted scenery, but trails and access can be limited.
Art installation in Pinakothek der Moderne © Gudjon E. Olafsson/Shutterstock
If you're mapping out the top things to do in Germany and want a break from castles and cathedrals, head to Munich’s Pinakothek der Moderne. It’s one of the country’s most important modern art museums, housing four major collections under one roof: modern and contemporary art, graphic works, architecture, and design.
The painting collection covers everything from German Expressionism and Surrealism to American Pop Art, including works by Beckmann, Warhol, and a dedicated Picasso room. The Neue Sammlung focuses on industrial design, with exhibits that range from Bauhaus chairs to early Apple computers. Architecture and graphics exhibitions rotate frequently, giving regular visitors something new to see.
Located in the Kunstareal district – one of the best areas to stay in Munich if you’re into museums – the Pinakothek is easy to visit on foot or by tram, and surrounded by other major galleries.
Located in Munich’s Kunstareal. A 10-minute walk from Königsplatz U-Bahn station, or take tram 27 or 28 to Pinakotheken.
Closed on Mondays. Visit midweek to avoid school groups. Admission is just €1 on Sundays – it gets busy, but it’s worth it.
Town of Bacharach, Rhine valley
If you’re planning a trip to Germany, carve out time for the Rhine Valley. This legendary stretch of river – with its hilltop castles, vine-covered slopes, and crumbling watchtowers – deserves a spot on any serious Germany itinerary.
The most scenic section runs between Bonn and Bingen, where the river cuts through steep hills and castle-topped cliffs. Start near the Siebengebirge hills – the so-called “Seven Mountains” – where German myth collides with real history. Drachenfels (Dragon Rock) is said to be the spot where Siegfried slew a dragon and became invincible.
Further south, paddle steamers cruise past medieval towns like Bacharach and Rüdesheim, both known for their Riesling taverns and timber-framed charm. You can explore this region by train or bike, but there’s something unbeatable about watching castle silhouettes roll past from the water. It’s also one of the best places for outdoor activities in Germany if you want scenery, history, and wine all in one slow-moving package.
Trains run frequently along the river between Bonn, Koblenz, and Mainz. KD river cruises operate between major towns. You can also rent bikes in places like Boppard or Rüdesheim for self-guided touring.
May to October is ideal for cruises, vineyard visits, and hiking. Late September brings grape harvest festivals. Winter sees fewer visitors, but river views are still impressive – just bring layers.
Regardless of whether you're a beer lover, Oktoberfest is one of the best things to do in Germany in October @ Shutterstock
If you’re lining up the big-ticket things to do in Germany, Oktoberfest needs to be on the list. This is the world’s largest beer festival – two weeks of brass bands, roasted meats, and packed beer tents where millions of visitors toast with Maßkrüge (one-liter steins) of golden lager.
But it’s not just about the beer. Oktoberfest is a full-blown cultural event – with parades, traditional Bavarian costumes, fairground rides, and enough pretzels to pave the Theresienwiese. Locals go all in, so pack a dirndl or lederhosen if you want to blend in – or at least look like you’re trying.
The beer itself? Only Munich breweries are allowed to serve at Oktoberfest, and each pours its version of Märzen – a slightly stronger, maltier brew made specially for the event. It’s just one slice of a much broader tradition. From smoky Rauchbier in Bamberg to crisp Franconian Kellerbier, German beers are as varied as the regions they come from.
Munich is well connected by train, with direct ICE services from cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Vienna. Munich Airport (MUC) is a major international hub with regular connections across Europe and beyond. Local transport is easy – use the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, or trams to get around the city.
September and early October bring Oktoberfest crowds and big energy, but Munich works year-round. Spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer tourists. December is ideal for Christmas markets, while summer brings open-air festivals and the beer garden season.
The Zwinger, Dresden, Germany @ Shutterstock
Dresden’s Zwinger is Baroque architecture at its most theatrical – all curved façades, symmetrical gardens, and ornate pavilions. Built in the early 1700s by architect Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann for Augustus the Strong, it was never just a royal residence. This was a venue for power plays and courtly extravagance, designed to impress at every angle.
Inside, the Zwinger is just as lavish. The Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters’ Gallery) features Raphael’s Sistine Madonna and works by Titian, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. The Porzellansammlung houses one of the world’s finest collections of Meissen and Asian porcelain, while the Rüstkammer (Armory) displays ceremonial weapons, armor, and tournament gear that once belonged to Saxon rulers.
Dresden is easily reached by train from Berlin (2 hours), Leipzig (1 hour), or Prague (2.5 hours). The Zwinger is a 10-minute walk from Dresden Hauptbahnhof or a short tram ride to Postplatz.
When to visit Dresden
Late spring to early autumn is best for exploring the Zwinger’s gardens and courtyards. December is also popular, thanks to Dresden’s Christmas markets. Many museums close on Mondays – check opening hours in advance.
Cologne @ Shutterstock
Cologne is Germany’s free-spirited city – a place where ancient history, laid-back beer halls and high-energy street life all collide. With over 2,000 years of stories under its belt, the city has seen Roman emperors, medieval merchants, and modern-day partygoers leave their mark.
The skyline is dominated by Cologne Cathedral, a towering Gothic landmark that’s just as impressive inside as out. Climb the 533 steps to the viewing platform for sweeping views over the city and the Rhine. Around it, the streets are always buzzing – whether with café-hoppers, buskers, or costumed locals heading to the next street party.
Karneval in February is the wildest time to visit – a week-long blur of costumes, parades, and rivers of Kölsch beer. But even outside the season, Cologne is packed with top-tier museums, riverside promenades, and quirky neighborhoods. If you're planning your list of things to do in Germany, this city delivers – from cathedral climbs and Kölsch tasting to attractions that work well for families. Traveling in Germany with kids? The Chocolate Museum, Roman ruins, and city zoo are all within easy reach of the center.
Cologne is a major rail hub, with fast trains from Berlin, Frankfurt, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The cathedral is directly next to the main station. Cologne Bonn Airport is 15 minutes by train from the city center.
Spring and autumn are great for sightseeing with fewer crowds. February is Karneval – festive but intense. December is perfect for Christmas markets, while summer means riverside hangouts and open-air events.
Potsdam, Orangerie Schloss, Sanssouci
Sanssouci Park in Potsdam was never meant to impress the public – it was designed as a place to escape them. Built in 1744 as Frederick the Great’s retreat, the estate offered space for art, ideas, and solitude, far from Berlin’s politics. The name Sans souci – French for “without cares” – captures the mood perfectly.
At its center is Schloss Sanssouci, a modest but elegant yellow palace set above terraced vineyards. Designed by Georg von Knobelsdorff, it was completed in just three years, though the park around it took decades to reach its current scale. You’ll find pavilions, fountains, rose gardens, and more than one over-the-top folly – all laid out in Baroque symmetry across nearly 300 hectares.
It’s an easy escape from the city and one of the most rewarding palace complexes in Germany for a self-guided wander.
Take the S-Bahn from Berlin to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof (around 40 minutes), then walk or take a local bus to the park entrance. The grounds are free to enter, but the palace interiors require a ticket.
Late spring to early autumn is ideal for seeing the gardens in bloom and avoiding muddy trails. Arrive early in summer to avoid crowds. Most buildings are closed on Mondays in the off-season.
Rügen’s Cliffs © dugdax/Shutterstock
Rügen, Germany’s largest island, is all about elemental landscapes – wind, sea, cliffs, and forest. The island’s most famous feature is its towering chalk cliffs, which rise above the Baltic Sea in the north of Jasmund National Park. Framed by ancient beech forests, this stretch of coast has UNESCO World Heritage status and plenty of atmosphere.
The best views come from the clifftop hiking trails that run through the forest, especially the one leading to the Königsstuhl (King’s Chair). This sheer white outcrop inspired painter Caspar David Friedrich’s Chalk Cliffs on Rügen – one of the most iconic images in German Romanticism. Today, there’s a viewing platform above the formation, though the surrounding trails are where the real magic happens.
Away from the cliffs, the island is dotted with quiet fishing villages, sandy beaches, and old spa towns like Binz and Sellin. It’s a place for slow days and dramatic scenery.
Take the train to Sassnitz or Binz from Berlin (around 4-5 hours with connections). From there, local buses or bike rentals can get you to Jasmund National Park. A car makes exploring the island much easier.
Late spring to early autumn is best for hiking and coastal walks. Summer can be busy in resort towns, but trails stay peaceful. Autumn brings forest color and fewer visitors. Avoid winter – many services shut down.
Vineyard in Meersburg, Germany @ Shutterstock
Germany might be better known for beer, but its wine scene deserves just as much attention, especially if you’re into crisp whites, cool-climate reds, and vineyard landscapes without the crowds. For one of the more relaxing and rewarding things to do in Germany, follow the Deutsche Weinstraße (German Wine Route) through the Palatinate region.
This 85km trail was established in 1935 to promote local wines. It runs from Schweigen-Rechtenbach near the French border to Bockenheim in the north, winding through rolling vineyards, castle-topped hills, and picture-book villages. Riesling still dominates, but Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and Silvaner are increasingly popular with younger winemakers.
Stop in Neustadt an der Weinstraße for tasting rooms and festivals, or head to Bad Dürkheim to see the world’s largest wine barrel – now a working restaurant. Smaller towns like Deidesheim and Freinsheim offer a more intimate experience, with excellent food and historic wine estates.
Take the train to Neustadt an der Weinstraße from Mannheim or Karlsruhe (about 45 minutes). Local trains and buses connect most wine towns. A car gives you more freedom to explore the smaller villages.
Late spring to early autumn is ideal, with vineyard walks and weekend tastings from May to October. September is harvest time – expect local wine festivals and packed terraces. Winter is quiet but cozy, with tasting rooms still open in larger towns.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the perfect place for winter activities in Germany: crisp mountain air and world-class pistes © Shutterstock
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is Germany’s top ski resort – a twin town at the foot of the Zugspitze, with a long history of mountain sports and year-round appeal. In winter, it’s home to the adrenaline-heavy Kandahar World Cup run and a mix of slopes for beginners, intermediates, and pros. Cross-country routes, snowshoe trails, and après-ski huts round out the experience.
But it’s not just a winter destination. In summer, the same peaks turn into a hiking and climbing playground, with panoramic ridge walks and quiet valley trails. You can also take the Zugspitzbahn railway or cable car to the summit of Germany’s highest mountain. On clear days, the view stretches across four countries and more than 200 alpine peaks.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen itself is a town of two halves: Garmisch brings cafés, boutiques, and ski hotels, while Partenkirchen has cobbled lanes and fresco-covered houses with deep Bavarian roots.
Take the train from Munich (around 90 minutes). The Zugspitzbahn cogwheel train connects the town with Eibsee and the Zugspitze cable car. Driving is also easy – it's a well-signposted 1.5-hour trip from Munich.
December to March for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports. June to September for hiking, wildflowers, and high-alpine views. Avoid late spring – trails can be muddy and patchy with snowmelt.
Aachen: Cathedral in the evening light
Aachen Cathedral is one of Europe’s most important surviving monuments from the early Middle Ages – and one of the most atmospheric. Commissioned by Charlemagne and consecrated in 805, the core of the cathedral is the octagonal Palatine Chapel, a bold, domed space built using repurposed Roman marble and bronze. The design echoes Byzantine influences more than northern Gothic – a clear statement of imperial ambition.
Inside, light filters through narrow arched windows, illuminating the huge 12th-century Barbarossa chandelier suspended above the chapel floor. The later Gothic choir holds Charlemagne’s gilded tomb and an elaborate altar, while a plain marble-and-wood throne, once used for coronations, sits just metres away, stark in its simplicity.
Aachen is about 1 hour by train from Cologne and 2.5 hours from Frankfurt. The cathedral is in the pedestrian centre, a 10-minute walk from Aachen Hauptbahnhof or a short bus ride.
Year-round, but spring and early autumn offer mild weather and fewer tour groups. Check ahead for services or events, which can limit access to the chapel or treasury.
Sylt at the North Sea, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany © Thorsten Schier/Shutterstock
Wind-swept dunes, endless skies, and the crash of the North Sea – Germany’s North Frisian Islands offer a coastal retreat that feels far from the mainland in every sense. Whether you’re lounging in a Strandkorb (traditional wicker beach chair), walking barefoot across tidal flats, or kiteboarding in brisk offshore winds, this region offers a different rhythm of travel.
Once remote fishing and farming settlements, the islands now cater to visitors without losing their identity. Sylt is the best known – a mix of thatched-roof villages, designer boutiques and high-end restaurants. But Föhr and Amrum are quieter, with grassy inland trails, wide beaches, and low-key cafés.
If you're after slow, scenic escapes and coastal hiking, this is one of the more unexpected things to do in Germany. The landscape – shifting dunes, salt marshes, and stark North Sea light – has drawn artists and writers here for over a century.
Ferries to Sylt, Föhr and Amrum run from Dagebüll. You can also reach Sylt by train via Hamburg. Most islands are car-free or car-limited – bring a bike or rent one locally.
May to September offers the most reliable weather and ferry access. Sylt gets busy in July and August. Spring and autumn are quieter and good for walking, but pack windproof layers.
Hiking in the Allgäu, Bavaria
The Allgäu region in southern Bavaria is classic alpine country – rugged peaks, quiet meadows, and trails that seem made for long days outdoors. It’s one of Germany’s top spots for hiking, but still feels refreshingly uncrowded outside the Schloss Neuschwanstein traffic.
Base yourself in Füssen, a small town on the River Lech with cobbled streets, baroque churches, and mountain views. While many visitors stop for a castle selfie and move on, Füssen is also a launch point for serious hiking. From here, you can follow trails into the Ammergau Alps or cross the Austrian border on foot. Expect alpine lakes, forest paths, and open ridges with panoramic views over Bavaria and Tyrol.
The region is just as good for cycling, with a network of well-marked routes covering both road and gravel. Whether you’re here for a few hours or a few days, the Allgäu delivers the kind of mountain access that’s easy to plan but hard to leave.
Füssen is the best base, easily reached by train from Munich (about 2 hours). Local buses connect trailheads, lakes and nearby towns. Driving gives you more flexibility for remote routes.
June to September offers the most reliable weather for hiking and biking. Spring brings wildflowers, while October offers crisp air and golden trees. Trails above 1500m may hold snow into early summer.
Insel Mainau Bodensee, Germany © AdobeStock
Lake Constance (Bodensee), Germany’s largest lake, is more than just a scenic stop – it’s a full-blown destination shared with Austria and Switzerland, framed by the Alps and scattered with vineyard-covered slopes and lakeside towns.
Mainau, often called the “Flower Island,” is the lake’s most colorful highlight. The island is famous for its botanical gardens, which shift with the seasons – tulips in spring, roses in summer, dahlias in autumn. Palm trees and exotic species flourish here too, thanks to the lake’s mild climate. The setting feels more Mediterranean than Central European.
Mainau also features a Baroque palace, a butterfly house, and winding paths perfect for slow exploration. Ferries and walking trails make it easy to visit without a car.
Elsewhere around the lake, towns like Meersburg and Lindau offer medieval centers and lake views, while the university city of Konstanz makes a great base. Tübingen and Rottweil are easy detours if you're looking for half-timbered streets and café culture.
Trains run to Konstanz, Lindau, and Friedrichshafen from major cities like Stuttgart, Munich, and Zurich. Ferries connect towns and islands across the lake. Mainau is accessible by bus, boat, or a 30-minute walk from Konstanz.
April to October is best, especially for gardens and ferries. July and August are the busiest. Spring flowers start early thanks to the mild climate, while autumn brings grape harvests and changing foliage.
Berlin Wall Memorial in Germany © Shutterstock
The Berlin Wall wasn’t just a physical divide – it was a line that split lives, families, and ideologies for nearly 30 years. If you're looking for essential things to do in Berlin, this is one of the most powerful places to start.
The Berlin Wall Memorial (Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer), located on Bernauer Straße, is the only site where the border fortifications remain fully intact. You can walk along preserved sections of the wall, see original watchtowers, and trace the outline of the death strip. Detailed panels and exhibits tell the stories of escape attempts, surveillance, and life in a divided city.
Unlike the East Side Gallery – a colorful celebration of the Wall’s fall – the memorial site offers a rawer, more sobering look at its impact. It’s not just a history stop; it’s a way to understand the emotional fault lines that still shape the city.
The area around Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte makes a great base for visiting, with cafés, galleries, and parks close by – two of the best areas to stay in Berlin if you're mixing sightseeing with local life.
Take the U-Bahn to Bernauer Straße (U8) or the M10 tram. The memorial is free to enter and is walkable from central Berlin.
Open year-round, but best explored in spring or autumn for smaller crowds and comfortable walking weather. Morning visits are quieter and more reflective.
Berlin Wall East Side Gallery Berlin Germany © TK Kurikawa/Shutterstock
If you're after the fairytale version of Germany, Rothenburg ob der Tauber delivers. Perched above the Tauber River, this perfectly preserved medieval town is the crown jewel of the Romantic Road – and one of the most atmospheric things to do in Germany for history lovers, photographers, and anyone chasing that storybook feel.
The cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and fortified walls make Rothenburg feel like a film set – but the town’s history runs deep. Walk the old sentry path along the ramparts, climb the Renaissance-era Rathaus tower for panoramic views, or just get lost in the winding alleys off the main square.
Rothenburg flourished in the Middle Ages but stagnated after the Thirty Years’ War – a twist of fate that left it frozen in time. Today, it draws visitors year-round, with a special spike in December. The Christmas market and Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village turn the town into a winter postcard.
Take the train from Würzburg or Nuremberg (about 2.5 hours with transfers). The town is compact and walkable. Driving the Romantic Road is another good option if you want to visit other towns along the way.
Spring and early autumn offer the best mix of good weather and manageable crowds. December is busiest – and most magical – with festive lights and market stalls. Avoid high summer if you want elbow room on the ramparts.
The Black Forest, Schwarzwald, Germany © Funny Solution Studio/Shutterstock
With dense spruce woods, deep valleys, and traditional villages, the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is one of the most distinctive landscapes in the country. Stretching from Karlsruhe to the Swiss border, it’s packed with folklore, hiking trails, and postcard-perfect views – easily one of the most atmospheric things to do in Germany.
Beyond the shadows of the forest, the scenery opens into alpine meadows, waterfalls, and farms with oversized sloping roofs. The Feldberg, the region’s highest peak, offers sweeping views over the Rhine Valley and – on clear days – out to the Alps. Hiking and cycling routes crisscross the area, with everything from short circular trails to multi-day treks.
If you’re traveling without a car, the Schwarzwaldbahn (Black Forest Railway) is a scenic and efficient way to cut through the region. Stop in places like Triberg (famous for cuckoo clocks) or Titisee for lakeside walks and regional food.
Trains from Karlsruhe, Freiburg, and Offenburg reach most towns in the region. The Schwarzwaldbahn runs east–west across the forest. A car gives more flexibility for remote trailheads and smaller villages.
May to October is best for hiking and cycling. December brings snowy landscapes and atmospheric Christmas markets in towns like Freiburg and Gengenbach. Avoid early spring – trails can be muddy with snowmelt.
Berchtesgaden, Germany @ Shutterstock
Berchtesgaden National Park is one of Germany’s most dramatic alpine landscapes – a region of deep glacial valleys, high limestone peaks, and mirror-like lakes. The nearby town of Berchtesgaden, once a royal retreat, still draws visitors for its mountain views, pastel-painted houses, and traditional Bavarian feel.
The star of the park is Königssee, a narrow, emerald-green lake framed by cliffs. Quiet electric boats carry visitors across their still waters to the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä and hiking trails beyond. Start your visit at the Haus der Berge (House of the Mountains), a modern visitor center with well-curated exhibits on the park’s ecosystems, geology, and wildlife.
For a shift in tone, head underground at the Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden, one of Europe’s oldest salt mines. Don coveralls and ride a miner’s train deep into the tunnels before sliding between levels and floating across an underground brine lake.
Or climb in the other direction – up the Kehlsteinhaus, better known as the Eagle’s Nest. Built as a Nazi retreat and perched at 1,834m (6,017ft), it now serves as a panoramic restaurant with views that reach across the Alps into Austria.
Take the train to Berchtesgaden from Munich or Salzburg (both around 3 hours). Buses connect the town with Königssee, the salt mine, and the Eagle’s Nest base station. A car helps if you're short on time or planning longer hikes.
June to September is best for hiking, boat trips, and open mountain roads. October brings autumn colors. Snow can linger into late spring at higher elevations. The Eagle’s Nest is only open from May to October.
Nuremberg in Christmas time © Shutterstock
Nuremberg’s Altstadt (Old Town) looks like the quintessential medieval German city – red-roofed houses, half-timbered streets, and looming Gothic churches. But nearly all of it was rebuilt after World War II, making it a rare mix of historic architecture and postwar resilience.
The Old Town is still encircled by thick defensive walls, overlooked by the Kaiserburg – the imperial castle that once hosted Holy Roman Emperors. From the ramparts, you get a sweeping view over church spires and tiled rooftops. Below, winding lanes lead past ornate fountains, lively market squares, and traditional Franconian beer halls.
Nuremberg’s history isn’t limited to the Middle Ages. It was a center for Nazi rallies in the 1930s, and later the site of the Nuremberg Trials. The Documentation Center, located in the remains of the Nazi party rally grounds, offers a stark and important look at the city’s darker chapter.
After diving into the history, unwind with a plate of Nürnberger Rostbratwürste – short, spicy sausages traditionally served with mustard and sauerkraut – and a local beer.
Nuremberg is around 1 hour by train from Munich and 2.5 hours from Frankfurt. The Old Town is walkable from the main station and easy to explore without a car.
Spring and autumn bring mild weather and smaller crowds. December is a major draw, with one of Germany’s oldest and most atmospheric Christmas markets. Summer is busier but great for beer gardens and outdoor events.
Heidelberg, Germany © leoks/Shutterstock
Heidelberg Castle is one of Germany’s most iconic ruins – a dramatic red sandstone fortress perched above the Neckar River and the city’s historic Altstadt. Part Gothic, part Renaissance, part romantic rubble, it’s a place where history and legend go hand in hand.
Once home to the Electors of the Palatinate, the castle blends architectural styles from the 13th to 17th centuries. Inside, you’ll find the Deutsches Apotheken-Museum (German Pharmacy Museum), a quirky but well-curated look at medical history. Nearby is the Grosses Fass – a vast wine barrel that once held over 200,000 liters of local wine. Tax was partly paid in wine, so barrels like this were essential.
You can hike up to the castle via the old stone steps or take the Bergbahn funicular railway for a gentler ride. Either way, the views over Heidelberg’s rooftops and the river valley are among the best in southwest Germany.
Take the train to Heidelberg from Frankfurt or Stuttgart (1-1.5 hours). From the station, trams run to the Altstadt. The funicular up to the castle departs from Kornmarkt, or you can hike up in 15-20 minutes.
Spring and autumn are ideal – fewer crowds and great light for photography. Summer is the busiest but also best for guided tours and castle events. In winter, snow occasionally dusts the ruins, adding to the atmosphere.
written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 29.07.2025
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