Heidelberg Castle Illumination
Summer Nights filled with magic
Experience the Heidelberg Castle Illumination on July 11, 2026, and September 5, 2026 – we look forward to seeing you!
The legendary Heidelberg Castle Illumination captivates visitors with spectacular light effects on Heidelberg Castle and a magnificent fireworks display over the Neckar River.
At around 10:15 p.m., Heidelberg Castle is bathed in a dramatic red light, creating a unique atmosphere above the historic Old Town. This impressive staging commemorates the destruction of the castle during the War of the Palatine Succession in 1689 and 1693, when the troops of the Sun King, Louis XIV of France, set both the castle and the city ablaze, leaving behind the famous castle ruins that can still be seen today.
Following the illumination, a grand fireworks display lights up the sky above the Neckar River. This tradition back to 1613, when Elector Frederick V celebrated the arrival of his wife, Elizabeth Stuart, with a festive fireworks display.
Today, the Castle Illumination remains one of Heidelberg’s most renowned events.
The event takes place in public spaces throughout the city and is free of charge for all visitors.
We look forward to welcoming you to Heidelberg!
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FAQ
Here you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about the Heidelberg Castle Illumination.
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The Heidelberg Castle Illuminations in 2026 will take place on the following dates: 11 July, 2026 and 5 September, 2026.
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No, admission to the Heidelberg Castle Illumination is free of charge.
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Yes, the event generally takes place even in bad weather. However, in the case of severe weather conditions that could pose a safety risk to visitors, changes or cancellations may occur.
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A particularly good view of the fireworks can be enjoyed from the Nepomuk Terrace at the northern end of the Old Bridge. There you will also find food and beverage options as well as music.
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The event begins at 10:15 p.m. and lasts approximately 15 minutes.
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- From 4:00 p.m.: Old Bridge
- From 7:00 p.m.: riverside road and access roads north of the Neckar River
- From 8:00 p.m.: B37 and access roads south of the Neckar River
- From 8:00 p.m.: Schlossbergtunnel (traffic direction Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage > Karlstor)
- From 9:00 p.m.: Theodor-Heuss Bridge
Roads will be reopened from around 11:00 p.m., depending on the situation and in coordination with local authorities. Please note that closure times are subject to change.
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We strongly recommend arriving by public transport, as there is no parking available in the immediate vicinity of the event area. Heavy traffic is expected throughout the city on the day of the event.
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Parking is available in the parking garages throughout Heidelberg; however, they can fill up quickly. An overview of parking facilities and current occupancy levels can be found at: https://parken.heidelberg.de/
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For boat cruises, please contact the Sales team of Heidelberg Marketing GmbH or Weisse Flotte Heidelberg.
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No, table reservations are unfortunately not possible at the Nepomuk Terrace.
