Active in Heidelberg

Make Heidelberg your playground

Experience Heidelberg in motion! Whether hiking along the Philosopher’s Way with its breathtaking views of the castle and Old Town, cycling along the Neckar, or taking a Segway tour through the picturesque city—here, city, nature, and adventure come together to create unforgettable moments.

Hiking in Heidelberg

Around Heidelberg, a variety of routes await you with impressive views and fascinating history. From the Königstuhl you can enjoy wide panoramas over the Neckar Valley, while the Heiligenberg combines nature with traces of the past. The Historic Path Heidelberg leads you through the Old Town, and the Philosopher’s Way offers one of the most beautiful views of the city and the castle. In the Odenwald, you’ll also find ideal conditions for longer tours through forests and rolling hills.

Philosophengärtchen am Philosophenweg, Palme und bunte Blumen im Sonnenlicht

Philosopher's Walk

Panoramablick vom Königstuhl Heidelberg

Königstuhl

Stephanskloster auf dem Heiligenberg in Heidelberg

Heiligenberg

Historischer Pfad Heidelberg

Historic Path Heidelberg

Wichtelhaus im Wald mit kleinem Mädchen

Gnomes Trail in the City Forest

Adventure Trails in Heidelberg

Along scenic stage routes and well-developed hiking trails, your path leads through forests, across hilltops, and past wide-reaching views as you slowly make your way toward Heidelberg. Step by step, the anticipation grows until the view of the Neckar, the Old Town, and the castle finally unfolds before you.
 
Whether as a day hike or a relaxed multi-day tour, arriving in Heidelberg becomes a special moment of your journey.

Burgensteig Markierung

Burgensteig Trail

Blick aufs Neckartal vom Neckarsteig

Neckarsteig Trail 

Blütenweg Heidelberg

Blütenweg Trail

Walderlebnispfad Heidelberg mit Kindern

Forest Adventure Trail

Erlebniswanderweg Wein und Kultur, Heidelberg

Adventure Trail­Wine & Culture

Bike Tours in Heidelberg

By bike, you can reach Heidelberg in a particularly varied way—along well-developed paths, through open landscapes, and past ever-changing perspectives. Sometimes relaxed along the riverbank, sometimes with a gentle climb and wide views over the region: each route has its own rhythm.Whether you prefer a sporty ride or a leisurely tour collecting miles, Heidelberg is a rewarding destination for your next cycling trip.

Geführte Radtour durch Heidelberg

Guided Bike Tour Through Heidelberg

Spargelfrau auf dem Schwetzinger Marktplatz

Kurpfalz­achse

Heidelberg per Fahrrad erkunden

Heidelberg-Schwarz­wald-Bodensee Bike Trail

Heidelberger Altstadtgassen per Fahrrad erkunden

Odenwald-Madonnen-Bike Trail

Heidelberg From the Water

From the water, you experience Heidelberg from a truly new perspective. Whether actively in a kayak or canoe, or more relaxed in a pedal boat, the Neckar River brings together movement, nature, and impressive views of the city. As you glide along gently or set your own pace, quiet moments and new perspectives on the riverside landscape emerge. In this way, your visit becomes a varied experience between activity and relaxation.

Kanufahrt auf dem Neckar Heidelberg
Kayak Tours in Heidelberg Find out more
Tretboote und Kanus auf dem Neckar im Sommer
Boat Rental Heidelberg Find out more

FAQ

  • Since 70% of Heidelberg's urban area is covered by forest, Heidelberg offers numerous hiking trails – from short walks to more challenging tours in the surrounding area. Particularly popular are the routes around the Königstuhl with panoramic views over the city and the Neckar Valley, and the Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Walk). 

  • Yes, Heidelberg is very bike-friendly. The flat routes along the Neckar River and tours into the surrounding countryside are particularly pleasant. There are regional and interregional bike paths with clear signage—both for leisure cyclists and athletic riders. E-bikes are ideal for tours with inclines, such as toward Königstuhl or into the Odenwald.

  • There are panoramic and circular tours with views of the old town and the castle, as well as longer tours into the Neckar Valley. Depending on the route, the tours last between around 50 minutes and several hours.

  • Numerous hiking routes are ideal for families with children, such as the Forest Adventure Trail on the Königstuhl, the Wichtel Trail in the city forest, or the Snake Path leading from the Old Bridge to the Philosopher’s Way.

You Might Also Be Interested In

Mädchen und Junge schauen von der Alten Brücke aufs Schloss

Our offers at a glance

Brochures

Altstadt Gasse Heidelberg

15 districts. One us.

City Districts

Kornmarkt im Sonnenlicht mit Madonna-Statue in der Mitte des Platzes

Highlights of Heidelberg

Sights & Attractions