Bridge in Heidelberg
The Alte Brucke (Old Bridge) is a Baroque stone bridge across the Neckar with twin towers and a bronze monkey sculpture that gives good luck if you touch it. Free to cross. The Philosophenweg (Philosophers’ Walk) starts from the south end and climbs the hillside opposite the castle for one of the most famous views in Germany: the castle, the bridge, the river, and the old town in one frame. Budget travelers cross the bridge, climb the Philosophenweg for free, and photograph the view that every Romantic painter tried to capture.
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Other places worth the walk, and what each one costs.
Heidelberg Castle is a partly ruined Renaissance castle on the hillside above the old town, one of the most famous ruins in Germany. The courtyard and the Great Terrace (with panoramic views over the Neckar River and the old town) are included in the basic grounds ticket (cheap) or free by hiking up the Burgweg path.
Heidelberg's Altstadt is a compact pedestrian zone of Baroque buildings, student pubs, bookshops, and the oldest university in Germany (founded 1386). Free to walk.
The Philosophenweg (Philosophers' Walk) is a hillside path on the north bank of the Neckar, climbing through gardens and vineyards to a viewpoint overlooking the castle, the bridge, the river, and the old town. Free.
Working out what Heidelberg costs?
The whole of Heidelberg