Sail into a hub for Germany's sciences, found under the watchful gaze of a 13th century sandstone castle with a Heidelberg river cruise. Duly noted as one of the most important cities to Germany's Romantic movement of the 18th and 19th centuries, this is one of the most popular cruise destinations along the Rhine River. Historic but also futurist, Heidelberg is a bastion for Germany's thinkers, artists, and creatives. The most prominent physical feature is Heidelberg Castle, sitting high above the city, but you'll also find many examples of Baroque architecture too. Whether you choose to tour the city with a cruise excursion or opt to explore independently, this fine German river cruise city offers one of the best Rhine River experiences. 

Old Town "Altstadt" Heidelberg

Heidelberg's Charming Academia

The city of Heidelberg is home to Heidelberg University, a renowned school throughout Germany and Europe. It is one of Europe's oldest universities, dating all the way back to time of the Holy Roman Empire in 1386. Known for science and literature, but home to around 100 different programs, the university has produced 29 Nobel Prize winners in its time. Numerous more notable figures have come from the university, including Pope Pius II and Wilhelm Wundt, the "Father of Psychology."

The University brings in students from all over the world, which helps to make Heidelberg the diverse place it is today. Many students go on to work with the city's research firms, or assist in keeping the city's arts alive. The university's works and the people who make it feed into almost every facet of Heidelberg. You'll find that it isn't all about research too, but preserving history. 

Many museums exist throughout the city that pay homage to past developments, like the Deutsches Apotheken-Museum, which showcases Germany's history in the medical and pharmaceutical fields. Other places, like the Philosopher's Walk, have been used by the university's thinkers over the years as a respite from the town, overlooking its best parts from the side of Saints' Mountain.

Heidelberg Cruise Ships

Cruising to the city of Heidelberg, you'll sail in along the castle-dotted Rhine River. The city lines both sides of the river, spanned by the Karl Theodor Bridge. You'll be visiting in the most scenic way possible, surrounded by brilliant views of Heidelberg. It all happens aboard the world-class, luxury European river cruise ships from our top cruise lines -- Viking River Cruises, Scenic River Cruises, and Uniworld River Cruises. Each is great in its own way, but all feature luxurious rooms, multiple eateries, lounges, and sun decks to take in the rivers along the way. 

Top Attractions for Heidelberg River Cruises

Visiting with a ​Heidelberg Rhine cruise, you'll be greeted by a host of opportunities to immerse yourself in the history and art of the city. Though Heidelberg is by no means the size of nearby Frankfurt, there's still plenty to do for any river cruiser. To help you decide what to do when your Rhine River cruise visits Heidelberg, we've asked our experts about the city's best attractions. Here, we've listed the top things to do on your Heidelberg cruise.

• Heidelberg Castle. In German, Schloss Heidelberg, this castle is the most recognizable part of Heidelberg. Originally built during the 13th century, the castle was besieged several times before being partially destroyed in the 17th century. Attempts at rebuilding took place over the following hundred years, but it was largely left as it is today. In the present, guided and audio tours are available of this sprawling fortress, one of the Rhine River's greatest castles.
• Old Town. Capturing the spirit of Heidelberg like no other, this bustling marketplace is packed with merchants, shoppers, and townsfolk about their business. The area is home to many of Heidelberg's best examples of Baroque architecture. On the Baroque building-lined streets, you'll find outdoor cafes, shops, and more where you can take in the city's best on your Heidelberg river boat cruise.
• Philosopher's Walk. Located across the river from the main part of the city on Saint's Mountain, this two-kilometer walking path has been used for decades as a place for Heidelberg University's faculty and students to ponder the grand questions of philosophy. The path begins in the Neuenheim district or by the Karl Theodor Bridge before climbing up Heiligenberg Hill. At its end, a garden awaits with phenomenal views of the Rhine, Heidelberg Castle, and Old Town below. While great views await, we only recommend this for passengers comfortable with long walks and hills.

Heidelberg Castle

Saints' Mountain, location of the Philosopher's Walk

Sailing from Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg is well-known throughout the world for its university, but has much to offer for all kinds of visitors. From history to enriching Germanic culture, there's something for everyone. After your Heidelberg Rhine river cruise has run its course and depending on your voyage, you'll visit a number of other great European cities. The Rhine River is known for its castles, but is also the setting of bustling cities like Amsterdam and Basel. Other cities like Zurich and Paris are only a short distance away by train or plane. Regardless of where your Heidelberg river cruise brings you next, you'll leave this city with only fond memories.