Romantic things to do in Heidelberg Germany

What could be more romantic than Heidelberg, with old cobbled streets and an ancient university, set beside the river Neckar? Among its charms are the ruins of an ivy clad castle on the hill that delighted the 18th century romantic poets, a tale of true love between a handsome prince and beautiful princess and a cheeky Student’s Kiss. If you’re looking for a place to visit with that special someone, here’s some romantic things to do in Heidelberg Germany.

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The romantic castle on the hill

The romantic Heidelberg castle on the hill was once a magnificent renaissance palace. It was built in the 14th century as the residence of the Prince Electors of Heidelberg.

Stone statues from classical mythology decorate its ornate carved frontage. By the 18th century, however, fire and war had reduced the castle to an uninhabited ruin. This made a picturesque sight for the romantic poets and painters who visited on their Grand Tour of Europe.

Turner painted a misty vision of the castle. Mark Twain waxed lyrical about the “huge ruin of Heidelberg castle with empty window arches and ivy mailed battlements” when he visited in 1878, writing:

“I have never enjoyed a view which has such a serene and satisfying charm about it as this one gives. One thinks Heidelberg by day with its surroundings is the last possibility of the beautiful, but when one sees Heidelberg by night a fallen Milky Way, with that glittering railway constellation pinned to the border, one requires time to consider upon the verdict.“

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Today you can visit the castle, walking through the old courtyards, and admiring the carved stone facades. You’ll see the same view from the terrace as Mark Twain over the rooftops of Heidelberg.

Heidelberg writer, Cornelia Lohs of Atterrata.com told me, ” The most romantic thing you can do on Valentine’s Day is to walk up to the castle at night and look down at the city lights. This would also be a very romantic place to propose.“

The Elizabeth Gate at Heidelberg castle

In the gardens of the castle stands a beautifully carved stone gateway that was built in 1615 for Princess Elizabeth Stuart, wife of the Prince Elector Frederich V. Elizabeth was was the daughter of the English King James I.

And at the age of 16 she arrived at the Heidelberg court after a political marriage had been arranged to seal the alliance between the Protestant rulers. True love blossomed from the marriage, however, and the couple went on to have 13 children together. After the Thirty Years War, however, they had to flee Heidelberg and ended their days in exile in Holland.

The Elizabeth Gate was made for Elizabeth’s 19th birthday and was said to have been built in just one night. Surprise! After all, what do you give the princess who has everything?

The royal couple were known for their extravagant entertainments. Each summer the castle and city of Heidelberg are lit up with illuminations and fireworks. These recall the firework display put on by Frederich V to celebrate the royal couple’s marriage.

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The Heidelberg Kurfürstenkugel to celebrate the royal romance

At Café Gundel in the old town, you can order a unique cake that was created to commemorate the romantic story of Frederich V and Elizabeth Stuart. Created in 1820 when visitors started to visit Heidelberg, the Master Baker Gundel created the Kurfürstenkugel. This sponge ball is filled with nougat cream and covered with marzipan and chocolate.

The cakes come in many different varieties which you will see in the window of the Gundel bakery. The dark chocolate cakes represent Frederich and the white chocolate Elizabeth, who was known as The Pearl of Britannia. Order your Kurfürstenkugel with a coffee in Café Gundel or buy some to take away in a special box that tells their romantic story.

Cafe Gundel: 212 Hauptstrasse in Heidelberg, near the Kornmarkt square

Love Locks and Romantic Poetry in Heidelberg

It seems that every city in Europe now has a bridge where lovers come to set their padlock and throw away the key to symbolise their everlasting love. Rather than risk damage to the Alte Brucke, the old stone bridge across the Neckar, Heideleberg has found a different solution; a Liebesstein or love stone.

Cross the bridge from the Old Town and you’ll easily find the sculpture by the river bank. It’s made of sandstone with a circular window that frames the view of the romantic castle across the river.

On the brass plate is the love poem Der Blick or The Look written by the German Romantic poet Joseph von Eichendorff who used to meet his sweetheart here.

“If she could also put it into words, what the heart deeply feels, still the eyes serve it up, becoming sweeter only when fulfilled.”

Walk hand in hand up the Philosopher’s Way

At the end of the Old Bridge, close to the Love Stone you’ll see the sign for the Philosopher’s Way. This stone paved path winds up the hill through the terraced slopes planted with orchards and vegetable gardens.

The path was named after the writers and philosophy professors of the university who enjoyed walking here. It is an easy climb with plenty of benches and points to admire the view.

Perhaps this is the place to come for a walk with your sweetheart, strolling along the flat path halfway up the hill to overlook the city. Or, climb even higher up to the top of the Bismark tower for that fairy tale Rapunsel-let-down-your-hair moment.

A delicious souvenir of Heidelberg – the Student’s Kiss

There are many lovely chocolatiers in Heidelberg, where you’ll be able to find a romantic gift for your loved ones. For the ultimate Heidelberg souvenir seek out the Knösel chocolate shop (Haspelgasse 16) for a Student’s Kiss.

These yummy chocolate truffles were created in the 1860s when the gentlemen students of Heidelberg University. These gents would admire the young ladies of the local colleges who would be chaperoned when they went out for a coffee in town.

Since a meeting alone could not be permitted, an innocent box of chocolates could be presented to the object of your affection. The image is of the beautiful lady and the student in his cap, their lips almost touching and only room between for a ‘Student’s Kiss’.

A lollipop for your sweetheart

For more old fashioned sweetness, pop into the Heidelberg Bonbon Manufaktur (Steingasse 5) close to the Old Bridge. Here you can see candies and lollipops being made in all colours and flavours. Treat your loved one to a jar of fruit flavoured candy or buy some of the pretty heart shaped lollipops for the little darlings at home.

Romantic Heidelberg recommendations from the locals

Staying on the chocolate theme I asked blogging friend Jordan Beck Wagner from Wayfaring With Wagner where she would go with that someone special. Jordan studied in Heidelberg, and her suggestion was the quaint CHCO Chocolate Company.

“Located on the adorable Hauptstrasse of Heidelberg, this chocolate shop serves delectable hot chocolate and mouth-watching cakes. The perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year!”

And for a romantic place to have a drink check out this suggestion from writer Cornelia Lohs of Atterrata.com who lives in Heidelberg:

” A romantic place for a drink is the Europa Bar at the hotel Europäischer Hof, one of the leading hotels in Heidelberg. I just love old bars and think they are very romantic.”

If you’re looking for a romantic Valentines Day gift this year, why not surprise your loved one with a weekend away in Heidelberg? Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town and enjoy a romantic walk with views over the valley. Find a cosy bar or cafe to cuddle up and treat yourself to some delicious chocolates. Germany’s city of romance has it all!

I hope you enjoyed romantic suggestions for what to do in Heidelberg. If you’ve already been to Heidelberg, do you have any recommendations for where to go in Heidelberg for romance? Do let me know in the comments!

Read more about our visit to Heidelberg:

9 German Christmas Traditions we enjoyed in Heidelberg
A Food Lover’s Guide to Heidelberg
My Top 10 things to do in Heidelberg – Video

Plan your visit to Heidelberg

For more information about planning your trip to Germany, visit the Germany Tourism Website and read more about German Traditions | Follow them on Social Media | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

You can also find information about Heidelberg on the Heidelberg Marketing website.

If you need a guide in Heidelberg, we highly recommend Susanne Fiek who runs culinary and other tours of Heidelberg.

Where to stay in Heidelberg

Heather and Guy stayed at Qube Hotel, a stylish boutique hotel that was a 20 minute walk or short tram ride from the Old Town. Our room was in Villa Qube, a large townhouse next to the main hotel, on the 4th floor under the eves. Our windows faced the gardens at the back and was quiet, with sloping ceilings and a grey linen sofa and desk as well as a huge comfy double bed.

There were interesting lighting effects which bathed the room in a purple glow and the bathroom was huge with both walk in shower and bathtub. The Qube restaurant has an excellent reputation, although we didn’t eat there. In summer you can reserve a table on the rooftop terrace with views towards the river.

Qube Hotel Website | Address: Bergheimer Str. 74, 69115 Heidelberg | Twitter | Facebook

If you prefer to stay in the Old Town of Heidelberg you could try Hotel Hollaender Hof, a traditional hotel right by the Old Bridge. At the Hip Hotel every room is themed to a different country of the world, or try Heidelberg Suites, a luxurious boutique Hotel.

How to get to Heidelberg

Heather and Guy flew from Bristol to Frankfurt and took the train to Heidelberg. Trains run around every hour from the Frankfurt airport station with a change at Mannheim.

On arrival in the airport follow signs for train station and then Fernbahnhof (long distance train). Tickets can be bought from ticket machines as you reach the Fernbahnhof. The journey takes around 1 hour.

Photo Credits: All photos by Heather Cowper except the Love Stone by Heidelberg Marketing, Chco Chocolate Company by Wayfaring With Wagner, Europa Bar by www.europaeischerhof.com

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Thanks to the German National Tourism Board who hosted* Heather and Guy’s weekend in Heidelberg

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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