Duration: 2-3 hours, with additional 2 hours for optional Castle tour Heidelberg is the most prominent castle ruin in Germany. Featured Image Photo Credit: © Cheryl Koller, Categories: Attractions, Castles, Rest of Germany, Rest of Germany, Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Heidelberg, Schwetzingen- Gardens, Music Festivals & More. The castle is clearly visible from nearly everywhere in this amazing city. The forecourt is the area enclosed between the main gate, the upper prince's well, the Elisabeth gate, the castle gate and the entrance to the garden. In the era it was created, public taxes were paid in goods and of course, what was being produced in that area at the time was wine. It’s a castle that I’ve heard my parents talk about for many years. A Day Trip to Lisbon, Portugal, Fitness, Food & Wine ~ A Culinary Experience in Germany, Top Reasons to Partner with a Travel Advisor. © 2020 Military in Germany. Castle Opening Hours: Castle, Courtyard, and Heidelberg Tun are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can only visit the interior of the castle as part of a guided tour. Even though the Heidelberg castle has some interesting history (it has burned after being struck by lightning TWICE), its attraction is more due to the romantic appearance of the ruins, which loom over the town. It was late August and absolutely beautiful and HOT (which we would soon come to know was a rare treat in Germany). Featuring the world’s largest wine barrel, this highly atmospheric location is ideal for travelers interested in history as well as viticulture. Options: Private rooms and group bookings for up to 150 guests. Around 1800 it was used by the overseer for drying laundry. })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); Even though the castle has some interesting history (it has burned after being struck by lightning TWICE), its attraction is more due to the romantic appearance of the ruins, which loom over the town. Big shock, I know. It’s been my pleasure to give private tours of this beautiful city and whole region for over 5 years. Later on it was used for grazing cattle, and chickens and geese were kept here. Its construction reputedly required 130 full-sized oak trees and the fass can hold up to 221,726 litres (58,574 gallons). With the lit up streets and snow covered roof tops, the views from the castle were absolutely stunning. We last visited the Heidelberg Castle in October when my parents were visiting. Author’s Profile: Cheryl Koller is a native of Georgia. Each year, Heidelberg Palace attracts around a million visitors from all over the world. I think the most interesting thing to see at the castle is the German Pharmacy Museum. Its original capacity was 221,726 liters (58,573 US Gallons). Following an optional private tour of the castle, your group will receive an exclusive sampling of white, red, and rose wines from several of Germany’s wine regions including local Heidelberg wineries. Oh, and it serves as a dance floor since they built one on top of the tun. The 220000 liter barrel in the cellar is mindblowing. You can also enjoy a wine tasting. Heidelberg castle is home to the largest wine keg in the world!" s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); Three daughters…..what are you gonna do? We decided not to take a guided tour, but to instead just stroll the Courtyard and garden, Heidelberg Tun (Big Wine Barrel), and the German Pharmacy Museum (Deutsches Apothekenmuseum). No Heidelberg wine tasting is complete without a visit to the Tun! Only rarely being used to hold wine since it was constructed in 1751, the Heidelberg Castle wine barrel now features a dance floor constructed on top of it. You can also enjoy a wine tasting. However you choose to spend your time, the whole of the splendid castle courtyard is open for you to wander about. Its original capacity was 221,726 liters (58,573 US Gallons).