Trains to Heidelberg Hbf

Heidelberg train station

 Heidelberg is known for being the home of Germany’s oldest university, which was built in this charming riverside town during the 14th century. In contrast to the historic renown of the town, Heidelberg train station is a modern building situated across the Neckar River from the university, and west of the old town. It is one of the largest stations in the Baden-Württemberg state, and it sees over 42,000 travellers passing through each day. The station serves long-distance lines and the regional S-Bahn network, as well as local trains. Trains run direct from Frankfurt regularly and this journey takes just 51 minutes, while a direct train from Stuttgart takes only 49 minutes. Day trips from lovely Karlsruhe involve a 43-minute journey, or it’s a 13-minute journey from Mannheim. Visitors can catch buses from the station to all the town’s main attractions, and also to its smaller train station, Heidelberg-Altstadt.

Main attractions near Heidelberg train station

 To see the town’s top attractions, arrivals at Heidelberg train station need to hop on a 20-minute bus ride or take a 30-minute stroll along the banks of the Neckar to reach the old town. Getting off at the Alte Brücke coach station, visitors will soon see Heidelberg’s Old Bridge, as well as the Brückenaffe, which is also known as the Heidelberg Bridge Monkey! This curious bronze sculpture was installed in the 1970s, but it harks back to a 15th-century tradition, and it is said that those who cross fingers with the monkey are sure to return to Heidelberg.

It is difficult not to notice the majestic Heidelberger Schloss. The amber ruins are an eclectic mix of Medieval and Renaissance architecture, and only a 20-minute walk from the Old Bridge. Having arrived at the castle, visitors can wander through the verdant Schlossgarten, with its spectacular views over the valley. Alternatively, tourists might like to head away from the bridge and into the Marktplatz for a taste of more beautiful architecture. This only takes 3 minutes on foot. For a building that mixes the historic with the contemporary, travellers should head 4 minutes west to the Studentenkarzer. The building used to be a prison for misbehaved university students, but it now acts as a proud tribute to their defiance.

As for grabbing a quick bite when arriving at Heidelberg train station, visitors needn’t stray too far. Just 10 minutes on foot from the station, the Bergheim district is bursting with cafes, ranging from trendy to traditional, so visitors just need to take their pick!