The Heidelberg Castle Illuminations in June, July, and September captivate thousands of people every year. Bengal lights bathe the world-famous ruin in mysterious red light, commemorating the destruction of the castle in the Palatinate War of Succession. The origin of the subsequent fireworks from the Old Bridge, however, is of a romantic nature: in 1613, Elector Frederick V had fireworks staged for his newly wedded wife Elisabeth Stuart, thus establishing this tradition, which is now over 400 years old.
You will experience the castle illumination as the crowning glory of a 1.5-hour boat trip into the Neckar valley from the front row: when the anchor is dropped in front of the Old Bridge, you will have the best view of this legendary spectacle.
Package tours
Arrangements for 1 - 14 people
Heidelberger Schlossbeleuchtung (Heidelberg Castle Illumination)
Bookable on the weekends of June 3, July 8 and September 2, 2023
Services
1, 2 or 3 nights with breakfast in a single or double room in a comfort or first class hotel
HeidelbergCARD for the duration of the stay
Fireworks boat trip on Saturday evening with the “Weisse Flotte Heidelberg” (admission from 7 pm, departure at 8 pm, end around 11 pm. The seats on the ship are reserved for you.)
2-course menu on the ship
Participation in the public tour of the old town (1.5 hours)
The HeidelbergCARD offers
Combo ticket of Heidelberg University
One-time admission to the University Museum, the Student Prison and the special exhibition.Castle ticket including funicular railway
The HeidelbergCARD enables a return trip by funicular railway to Molkenkur (via the castle) as well as one-time entry to the castle courtyard with the barrel cellar and a visit to the German Pharmacy Museum.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.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.
Rates
Rate per person in EUR
| Hotel category | Room type | 1 night | 2 nights | 3 nights |
| Comfort | Double room | 195,00 € | 255,00 € | 310,00 € |
| Single room | 240,00 € | 330,00 € | 430,00 € | |
| First Class Weekend (Fri - Mon) | Double room | 205,00 € | 280,00 € | 345,00 € |
| Single room | 265,00 € | 375,00 € | 485,00 € |
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.