Camping Heidelberg – Don’t miss out on a vacation between a charming old town and impressive landscapes!
The popular city of Heidelberg in Baden-Württemberg is one of the top destinations for a camping vacation.
During the day, you can explore nature on a walk or bike tour, see some of the highlights worth seeing and stroll through the old town, while in the evening you can sleep comfortably in a roof tent and enjoy nature well into the night.
Find out all about our vacation tips for couples or families with children and dogs here!
Camping Ratgeber:
Tips for your camping vacation in Heidelberg
Heidelberg is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and is therefore definitely worth a visit.
When camping, you get the best of both a city trip and a nature vacation.
During the day, you can explore the highlights of the impressive city, while in the evening you can enjoy the idyllic peace and quiet with your loved ones at the campsite.
Apart from the scenic highlights, you can expect some exciting activities and amazing architecture.
The top things to do include:
- Exploring Heidelberg Castle on the Königstuhl
- Tour of the old university
- Stroll through the alleyways of the charming old town
- Cycle tour through idyllic nature
- Hiking along the water
Before we go into more detail about our vacation tips, here is some general information about Heidelberg:
Map: Location in southwest Germany
Heidelberg is a city in southwest Germany and is located directly on the Neckar, a tributary of the Rhine.
It is particularly famous for its old university, quaint old town and historic architecture.
With around 160,000 inhabitants, Heidelberg is one of the largest cities in Baden-Württemberg and is therefore a popular destination for many tourists.
First impressions: Look forward to a mix of city & nature
Take a look at our first impressions of this exciting city and its landscapes, architecture and sights here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCtHaFTZzGc Now let’s move on to our specific vacation tips:
Your to-do list in Heidelberg: Top 4 recommendations
Heidelberg is perfect for strolling and walking.
You can easily spend the whole day strolling around here without getting bored.
Whether idyllic landscapes, historic buildings in the Old Town, highlights worth seeing or exciting activities – there is something for everyone here.
The most popular sights in Heidelberg include
- Heidelberg Castle
- The Old Bridge
- The Königstuhl
- Schwetzingen Palace
Here are our top tips.
First as a route and then again in detail:
Visit the famous Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle – Probably the most famous sight in Heidenberg is the castle of the same name.
It is the city’s landmark and is considered one of the most famous ruins in Germany.
It is located in the middle of the Königstuhl, is now a popular destination for many tourists and should definitely be on your to-do list due to its quaint sandstone facades and exciting history.
Tip!
The castle garden is particularly recommended in spring, when everything is in full bloom.
- 4.7 stars / 42,382 Google reviews
- Address: Schlosshof 1, 69117 Heidelberg
- Phone: 06221658880
Stroll across the Old Bridge in Heidelberg
Old Bridge – The old Karl Theodor Bridge is also definitely worth a visit when on vacation in Heidelberg.
It connects the old town with the banks of the Neckar directly opposite.
It is therefore mainly used for pedestrians and cyclists, but you can also cross it by car between 16:00 and 11:00.
Visit this sight, take a relaxing walk across the bridge and enjoy the picturesque views all around.
Information about the Old Bridge:
- Connects the old town with the banks of the Neckar
- One of the city’s landmarks
- Used for pedestrian and bicycle traffic
Stroll along the Old Bridge, which leads from the Old Town to the banks of the Neckar! 
Take a day trip to Schwetzingen Palace
Schwetzingen Palace – If you are in Heidelberg for a few extra days, we also recommend visiting Schwetzingen Palace.
It is located in Schwetzingen and is therefore only a short drive away.
While it once served as a summer residence for the former electors, it is now a well-known sight.
The palace gardens are particularly popular.
Not only is it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a few hours with your loved ones, it also hosts the Schwetzingen Festival once a year and the famous Festival of Lights every two years.
So it’s best to plan your vacation at this time and visit the attractions.
Information about Schwetzingen Palace:
- Former summer residence of the electors
- Landscaped castle garden
- Schwetzingen Festival once a year
- Festival of lights every two years
Route to Schwetzingen Palace – you can be there in just 15 minutes! Take your time to look at the picturesque castle garden!
Take the mountain railroad to the summit of the Königstuhl
Königstuhl – Another popular attraction is the Königstuhl.
This is the highest mountain in the small Odenwald and the Bergstrasse.
It is particularly famous for Heidelberg Castle, which stands on a lower slope, and the Heidelberg mountain railroad, which runs from the old town in the Neckar valley to its summit region.
The best thing to do is take the cable car to the top and enjoy the panoramic view of the entire city from here!
The highlights of the Königstuhl:
- Highest mountain in the Odenwald and the Bergstrasse
- Heidelberg Castle on the lower slope
- Heidelberg mountain railroad takes you from the old town to the summit
- Panoramic view over the entire city
Watch a cinematic tour of the mountain railroad in advance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ec2qYQcHEU
Things to do on a day trip to the city
Aside from the classic sights in Heidelberg, there are definitely some activities that you should do during your vacation here.
These include, for example, strolling through the old town or cycling through the natural streets.
Strolling and shopping in the old town
The charming old town of Heidelberg is definitely a classic!
Here you will find a number of nice cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a tasty meal or drink.
You will also come across small shops here and there.
Admire the quaint buildings and houses and stroll along the many alleyways – preferably with a scoop of ice cream in your hand.
There is definitely something exciting to see and discover on every corner here.
Try out one of the charming cafés or restaurants in the old town!
Still undecided?
Then you can find recommended restaurants in Heidelberg here.
Cycling through idyllic nature
Cycling is one of the top things to do in Heidelberg.
There are not only the beautiful alleyways in the old town that are ideal for cycling, but also some idyllic paths directly along the water.
Here you can enjoy the view and leave a few kilometers behind you.
Hire a bike and explore the natural surroundings!
Take a walk along the Philosopher’s Path
Especially in good weather, you should plan an extensive hike along the Philosophenweg.
It is around 2 kilometers long and very steep, especially at the beginning, as it leads from the Neuenheim district up to Heiligenberg.
Along the way, you can relax and enjoy the tranquillity of nature, switch off from everyday life and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones.
The destination of the route is right opposite Heidelberg Castle on the Königstuhl.
Once you reach the top, an impressive view awaits you.
Information about the Philosophers’ Trail:
- 2 kilometer long natural path
- Very steep, especially at the beginning
- Leads from the Neuenheim district up to the Heiligenberg
- Directly opposite Heidelberg Castle
The Philosophers’ Trail leads past beautiful landscapes and offers impressive views: But which time of year is best for a camping vacation in Heidelberg?
Temperatures in Heidelberg
The highest average temperature in Heidelberg is 25 degrees in July and the lowest is 4 degrees in January.
The best time to travel here is between June and September, as you can expect pleasant, mild temperatures during these months and can still enjoy a cozy get-together with your loved ones in the open air late at night.
- Highest average temperature: 25 degrees in July
- Lowest average temperature: 4 degrees in January
- Average annual temperature: 15 degrees
Weather today / in three days
Here you can already find a weather forecast for today and the coming days: Enjoy the idyllic location of Heidelberg into the evening hours and go camping!
Camping vacation between city trip and nature
Camping in Heidelberg guarantees you a unique vacation!
During the day you can see everything the impressive city has to offer, but in the evening you can enjoy the peace and quiet, the feeling of freedom and closeness to nature well into the evening hours.
You are also much more flexible than in a hotel or vacation apartment and will definitely get away cheaper.
With a roof tent on your own car, you can have a comfortable place to sleep within minutes.
In the store, you can choose the model you want and configure it to suit your requirements.
So nothing stands in the way of your eventful camping vacation!
Read more about models, prices, roof load and advantages here: Roof tent for your car.
Or simply find out more at one of the camping fairs in your area. A camping vacation in Heidelberg guarantees you these advantages:
- Advantages of a city break and nature vacation
- Feeling of freedom and closeness to nature into the evening hours
- Flexible and spontaneous travel arrangements
- Several overnight stays and stops are possible
- Cozy get-together at the campsite
- Intense time with your loved ones
- Cheaper than a hotel or vacation apartment
- Dog and family friendly
After an eventful day, you can end the evening in peace and quiet with your loved ones! 
Campsite recommendations: Carefree with children & dog
As wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany, you should choose a campsite or pitch for your overnight stay in Heidelberg.
Most campsites are located just outside the bustling city.
This gives you an idyllic location in the evening, far away from the hustle and bustle, so you can enjoy a relaxing evening with your loved ones.
Nevertheless, you don’t have to travel far to the popular activities in the morning and can start planning your day straight away.
Here are some popular, natural and central campsites:
Campsite at the Friedensbrücke
4.2 stars / 828 Google reviews
- Address: Falltorstraße 4, 69151 Neckargemünd
- Phone: 06223 2178
Camping Heidelberg Weber
3.8 stars / 522 Google reviews
- Address: Schlierbacher Landstraße 151, 69118 Heidelberg
- Phone: 06221 802506
Camping Haide
3.8 stars / 379 Google reviews
- Address: Ziegelhäuser Str. 91, 69151 Neckargemünd
- Phone: 06223 2111
Camping Unter’m Dilsberg
4.0 stars / 123 Google reviews
- Address: Campingpl.
1, 69151 Neckargemünd - Phone: 06223 72585
More tips?
You can find more campsites in Baden-Württemberg here.
FAQ: Everything about Heidelberg
What is special about Heidelberg?
And how long should you stay in Heidelberg?
Finally, a few questions that often arise in connection with Heidelberg are answered here.
What is a must-see in Heidelberg?
There is definitely a lot to discover in Heidelberg.
The top things to do and sights to see include Heidelberg Castle, the old university and the quaint old town.
Why is Heidelberg so popular?
Heidelberg is particularly popular with the many tourists who come here every year because of its picturesque old town.
Is Heidelberg a beautiful city?
Heidelberg is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.
It is particularly impressive because of its mixture of architecture, city and landscape.
How long should you stay in Heidelberg?
Heidelberg is well worth a weekend trip, as you can see and explore a lot in just 2-3 days.
If you want to stay longer, you can of course also plan some relaxing days for strolling and walking.
Reading tips: Vacation in Baden-Württemberg
If you haven’t yet decided where to go on your next vacation, you can read more articles with alternative travel destinations in Baden-Württemberg here.
Camping in Baden-Württemberg
Baden-Württemberg – Southern Germany is predominantly characterized by a mountainous landscape.
So you can set off on a hiking vacation with the family straight from the campsite in Baden-Württemberg.
Or you can go for a walk along the banks of a river or lake.
Here you will find tips for campsites, activities and sights in the top vacation regions of Lake Constance, Münstertal, the Black Forest and Lake Titisee:
Camping in the Black Forest
Black Forest – Perhaps the Black Forest in particular is something for you and your loved ones?
Dense forests, picturesque landscapes and historic architecture await you here.
Apart from that, you can relax in the best possible way, but also discover and see a lot, so there is something for everyone.
Read all about a vacation in the Black Forest, which top spots and highlights you shouldn’t miss under any circumstances and where you can camp in this unspoiled region:
Camping in the Harz Mountains
Harz – If you love the Black Forest, you’ll love the Harz too!
Whether in summer or winter – there is definitely a lot to see in the legendary Harz Mountains, so everyone will get their money’s worth here.
Whether with your partner or the whole family with children and dog, read more here about our tips for a vacation full of exciting activities and highlights, such as the Brocken and Wernigerode:
