Heidelberg Castle
Rising 80 metres above Heidelberg's old town on the Königstuhl hillside, this red-sandstone ruin was the residence of the Electors Palatine for nearly three centuries. Construction began around the 13th century, with the celebrated Ottheinrichsbau — one of the finest examples of German Mannerism — added in the 16th century. French forces destroyed the castle in 1693, and a lightning strike on 24 June 1764 completed its ruination. Authorities chose to preserve the romantic wreckage rather than rebuild.
The castle houses the German Pharmacy Museum and, in its cellars, the Great Barrel: a wine vessel holding 221,726 litres, once attended by the legendary court jester Perkeo. It attracts over one million visitors a year.
Visitor information
- Location
- Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg
- Country
- Germany
- Tier
- B (Great castles)
- Coordinates
- 49.4106, 8.7158
- Official site
- http://www.schloss-heidelberg.de/
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Heidelberg Castle?
- Heidelberg Castle is in Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany (approximately 49.4106, 8.7158).
- Can you visit Heidelberg Castle?
- Yes — Heidelberg Castle is open to visitors; see the official site at http://www.schloss-heidelberg.de/ for hours and tickets.
- What tier is Heidelberg Castle on the Castle Atlas?
- Heidelberg Castle is rated B tier on the Castle Atlas — Great castles.
- What can you see at Heidelberg Castle?
- Rising 80 metres above Heidelberg's old town on the Königstuhl hillside, this red-sandstone ruin was the residence of the Electors Palatine for nearly three centuries. Construction began around the 13th century, with the celebrated Ottheinrichsbau — one of the finest examples of German Mannerism — added in the 16th century. French forces destroyed the castle in 1693, and a lightning strike on 24 June 1764 completed its ruination. Authorities chose to preserve the romantic wreckage rather than rebuild.