Luxury holidays in Heidelberg

Storied terracotta rooftops, a riverside spot on the Neckar and a scenic Old Bridge signal the fairytale-worthy good looks of Rhineland city, Heidelberg. Survey your surroundings with a funicular ride up to the King’s Seat and swot up on the city’s cultural heritage — featuring castle ruins, Goethe and university-town laurels. Then turn to its pedestrianised centre, lined with shops and dining spots, to sample Heidelberg’s contemporary side.

When to go

The summer months of June to August bring the warmest temperatures, but May or September are our picks for a quieter (and drier) visit. For festive cheer, Heidelberg hosts a Christmas Market, which kicks off at the end of November.

Getting there

  • Planes

    International flights touch down at Frankfurt Airport, which is less than an hour’s drive from the city of Heidelberg.

  • Trains

    Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof has connections across Germany, notably from Frankfurt and Stuttgart, with onward rail routes into France.

  • Automobiles

    If you’re planning on exploring the wider countryside around Heidelberg, a set of wheels will come in handy, but otherwise this scenic city — which has a pedestrianised centre — is easily navigable on foot or by bike.