The Heidelberg Castle Illuminations in July and September cast their spell on thousands every year. Bengal fires illuminate the world-famous ruin in a mysterious red light, commemorating the destruction of the castle during the Palatinate War of Succession. The origin of the subsequent fireworks from the Alte Brücke (Old Bridge), however, is a romantic one: Prince Elector Frederick V arranged fireworks in 1613 for his new wife, Elizabeth Stuart, thereby founding a tradition that is now over 400 years old.
Experience the Heidelberg Castle Illumination from front-row seats as the highlight of a 1.5-hour boat trip through the Neckar Valley. When the anchor is lowered at the Alte Brücke (Old Bridge), you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the spectacle.
Package tours
Arrangements for 1 - 14 people
Heidelberg Castle Illumination
Bookable on the weekends of July 11 and September 5, 2026
Services
1, 2 or 3 nights with breakfast in a single or double room in the hotel categories comfort or first class
Fireworks boat trip on Saturday evening with the “Weisse Flotte Heidelberg” (admission as of 7:00 pm, departure at 8:00 pm, end around 11:00 pm. The seats on the boat are reserved for you.)
3-course menu on board and beverage package (including soft drinks, beer, wine, sparkling wine and coffee)
Participation in the public walking tour of the Old Town (1.5 hours)
Upon request with castle ticket only € 11 or with HeidelbergCARD
The HeidelbergCARD offers
Castle ticket including funicular railway
The castle ticket includes admission to the castle courtyard, barrel cellar as well as to the German Pharmacy Museum, and the ride on the funicular railway to the castle with continuation to the Molkenkur station (round trip including one stop).Combo ticket of Heidelberg University
One-time admission to the University Museum, the Student Prison and the special exhibition.Admission to further museums
One-time admission to Deutsche Verpackungs-Museum (German Packaging Museum) and Kurpfälzische Museum (Palatinate Museum) with Textilsammlung Max Berk.Free travel on public transport
The HeidelbergCARD entitles you to travel on all buses, trams and approved trains (on DB: RE, RB and S-Bahn, 2nd class) of the Rhein-Neckar VRN transport association in the Heidelberg complex (Wabe 125) for the period of validity.Heidelberg Guide
The Heidelberg Guide offers an all-round view of the city: What are the most important sights in Heidelberg? Where can I find interesting museums and events? There are also further ideas and tips for leisure activities as well as a city map.Discounts
The HeidelbergCARD enables discounts on guided tours and tours, in museums and exhibitions, in restaurants as well as on shopping and cultural events. You can find an overview of the discounts here.
Prices
Price per person from
| Hotel category | Room type | 1 night | 2 nights | 3 nights |
| Comfort | Double room | € 249 | € 329 | € 410 |
| Single room | € 320 | € 415 | € 520 | |
| First Class | Double room | € 280 | € 355 | € 425 |
| Single room | € 340 | € 455 | € 580 |
Heidelberg Castle Illumination
Inquiry form
Start your non-binding inquiry for this package deal here
Your request will be processed from Monday to Friday. Our office is closed on Saturday and Sunday. In urgent cases, please contact our Tourist Information.
Please note that packages must be requested at least 3 working days in advance.
Please note that according to the legal provisions after the conclusion of the contract for contracts for domestic tourism services, in particular for contracts for accommodation, guided tours, and cultural events, there is NO statutory right of withdrawal, but only a - usually chargeable - withdrawal in accordance with the agreed terms and conditions or the legal provisions can be done.