Philosophers’ Way (Self Guided), Heidelberg
Heidelberg may be famous for its Castle, Old Town and University, but these are not all the local attractions are limited to. In fact, you can't consider a trip to Heidelberg completed without visiting the Philosophenweg (Philosopher’s Walk).
Quite popular, this path is located on the northern side of the Neckar River, meandering for about two kilometers along the sunny side of the Heiligenberg (Holy or Saints’) Mountain. Over the centuries, this trail has inspired numerous scholars and poets, and is rightfully regarded as one of the most beautiful walkways in Europe.
Historically, it was just a simple rough path through the vineyards, which, during the Romantic Period, was renamed Philosophenweg for having been frequented by countless professors and philosophers of Heidelberg. Today, the Walk is just as picturesque as ever, conveniently fitted with informational plaques and multiple benches on which visitors can linger and enjoy the matchless panorama.
One of its first landmarks to behold is the exotic vegetation of the Philosophengärtchen (Philosopher’s Garden) amid which you also can find a memorial stone to Joseph von Eichendorff, a romantic poet who studied in Heidelberg from 1807 to 1808.
Another park down the path is the Eichendorffanlage, located below the Bismarck-Säule (Bismarck Tower), a massive stone pillar with columns, erected in 1900 as a memorial to Bismarck two years after his death.
To get a good idea of how the city of Heidelberg looked in the old days, check out the Merianblick (Merian’s View) – this 1620 copperplate engraving offers illustration of the city before it was destroyed during WWII.
Crossing the Philosopher's Walk, by a park dedicated to poet Friedrich Hölderlin, is the Schlangenweg (Snake Path).
To enjoy the solitude, natural beauty, and great views of Heidelberg that had once appealed to the Romantic artists and philosophers, take this self-guided tour of the Philosophers’ Walk.
Quite popular, this path is located on the northern side of the Neckar River, meandering for about two kilometers along the sunny side of the Heiligenberg (Holy or Saints’) Mountain. Over the centuries, this trail has inspired numerous scholars and poets, and is rightfully regarded as one of the most beautiful walkways in Europe.
Historically, it was just a simple rough path through the vineyards, which, during the Romantic Period, was renamed Philosophenweg for having been frequented by countless professors and philosophers of Heidelberg. Today, the Walk is just as picturesque as ever, conveniently fitted with informational plaques and multiple benches on which visitors can linger and enjoy the matchless panorama.
One of its first landmarks to behold is the exotic vegetation of the Philosophengärtchen (Philosopher’s Garden) amid which you also can find a memorial stone to Joseph von Eichendorff, a romantic poet who studied in Heidelberg from 1807 to 1808.
Another park down the path is the Eichendorffanlage, located below the Bismarck-Säule (Bismarck Tower), a massive stone pillar with columns, erected in 1900 as a memorial to Bismarck two years after his death.
To get a good idea of how the city of Heidelberg looked in the old days, check out the Merianblick (Merian’s View) – this 1620 copperplate engraving offers illustration of the city before it was destroyed during WWII.
Crossing the Philosopher's Walk, by a park dedicated to poet Friedrich Hölderlin, is the Schlangenweg (Snake Path).
To enjoy the solitude, natural beauty, and great views of Heidelberg that had once appealed to the Romantic artists and philosophers, take this self-guided tour of the Philosophers’ Walk.
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Philosophers’ Way Map
Guide Name: Philosophers’ Way
Guide Location: Germany » Heidelberg (See other walking tours in Heidelberg)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Author: nicole
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Germany » Heidelberg (See other walking tours in Heidelberg)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Author: nicole
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Philosophenweg-Eingang (Philosophers' Path Entrance)
- Philosophengartchen (Philosophers' Garden)
- Eichendorff-Anlage (Eichendorff Park)
- Bismarck-Saule (Bismarck Tower)
- Merianblick (Merian's View)
- Schlangenweg (Snake Path)
1) Philosophenweg-Eingang (Philosophers' Path Entrance)
The entrance to the Philosophers' Path, although signposted at the end of the Old Bridge ("Alte Brücke"), can be somewhat hidden from view and may be challenging for non-residents to find. However, if you manage to locate it and follow the path, you'll soon find yourself on the Philosophenweg, which passes through one of Heidelberg's finest and most exclusive residential areas, Neuenheim. The initial ascent of 700 meters may feel strenuous, but the effort is well worth it.
Once you've conquered the uphill climb, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Heidelberg Castle, the Old Town, and the surrounding area, stretching all the way to the Palatinate Mountains. The sight of the Königstuhl viewpoint, accessible by funicular above the castle, adds to the impressive panorama.
Along the path, stone benches and the Philosophers' Garden ("Philosophengärtchen") invite visitors to pause and take in the scenery at their leisure. These tranquil spots provide the perfect opportunity to reflect on the beauty of the landscape and perhaps engage in some philosophical contemplation, as the name suggests.
Once you've conquered the uphill climb, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Heidelberg Castle, the Old Town, and the surrounding area, stretching all the way to the Palatinate Mountains. The sight of the Königstuhl viewpoint, accessible by funicular above the castle, adds to the impressive panorama.
Along the path, stone benches and the Philosophers' Garden ("Philosophengärtchen") invite visitors to pause and take in the scenery at their leisure. These tranquil spots provide the perfect opportunity to reflect on the beauty of the landscape and perhaps engage in some philosophical contemplation, as the name suggests.
2) Philosophengartchen (Philosophers' Garden)
This beautiful, sun-soaked garden feels like a natural balcony, filled with a variety of exotic plants. Thanks to the mild climate along the Philosopher's Path, many plants from subtropical regions, such as almond trees, lemon trees, and ginkgo trees, thrive here and have become native to the area.
The garden offers a lovely view of the city. You can relax on one of the benches or the beautiful grassy areas, breathing in the fresh air while taking in the scenery. Keep in mind that it's a hilltop area, so bring a water bottle and wear good shoes, as it can get quite slippery when wet. It's definitely a spot you won't want to miss, perfect for photos.
The garden offers a lovely view of the city. You can relax on one of the benches or the beautiful grassy areas, breathing in the fresh air while taking in the scenery. Keep in mind that it's a hilltop area, so bring a water bottle and wear good shoes, as it can get quite slippery when wet. It's definitely a spot you won't want to miss, perfect for photos.
3) Eichendorff-Anlage (Eichendorff Park)
On your way to the highest point of Heiligenberg, you'll come across the Eichendorff-Anlage, a charming little park below the Bismarck Tower that invites you to linger.
Few poets have shaped the image of Heidelberg as the City of Romanticism more than Joseph von Eichendorff in his later works. Reflecting on the passage of space and time with an idealistic view, Eichendorff evoked the emotions of bygone days in the opening and closing lines of his 1855 narrative poem "Robert and Guiscard". Heidelberg, where he studied law, philosophy, and literature from 1807 to 1808, is portrayed as a fairytale realm of Romantic longing and unrestrained youth. A commemorative plaque on the mountainside of the park features an excerpt from his famous poem, written two years before his death.
Few poets have shaped the image of Heidelberg as the City of Romanticism more than Joseph von Eichendorff in his later works. Reflecting on the passage of space and time with an idealistic view, Eichendorff evoked the emotions of bygone days in the opening and closing lines of his 1855 narrative poem "Robert and Guiscard". Heidelberg, where he studied law, philosophy, and literature from 1807 to 1808, is portrayed as a fairytale realm of Romantic longing and unrestrained youth. A commemorative plaque on the mountainside of the park features an excerpt from his famous poem, written two years before his death.
4) Bismarck-Saule (Bismarck Tower)
A Bismarck Tower is a specific type of monument built in a mostly standardized design throughout Germany to honor the country's first chancellor, Otto von Bismarck (d. 1898). Approximately 240 of these towers have been cataloged, all constructed between 1869 and 1934, with around 173 still standing today.
Each Bismarck Tower was designed as a beacon, with their braziers lit on specific days to commemorate Bismarck's role in unifying Germany in 1871. While most towers included fire installations, the plan for a nationwide beaconing event did not materialize, leading many local initiatives to adopt unique designs. A notable architect involved in these projects was Wilhelm Kreis, who erected 58 towers.
The Bismarck Tower near Eichendorff-Anlage park in Heidelberg was built in 1903 and features a relief of an eagle with the serpent of discord. At its summit sits a cast-iron fire bowl about eight feet in diameter. Visitors can enter the tower and climb the steps to enjoy an impressive view of Heidelberg's Old Town and the surrounding area.
Each Bismarck Tower was designed as a beacon, with their braziers lit on specific days to commemorate Bismarck's role in unifying Germany in 1871. While most towers included fire installations, the plan for a nationwide beaconing event did not materialize, leading many local initiatives to adopt unique designs. A notable architect involved in these projects was Wilhelm Kreis, who erected 58 towers.
The Bismarck Tower near Eichendorff-Anlage park in Heidelberg was built in 1903 and features a relief of an eagle with the serpent of discord. At its summit sits a cast-iron fire bowl about eight feet in diameter. Visitors can enter the tower and climb the steps to enjoy an impressive view of Heidelberg's Old Town and the surrounding area.
5) Merianblick (Merian's View)
Merianblick, or Merian's View, is a sandstorm platform located along the Philosophenweg, or Philosopher's Way. The platform holds an illustration of a 1620s copperplate engraving of Heidelberg. Merianblick was created by Matthaus Merian. He was a Swiss engraver who specialized in topographical works.
The platform looks over the old city of Heidelberg, which allows tourists to compare the map with the existing city. The map itself shows the city prior to the Thirty Years War within the Holy Roman Empire from 1618 to 1648, which led to the destruction of Heidelberg.
There are numerous sights to see along Philosophenweg. Along with Merianblick, visitors should stop at the Philosopher's Garden, the Snake Path and Bismarck Tower. Those traveling with children will enjoy the Spielplatz Philosophenweg playground.
The platform looks over the old city of Heidelberg, which allows tourists to compare the map with the existing city. The map itself shows the city prior to the Thirty Years War within the Holy Roman Empire from 1618 to 1648, which led to the destruction of Heidelberg.
There are numerous sights to see along Philosophenweg. Along with Merianblick, visitors should stop at the Philosopher's Garden, the Snake Path and Bismarck Tower. Those traveling with children will enjoy the Spielplatz Philosophenweg playground.
6) Schlangenweg (Snake Path)
Schlangenweg, known in English as the Snake Path, is a footpath that connects the Old Bridge to the Philosopher's Way. It is called the Snake Path due to the walking path's winding nature.
The path was once part of a vineyard. It was called Brückenried as the bridge chapel was located at the start of the path. Its location was the old village of Neuenheim, which was incorporated into the city of Heidelberg in 1891. The vineyard was replaced with gardens and plots of land. Medlar trees, which provide the rare medlar fruit, are located along the sides of the path.
The path itself is flanked by red sandstone walls. There are sandstone pulpits and numerous benches that provide views of Heidelberg's old town. The path can be accessed at any time but it is best viewed during daylight hours when views of the Neckar River are at their peak.
The path was once part of a vineyard. It was called Brückenried as the bridge chapel was located at the start of the path. Its location was the old village of Neuenheim, which was incorporated into the city of Heidelberg in 1891. The vineyard was replaced with gardens and plots of land. Medlar trees, which provide the rare medlar fruit, are located along the sides of the path.
The path itself is flanked by red sandstone walls. There are sandstone pulpits and numerous benches that provide views of Heidelberg's old town. The path can be accessed at any time but it is best viewed during daylight hours when views of the Neckar River are at their peak.
Walking Tours in Heidelberg, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Heidelberg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Heidelberg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Heidelberg Introduction Walking Tour
Heidelberg is located on the Neckar River and is Baden-Württemberg’s fifth-largest city. One-quarter of the approximately 160,000 residents are students. Heidelberg University was founded in 1386 and is Germany’s oldest and one of Europe’s most prestigious universities. In addition, Heidelberg is home to internationally acclaimed research facilities, including four Max Planck Institutes.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
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