A Local’s Guide to Baden-Württemberg: Heidelberg & Beyond

Get lost in Heidelberg’s Old Town (Altstadt)

Wander cobblestone streets lined with pastel facades, fountains, and centuries-old boutiques nestled beneath the gaze of the castle ruins. The Marktplatz hums with market stalls and lively cafés, while narrow alleys reveal hidden courtyards and echoes of Heidelberg’s literary past.

Hike the Philosopher’s Way (Philosophenweg)

For panoramic views, this scenic path winds through hillside vineyards up from the Old Bridge, offering breathtaking sweeps across rooftops, river, and castle—especially beautiful in spring and golden hour light.

Explore Heidelberg Castle and its gardens

Perched above town, the partially-ruined Renaissance palace is as much about romance as history, with stories of alchemists and royalty.

Don’t miss the world’s largest wine barrel and the meticulously restored gardens.

Savor a day in the Black Forest

Whether you prefer gentle walks or challenging treks, the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) reveals storybook villages, forest lakes, and cuckoo clocks.

Try local specialties at a Gasthof and breathe in the fresh pine-scented air.

Tour the historic university

Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is Germany’s oldest. Stop by the student prison (Studentenkarzer), where undergraduates once served time for minor pranks, and explore Baroque lecture halls.

Stroll the Kurhaus and gardens of Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden’s balmy spa culture centers on the regal Kurhaus, surrounded by manicured gardens, thermal bathhouses, and elegant arcades for shopping and strolling.

Boat on Lake Constance (Bodensee)

Spend a day on this serene alpine lake at the region’s southern boundary—wander garden island Mainau, visit the Zeppelin Museum, or cross by ferry from Germany into Switzerland or Austria.

Visit Maulbronn Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Discover medieval serenity and ingenious engineering at this remarkably preserved Cistercian abbey—its arcaded cloisters and pond-circled grounds are enchanting.

Baden wine tasting (Badische Weinstraße)

Indulge in wine tasting along the Baden Wine Road.

Sample crisp Rieslings and velvety Spätburgunders (Pinot Noir) at small family-run estates, where vintners greet you with heartfelt Swabian hospitality.

Experience a festive Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkt)

If visiting in December, the region’s towns come alive with glowing stalls, candied almonds, mulled wine (Glühwein), and joyful traditions that feel straight out of a fairy tale.

• Vetter’s Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus, Heidelberg: Locally brewed beers, hearty German classics, and wood-paneled coziness steps from the Old Bridge. Try the schnitzel and house lager for a quintessential evening.

• Weisser Bock, Heidelberg: A refined, candlelit space beloved for farm-fresh regional cuisine—think wild game, river fish, and hyper-seasonal vegetables served with artistry.

• Gasthof zum Ritter, Maulbronn: Traditional Swabian plates (don’t miss Maultaschen) served in a half-timbered, flower-filled inn just outside the UNESCO monastery.

• Schlossberg Restaurant, Baden-Baden: An elegant destination with panoramic terrace views—come for delicate local trout, asparagus in season, and beautifully paired Baden wines.

• Café Braun, Triberg (Black Forest): The ideal stop for a slice of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cherry cake), made daily in a family-run cake shop nestled by forested hills.

• Weingut Fritz Keller, Vogtsburg: Dine among the vineyards at this acclaimed winery—expect inventive regional dishes, house wine flights, and the sense of a special occasion.

• Kostbar, Freiburg: A vibrant café-bistro celebrated for creative vegetarian fare and organic regional flavors, in a lively university town atmosphere.

• Hotel Restaurant Rose, Baiersbronn: Nestled in the heart of the Black Forest, this spot is famed for seasonal game, mushrooms, and wild herbs—book ahead for a true culinary adventure.

• Gino’s, Heidelberg: Gino’s is a long-standing local favorite at the heart of Heidelberg’s Old Town, serving up classic Italian and Mediterranean comfort foods, from pizza and doner kebab, to their renowned kabob plates. The friendly service and central location make it a hit with students and visitors alike, and it’s a perfect casual lunch stop between exploring sights.​

• Studentenkuss, Heidelberg: No visit is complete without savoring a Studentenkuss, Heidelberg’s storied “Student’s Kiss.” Created in the 19th century at Café Knösel as a sweet token of affection between students, this signature confection features a praline-nougat cream on a crispy wafer, enrobed in dark chocolate. It’s not just a delicious souvenir—it’s a taste of the city’s romantic history.