Getting out and about

Heidelberg has plenty to offer for lovers of the great outdoors

The landscape around Heidelberg is mainly wooded hills, with the Heiligenberg (330 meters) and the Königstuhl (576.8 meters) forming an attractive green backdrop to the city’s lively, picturesque Old Town. For those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is just a few minutes’ walk to the city forest, where a whole series of themed paths and adventure trails await, ready to whisk visitors away on thrilling journeys. These include the ‘Via Naturae’ path – an engaging introduction to the ecology of the forest, and the painstakingly-prepared ‘Forest Adventure Trail’ (Walderlebnispfad), which should not be missed – particularly by families with children. For cyclists with energy to burn, there is a roughly 300-kilometer network of marked mountain bike trails in the forest, including six circular routes taking riders around the highlights of the Odenwald mountain range. 

City forest

The forest in figures

Heidelberg’s sustainably-managed city forest is a welcome antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Trails and sights

Experience nature the active way

From mountain biking routes to adventure trails, discover all kinds of ways to spend your free time around Heidelberg.
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Barbecue areas

Fun and food in the fresh air

If you enjoy spending evenings around the campfire in the company of good friends, what better place to do this than the barbecue areas in Heidelberg’s city forest.
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Route-marker stones

Unique reminder of the past

Volunteers restore 769 route-marker stones: every stone can be found in the online map of the city – 770th stone donated.
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Geopark

Bergstraße-Odenwald

‘Between Granite and Sandstone’: The Bergstraße-Odenwald UNESCO Geopark.
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Nature Park

Neckartal-Odenwald

The City of Heidelberg is one of a group of local authorities that support the Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park.
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