The Best Day Trips From Heidelberg

Heidelberg is the perfect base to explore the surrounding region, which is known for quaint historic villages, ancient remains of the Roman Empire and medieval castles that are scattered all along the Neckar River. Here are seven ideas for day trips worth doing when you’re visiting Heidelberg.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The small town Rothenburg ob der Tauber often tops the charts of the most popular medieval villages to visit in Germany. Winding cobblestoned alleys, timber-framed houses with gabled roofs, and the well-preserved city walls create a romantic and nostalgic atmosphere only a few towns can offer. Your best bet is renting a car for the day, since there’s no direct train line between Heidelberg and Rothenburg.

Baden Baden

Strasbourg

A two-hour train ride or drive takes you to Strasbourg in the French Grand Est region. German and French influences are weaved into the cityscape, which boasts the best of both traditional and modern aspects of life. Somehow, the cosmopolitan flair complements the city, which is full of impressive sights – from the Gothic cathedral to the Petite France quarter with its quaint half-timbered houses and canal views and the Art Nouveau architecture of the Neustadt district.

Neckarsteinach

Neckarsteinach is primarily known for its four medieval castles that were built between 1180 and 1260 and still overlook the tree-covered hills of the Neckar valley. Guided tours of the historic Old Town and the castles can be booked in advance. Alternatively, you can explore the area on your own or take a boat up the river for picturesque views of the region.

Speyer

Speyer is only a quick 25-minute drive south of Heidelberg and offers a mix of historical sights, great food and hiking trails in the area. A day in the city will be enough to see most sights, most notably the imperial cathedral, which today is the world’s largest preserved Roman church, and sample some of the local cuisine and Palatinate wines.

Worms

Approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Heidelberg, the city of Worms is known for three things: the impressive Roman imperial cathedral, its mention in Richard Wagner’s world-famous Song of the Nibelungs and the fact that it’s one of Germany’s oldest cities with a settlement history of more than 7,000 years.

Schwetzingen Palace

Back in 1350, a moated castle stood where you now find Schwetzingen Palace. Over the course of its turbulent history, the castle was occupied by several Prince Electors who all made alterations and additions to the building and castle grounds. Today, the complex wows with beautiful gardens, a bathhouse, the first Rococo theatre with wings and ostentatiously decorated rooms with furniture from previous centuries. And the best thing is: it’s virtually around the corner from Heidelberg.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.