• Kornmarkt 1 - Enjoy a stunning view of Heidelberg Castle from this location.

• Market Square (Marktplatz) - Until the 19th century, Heidelberg’s market square was the site of public executions and corporal punishments. For instance, in 1572, the Protestant theologian Johannes Sylvanus was executed here for promoting heretical antitrinitarian beliefs.

• Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche) - Discover the story behind the pretzels on the church wall.

• Hotel Zum Ritter - Built in 1592 by cloth merchant Carolus (Charles) Belier, who fled Habsburg Valenciennes due to his Protestant faith, this Renaissance building is the only civic structure that survived the great fire of 1693 during the War of the Palatine Succession.

• Mittelbadgasse - This street is named after a public bathhouse, the former middle bath. The bath alleys housed various bathing rooms, popular with soldiers, students, monks, and professors, especially during the Thirty Years’ War. Besides beer, food, and bathing, other services were available.

• Old Bridge (Karl Theodor Bridge) - Constructed in 1788 under Elector Karl Theodore, the Old Bridge of Neckar Valley Sandstone is the ninth bridge at this site and is now one of Heidelberg’s most iconic landmarks.

• Brückenaffe - The original bridge monkey sat grinning in the old monkey tower, mockingly greeting strangers. The tower and figure were lost when the city was destroyed. The new bridge monkey now holds a golden mirror to visitors and welcomes them with a mocking poem, unlike its predecessors, it neither grabs its hindquarters nor displays the mano cornuta (Italian for ‘horned hand’).

• Studentenkarzer - Established in 1545, the first Heidelberg Karzer allowed detainees to purchase food and drinks from nearby inns (at their own expense) and provided regular release for longer sentences.

• Universitätsplatz - Old University, New University, University Library

The former Paradeplatz or Ludwigsplatz extends west and south of the Old University and is bordered on the south by the New University. It is situated on the main road and covers the foundations of the former Augustinian monastery. Along the western edge, Grabengasse marks the course of the first city fortification.

• Hexenturm - The Witch Tower is the only remaining defensive tower of Heidelberg’s medieval city fortifications, now located near the New University. The name reflects the era of witch persecution, as some towers were used to imprison those accused of witchcraft pending trial, torture, and sentencing. Hidden from the urban hustle and bustle, prisoners were tortured and abused. Even if women were acquitted, they were held until court costs were paid.

• St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche) - As Heidelberg’s oldest church, St. Peter’s was built before the city was likely founded in 1220 or earlier. A document from 1196 mentions St. Peter, marking the first recorded mention of the village Heidelberg. The church is the burial site of numerous professors, including Marsilius von Inghen, the founding rector of Heidelberg University, and a victim of the so-called Holzlips gang…

• Costumed city guide for up to 1.5 hours
• Provision of costume and equipment for the tour guide

• Snacks

Discover why he was skilled not only in beheading but also in managing waste during this tour with Heidelberg’s executioner. Learn why people visited the bather not just for bathing, but also because he served as a doctor for the common folk.

Join an exciting quest for clues through Heidelberg’s historic old town. Enjoy this fascinating journey of discovery, tracing the footsteps of a profession from a bygone era.

• The listed attractions are not visited from the inside, so there are no admission fees.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.