Planning a trip to Heidelberg

Is the Heidelberg Card a Money Saver?

The short answer is: not usually. Yes, the Heidelberg Card offers discounts on attractions and free use of public transportation. But since most of what you want to see in Heidelberg is within walking distance and there aren’t many attractions you’ll be paying to see, the card will probably be a money saver only if you're staying a tram or bus ride away from the Altstadt or will be going back and forth to the Hauptbanhof frequently. Transport-wise, you’d have to make three round trips on the bus or tram within a 2-day period to break even.

If you still would like to purchase it, know that cards valid for any consecutive 2-day period cost 13€ per person; cards valid for any consecutive 4-day period go for 16€ per person. A family card valid for two adults and two children 15 and under for any consecutive 2-day period sells for 28€.

Getting Around

Heidelberg is crisscrossed with a network of trams and buses, many of which intersect at the Bismarckplatz in the town center. Bus nos. 31 and 32 travel frequently between the railway station and the Universitätsplatz, in the Altstadt. The Altstadt’s lanes run off either side of the Hauptstrasse, the long, pedestrian-only thoroughfare that stretches from the Marktplatz all the way to Bismarckplatz in the new town. Bus or tram fares cost 2.20€ for a single ride.

Visitor Information

The Heidelberg Tourist Bureau, Willy-Brandt-Platz 1 ([tel] 06221/19433; www.heidelberg-marketing.de), is open April to October Monday to Saturday 9am to 7pm, and Sunday 10am to 6pm; and November to March Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm.