""The only way is up" - Castle Path / Burgweg" Top 5 Page for this destination Castle/Schloss Tip by JessH

History teaches us that the best fortresses & castles have always been built on a steep slope for military purposes. This made it difficult for the enemy to approach, and easier for the castle to defend itself (we all know of archers and the horror-stories of pouring molten-hot tar on the enemy, etc...) Heidelberg Castle is no exception.

There are 3 ways of getting to the castle:
a) take the "Burgweg" (=castle path). A steep cobbled path starting at the Kornmarkt (my favourite way to walk)
b) take the stairs (over 300 steps)
c) take the Funicular.

WALKING is of course the healthiest & most traditional option... and just when you think you're about to collapse, imagine ascending this steep path every day in full knight's armour! Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the sense of achievement when you've reached the top :-)

The FUNICULAR railway line is 489 metres long & at its steepest point has a 43% gradient. The 2 split-level cars each carry 50 people & travels at about 4 metres per second.
--> In 2007 the railway line celebrates its 100th birthday!

Address: Old Town, Heidelberg
Directions: Take the Bus 33 & get-off at the stop "Kornmarkt/Bergbahn (Funicular)". From there you can either walk to the castle or take the Funicular.
Website: http://www.bergbahn-heidelberg.de/