Old Heidelberg University (Alte Universitat)

As one of the town’s most important historic landmarks, the university is an indispensable stop on most guided tours. Whether you’re looking for a private and customizable option, or joining a group walking tour through Heidelberg’s picturesque Old Town, you can be sure that you’ll cover at least exterior views of the 18th-century campus. The ground floor of the Old University also contains an informative museum.

You’ll need an admission ticket to visit both the University Museum and the student prison, or Studentenkarzer. Combo tickets are available for those looking to tick off both sights and guided tours in both German and English are offered on request. Attention book lovers: There is no charge to visit the library.

• The University Museum covers centuries of Heidelberg history, from the Holy Roman Empire to the Third Reich. As well as its permanent exhibit, there’s a new temporary exhibit every 3-4 months.

• Looking to pick up some souvenir swag? Head to the University Shop for hoodies, cups, totes, and plenty of other gift items.

• Don’t miss the sword-wielding lion statue on top of the fountain at University Square, once the coat of arms of the Electoral Palatine in Heidelberg—you can learn more about this with an audio guide.

Old Heidelberg University is conveniently located in the Old Town of Heidelberg. If coming from the main station, take bus lines 32 or 34 and switch to line 31. You can also take buses 735 or 755 and get down at the congress center; the university is just a 6-minute walk from there. Heidelberg makes for a great day trip and can easily be visited from many cities in Germany and even France by train or car, including Stuttgart, Frankfurt, and Strasbourg.

Spring, summer, and early fall are the best windows weather-wise for visiting Heidelberg, although you’ll find plenty of activities year-round if you can bear the chilly temperatures. Winter brings the Biennale of Dance and Heidelberg Spring Quartett Festival, while summer is famous for the Heidelberg Castle Festival when the town starts buzzing with opera, concerts, and theatrical productions.

Heidelberg has been a hive of scholarly contemplation for centuries. Experience the town like one of Germany’s Romantic-era writers, poets, and thinkers during a stroll along the panoramic Philosopher’s Walk. Located along the banks of the Neckar River on the northern side, the marked trail affords postcard-perfect views of the Old Town and Heidelberg Castle. Wear comfortable shoes, as the path involves steep walking. And don’t forget to bring a notebook to jot down your philosophical musings.