Himmelsleiter Heidelberg – Heidelberg Castle loop from Neckargemünd

Hiking trails & Routes

Himmelsleiter Heidelberg – Heidelberg Castle loop from Neckargemünd

Hard

4.5

(51)

166

hikers

Himmelsleiter Heidelberg – Heidelberg Castle loop from Neckargemünd

05:56

19.6km

570m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 7, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Naturpark Neckartal-Odenwald

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

2.56 km

View of the Neckar River and Schlierbach

Highlight • Viewpoint

From the hiking trail that runs along the slopes of the Kleiner Odenwald, you have a magnificent view down into the Neckar valley. Between the Odenwald and the Kleiner Odenwald, the river has deeply carved its way into the mountains, forming a picturesque breakthrough valley.

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3.23 km

View of the Neckar River

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You don't really have that much of a view behind the trees here

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9.09 km

View of Heidelberg from Naturpark Neckartal-Odenwald

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From the 568 meter high Königstuhl you can enjoy a wonderful view over the Neckar valley, the Rhine plain and - when visibility is good - even as far as Alsace.

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9.21 km

View of Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley from Königsstuhl

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Pack your bike and head to the Königsstuhl in Heidelberg! The way up is sweaty, but the trails through the forest are just right for real mountain bike fans. Once you're at the top, you've more than earned the sunset: just chill out on the edge, enjoy the view of Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley and end the day with a great view. It's best to take a short break with a snack and a cold bottle - then it will be perfect. Then you can look forward to the descent, because the way down is at least as much fun as the way up!

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9.27 km

Heidelberg Ladder to Heaven

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Neckarsteig starts off sportingly: Around 1,200 roughly hewn natural stones lead you up the "Himmelsleiter" (Stairway to Heaven), which takes you to the Königsstuhl. From up there, you have a great view of Heidelberg. However, you will often not find peace here: the Königsstuhl is a popular tourist destination. By the way, if the climb is too strenuous for you, you can enjoy the ascent by "funicular".

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10.7 km

Heidelberg Castle

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The huge castle of Heidelberg is itself as a ruin one of the most beautiful castles of Germany. Unlike Neuschwanstein Castle, Heidelberg Castle has a history of almost 900 years. Its foundation goes back to Konrad the Staufer, half brother of King Friedrich Barbarossa, who relocated his seat of rule to Heidelberg around 1180. In the centuries of its existence, the enormous fortification was repeatedly expanded, besieged, conquered and damaged. The greatest devastation suffered the palace in the Palatinate War of Succession, when the victorious French blew up large parts of the castle. For many years, the ruin fell into ruin and was partially restored only from the late 19th century. Today, the castle is lovingly maintained and houses a medieval museum and the German Pharmacy Museum. Opening times and entrance fees can be found at schloss-heidelberg.de/besucherinformation/preise

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11.1 km

Kornmarkt

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From the 13th century, the Holy Spirit Hospital was located on the Kornmarkt. The outline of the former chapel of the hospital is identified by the paving on the square.

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11.2 km

Kornmarkt Fountain and View of Heidelberg Castle

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Idyllic place full of flair in the old town.

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19.6 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

8.20 km

4.14 km

3.70 km

2.74 km

683 m

123 m

Surfaces

6.68 km

5.19 km

4.24 km

3.38 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (560 m)

Lowest point (110 m)

Weather

Tuesday 13 October

19°C

8°C

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Comments

December 26, 2023,Der Königstuhl – Heidelberger Schloss Runde von Neckargemünd

Nice trip for Boxing Day. It went from Neckargemünd over the mountain to Heidelberg Castle. Pure nature. Oh yes, there were some trees on the path again. You should be a little fitter for the tour, as the climb is quite tough. Especially at the top of the Königstuhl you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view. The path then …

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