Heidelberg and Mannheim: The best travel guide 2024
Heidelberg and Mannheim : The best travel guide 2024
It has already been 11 years since we lived in Munich, Germany. So far we have already managed to visit a large part of this wonderful country – we have seen beautiful lakes and waterfalls, but also the cities with the main attractions. Apart from this general article about Germany, we also wrote about every city, lake and small town we visited and German restaurant ideas. If you want to know more about these beautiful places, we invite you to read the other articles about Germany.
Table of Contents
Germany Map
Informations
Heidelberg is a city on the Neckar in southwest Germany. It is known for the venerable university, which was founded in the 14th century. The Gothic Church of the Holy Spirit towers over the market square in the middle of the old town, which is lined with cafés. The red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle are a well-known example of Renaissance architecture and stand on the Königstuhl hill.
Manheim was a district of Kerpen in the Rhein-Erft district in North Rhine-Westphalia. Manheim is located in the mining zone of the Hambach opencast mine and is due to give way to it by 2024 according to RWE’s plans. As a replacement, the resettlement site Manheim-neu was created west of Kerpen.
Temperature: Summer is the perfect time to visit the country in terms of the weather. The sky is clear and everybody heads outdoors to enjoy the sun.
Language: The official language is German.
Currency: Euro
Food Prices: Meal in a cheap restaurant=14 EUR, Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant=50 EUR
You can find more information about the visa here.
Things to do
Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle is one of the most famous ruins in Germany and the city’s landmark. The castle ruins made of red Neckar Valley sandstone rise on the northern slope of the Königsstuhl above Heidelberg’s old town, which lies on the Neckar, which emerges here from the Odenwald and flows into the Upper Rhine Plain. Initially designed as a castle, it was later expanded into a palace and in this capacity served as the residence of the Electors of the Palatinate for almost three centuries. This made the castle an important place for courtly and aristocratic life in the Holy Roman Empire.
The old Bridge
The Karl Theodor Bridge in Heidelberg, better known as the Old Bridge, is a bridge over the Neckar. It connects the old town with the opposite bank of the Neckar at the eastern end of the Neuenheim district. The Old Bridge was built in 1788 under Elector Karl Theodor as the ninth bridge in total at this location from regional red sandstone. The large-scale importance of this bridge lies in enabling a safe north-south passage on the right bank of the Rhine in Germany.
The Holy Spirit Church
The Holy Spirit Church is the largest and most important church in Heidelberg. With the apse facing the market square, it stands in the middle of Heidelberg’s old town. Its tower dominates and shapes the cityscape – along with the castle’s octagonal bell tower. The Gothic hall church, built from red Neckar Valley sandstone with a baroque roof and baroque tower dome, is considered a “completely unique building of high artistic rank”.
Schwetzingen Castle
Schwetzingen Castle is a castle in Schwetzingen in Baden-Württemberg that served primarily as a summer residence for the Electors of the Palatinate Karl Philipp and Karl Theodor. What is best known is the castle garden, which was laid out in the 18th century. The Schwetzingen Festival takes place in the castle every year and the Festival of Lights takes place every two years.
Marktplatz
The market square is a central square in the old town of Heidelberg.
The Dilsberg mountain fortress
The Dilsberg mountain fortress is a high medieval mountain fortress east of Heidelberg in the Rhein-Neckar district in Baden-Württemberg, from which the Dilsberg district of the city of Neckargemünd developed.
Luisenpark
The Luisenpark is the largest park in Mannheim. It is located on the left bank of the Neckar, close to the city in the area of a former Neckar loop and is now divided into two parts: The Lower Luisenpark is the oldest part, open to the public and is considered a garden monument. The Upper Luisenpark is used for private purposes. The operating company, Stadtpark Mannheim gGmbH, advertises the paid leisure activities with the slogan: “one of the most beautiful parks in Europe”.
Mannheim Palace
Mannheim Palace was built in Mannheim under the reign of Electors Karl Philipp and Karl Theodor in three construction periods between 1720 and 1760 and was the residence of the Electors of the Palatinate from 1720 to 1777.
The water tower
The water tower is a well-known landmark in Mannheim. The tower was built from 1886 to 1889 on today’s Friedrichsplatz on the eastern edge of the city center according to the plans of Gustav Halmhuber. The tower is 60 meters high and has a diameter of 19 meters. It was the first municipal water tower in Mannheim and initially had to fulfill all functions of drinking water supply, including maintaining constant water pressure. After the higher Luzenberg water tower was built in 1909, it served as a reserve elevated tank until 2000. The tower structure has been a listed building since 1987.
St. Peter's Cathedral
St. Peter’s Cathedral in Worms is the smallest and slenderest of the three Rhenish imperial cathedrals. It was essentially built from 1130 to 1181, i.e. overall after Speyer Cathedral (1025–1106). Mainz Cathedral was begun fifty years earlier (1081 – stair towers, although older), but was not completed until almost seventy years later (1239). The diocese of Worms was gradually dissolved from 1801 to 1827. Therefore, Worms Cathedral is no longer an episcopal church, but was given the status of a provost church in 1862 and the title of a minor basilica in 1925.
Paradeplatz
The Paradeplatz is a central square in the city center of Mannheim on square O 1. It takes its name from the historical fact that it was used for troop marches during the times of the electors; in the 18th century it was called Alarmplatz
Hermannshof
The Hermannshof is a 2.2 hectare green area and former viewing garden for perennials in Weinheim an der Bergstrasse.
Where to stay
A good night’s sleep is particularly important when you are travelling. Germany offers its guests a host of luxurious, charming and also out-of-the-ordinary accommodation.
Whether in the heart of the city, near the lake or surrounded by nature – Germany’s hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses guarantee a relaxing and invigorating stay.
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hotels we recommend in Heidelberg: Boardinghotel Heidelberg, City Partner Hotel Holländer Hof, Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg.
hotels we recommend in Manheim: Sure Hotel by Best Western Mannheim City, Dorint Kongresshotel Mannheim, Radisson Blu Hotel.
Where to eat
Traditional Food and
Desserts to try in Germany
Wurst- There are an estimated 1,500 varieties of sausage in Germany. These are prepared in many different ways and include a range of ingredients and unique spice blends.
Rouladen – This typical German dish consists of bacon, onions, mustard, and pickles wrapped in thinly sliced beef or veal which is then cooked.
Spätzle is especially popular in the south of the country. These soft egg noodles are made from wheat flour and egg and are often topped with cheese (Käsespätzle) and roasted onions.
Eintopf – means ‘one pot’ and refers to the way of cooking rather than its contents. That said, most recipes contain the same basic ingredients: broth, vegetables, potatoes or pulses, and pork, beef, chicken, or fish.
Sauerbraten (meaning ‘sour’ or ‘pickled’ roast) is one of the country’s national dishes. You can make a pot roast by using many different types of meat, which you marinate in wine, vinegar, spices, herbs, and then season for up to ten days.
Kartoffelpuffer are shallow pan-fried pancakes made from grated or ground potatoes mixed with flour, egg, onion, and seasoning.
Kartofflelknödel is the German term for potato dumplings. Potatoes serve as the base for the dumplings, but you can add any spices and croutons you like.
Maultaschen are small sheets of dough filled with various ingredients. Some people like ground beef, while others add smoked meats, including sausages. You can also add onions and herbs to your dumplings.
Of course, all travel enthusiasts and everyone who loves to try new foods have heard about these foods, but these foods are specific to Germany and you must try them when you are here: pretzel, pork schnitzel, potato salad, fried potatoes, currywurst.
Black Forest cherry torte – Alternating layers of rich chocolate cake, cherries, and whipped cream are topped off with more cream, maraschino cherries, and chocolate shavings for a luxurious finish.
Stollen is an authentic German Christmas food. It dates back to the 16th century, and it is most popular in Dresden. It is a flatbread with dried and candied fruits. You can also add chopped or whole nuts and then top the bread off with powdered sugar.
Restaurants
Book a table at Scharff’s Schlossweinstubereat and treat yourself to a memorable dining experience. This restaurant is located in Heidelberg Castle, so you’ll be surrounded by beautiful historic castle grounds.
If you’re looking for a taste of history, look no further than Zum Roten Ochsen. This restaurant has been serving Heidelberg’s residents and visitors since 1703, making it the city’s oldest tavern.
Weinstube Schnitzelbank in the old town center has been making some of the best schnitzels – made with pork tenderloin, breaded and fried to crispy perfection – since 1867. It’s served with potatoes and a side salad, and you can choose from a variety of sauces to top it off.
Palmbräu Gasse is a great place to enjoy German dishes in a lively dining room filled with a mix of both locals and tourists. The menu features large portions of all typical German and regional classics, including schnitzel, bratwurst, and the house speciality: crispy pork knuckle.
Mannheim’s Fressgasse begins at the water tower, where restaurants, snack bars and delicatessens have anchored a basic trust in Mannheim’s DNA: there is always something good to eat here.
The Jungbusch harbor district is home to the city’s creative and music scene. The district becomes a hotspot, especially on weekends. The basis can be created in the rooftop restaurant Die Küche with a magnificent view over the harbor to the Palatinate, with good burgers in St. James or the Henriette Burger Bar, or alternatively with vegan food in the galley. After a long night of partying, you almost inevitably end up in the Greek restaurant Rhodes, where things only really get going when nothing else works.
In addition to Greeks, Italians also shape the culinary side of the city, for example with L’Osteria Vineria in the Quadrate, the classic Milano on Luisenring or Osteria Limoni in Neckarstadt-Ost.
Saving Tips
- CHOOSE YOUR AIRPORT WISELY: If you’re flying from North America, you’re likely to find the best flight deals into Frankfurt, home to Germany’s largest international airport. However, Frankfurt is five hours away from Berlin and almost four hours away from Munich. Since train tickets can be pricey and gas is expensive, it may be worth paying a little extra to fly closer to your destination.
- TRY A LOW-COST AIRLINE: Consider low-cost airline options from the US to Germany, including Norwegian Airlines.
- Get city tourism cards – Most of the major cities in Germany offer city tourism cards. These include free admission to major museums and attractions, discounts on restaurants, and usually unlimited public transportation. If you plan on seeing a lot, these cards can save you money.
- Get transportation day passes – If you’re going to be using public transportation a lot in a city, get a day pass. Paying for single rides adds up quickly.
- SEASON” SAVINGS: If you can, try to visit Germany in June or September. You’ll find better deals during these months and the weather is still usually very pleasant.
- Book your train early – Trains in Germany are expensive but you can get a saver ticket that is around 40-50% off the standard fare if you book at least a week in advance.
- You can get online for free and make use of the free Wi-fi. Many cafes and renowned chains like McDonald’s and Starbucks offer free Wi-Fi in Germany, as do the various municipal buildings, libraries, parks, and some museums.
- Look out for free museum days – Most museums in Germany offer free admission on certain days or evenings.
- KEEP AN EYE ON SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: Public school in Germany has five main school holidays: winter holidays, spring break, summer holidays, autumn holidays and Christmas holidays.
- Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours or Big Bus tours
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Shopping
Shopping in Heidelberg
Hauptstrasse has a great selection of shops, from high-street names to independent boutiques. It’s also a great spot to souvenir shop, or to find the latest fashions. But, as you wander along this lengthy street, take the time to browse the colourful buildings on each side and the ornate Karlstor Gate at the eastern end.
Darmstadter Hof Centrum in Heidelberg is located just off Hauptstrasse in a pretty and historic listed building. Not only is it perfectly placed for visitors exploring the city’s Old Town, but Darmstadter Hof Centrum is also easily accessed from anywhere in the city. You can get there by public transport, or park in one of the centre’s 700 parking spaces.
Untere Strasse in the heart of Heidelberg’s Altstadt, or Old Town is a narrow, cobbled street where you’ll find unique, independent shops. It makes a nice change from other areas where you’ll only see brand names. The independent spirit of Untere Strasse makes it popular with Heidelberg’s large student population, as well as with younger visitors to the city.
Plock is crammed with tall buildings painted in various shades, each with a shop, bar, or restaurant at ground level. The street hosts a range of shops, which tend to be more independent than others nearby. You’ll find supermarkets, fabric shops, and skatewear stores cheek-to-cheek on Plock, making for an interesting and varied shopping experience.
Shopping in Mannheim
In Mannheim, there are places for shopping for every taste, many visitors go to the shopping complex Q4-Passage for new clothes and shoes. There are dozens of clothing and footwear stores with very attractive prices, and there are several grocery stores in the shopping centre where you can buy sweets and popular national delicacies. The shopping centre has a beautiful design, it has several cafes, and there is a cosy patio.
Kaufhof shopping complex is a real city landmark, where you can visit the shops of the world’s most famous brands. There are large stores Tom Tailor and Wrangler, and there are shopping pavilions Timezone and Bugatti.
Suedlandhaus speciality store is popular among connoisseurs of elite alcohol, here you can buy alcoholic beverages from around the world.You can look into Alfa bookstore for unusual memorable gifts. Despite the factAvid fashionistas should definitely look into the clothing store Xanaka, it will be interesting for both women and men. that it sells books exclusively in German, the store is still very popular with tourists.One of the best women’s shoe stores in Mannheim is considered to be Dielmann, it offers customers shoes of many popular brands. Travelers with limited shopping time can be recommended to visit Creol shopping centre.
Getting Around
There are a wealth of options when it comes to avoiding driving in Germany. With an effectively nationalized railway network, crossing the country by train means buying a ticket from Deutsche Bahn. At the local level, Germany’s states manage buses, trams, metro networks, suburban trains, and ferries. Public transportation systems in Germany are safe, efficient, and fairly easy to use. As a result, some German cities are starting to shake off the stereotype of being a car-loving nation. Across the country, 30 million passengers use public transportation in Germany on an average day.
There are a wealth of options when it comes to avoiding driving in Germany. With an effectively nationalized railway network, crossing the country by train means buying a ticket from Deutsche Bahn. At the local level, Germany’s states manage buses, trams, metro networks, suburban trains, and ferries.
Modes of public transport in Germany:
S-bahn (city rapid rail), and, as the name suggests, is the fastest form of public transportation.
U-Bahn is the German version of the metro.
Tram – They travel on rails alongside regular roads and have multiple stops within city center areas.
Buses are the mainstay of many German towns and cities, linking further-afield places and operating into the night when the other forms of transport stop running (although S-Bahn and U-bahn trains typically run all night over the weekend in larger cities).
Regional trains are either RB (Regionalbahn), with multiple stops, or RE (Regionalexpress), which are faster and have fewer stops.
Week ticket (Wochenkarte) are valid within specified zones for a week.You can also purchase tickets that are valid for longer (e.g. a month pass) but these usually have to be purchased from an official at the ticketing office.
Group day ticket (Gruppentageskarte) While tickets in Germany generally don’t come cheap, the group day ticket actually offers great value for money if you are travelling in a group of three or more. Usually valid for groups of up to five people, they give unlimited travel for a day or 24 hours within specified zones.
If you are required to validate your ticket it will be printed with something along the lines of “Bitte entwerten” (please validate). To validate it, push your ticket into the slot of one of the validator machines (Entwerter), which you can usually find next to the ticket machines or on the station platform.
In general, there are three types of train services in Germany connecting major urban areas: Intercity-Express (ICE): high-speed trains that reach speeds up to 320km/h. ICE trains have first-class seating and a dining car. Intercity (IC): express trains. IC trains have first-class carriages and usually also have catering services of some kind. EuroCity (EC): Intercity trains with scheduled stops outside of Germany. Not all Intercity-type trains that travel outside of Germany are EC trains, however.
International trains
Germany lies right in the middle of Europe, counting nine different countries as neighbors. As a result, there are plenty of direct international trains running from German train stations. Deutsche Bahn’s high-speed service, the ICE, runs a number of international routes from countries like: Austria, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Denmark, Italy, Poland.
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Getting here
There are a total of 36 international airports in Germany, ranging from smaller airfields only operating a few routes and airlines, to mega complexes such as Frankfurt and Munich that transport tens of millions of passengers per year.
In total, there are 16 international airports, 12 of which are considered major airports with over 50,000 passengers. With more than 500,000 aircraft movements and 70 million passengers per year, Frankfurt Airport is the largest in the country.
Airlines are mainly divided into the areas of passenger transport, freight transport, charter flights and ambulance services. By far the largest German airline is the formerly state-owned Lufthansa, which has been fully privatized since 1997.
Frankfurt Airport is the busiest in Germany. Munich Airport, which transported 46,3 million passengers in 2018, is the second busiest, and 24,28 million passengers puts Düsseldorf Airport into position three.
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