Travel
Boat Tours on the Neckar: Heidelberg from the Water
Heidelberg looks best from the river. The castle, the Old Bridge and the wooded slopes line up into a panorama you simply do not get on foot, and the boats leave from the middle of the Old Town.
Why take a boat in Heidelberg
From the water, the Old Town, the castle and the forested hills behind them stack up into one view. That is the whole argument for a boat tour, and it holds for families, couples and groups alike. Trips start right in the Old Town, run anywhere from under an hour to half a day, and require no prior planning to book.
Which tours run in Heidelberg
The sightseeing loop, the classic
The shortest and most popular option is the sightseeing loop on the Neckar. It takes about 50 minutes, passes the castle, the Old Bridge and the Neckarwiese, and is the right choice if your time in the city is tight. Boarding is central, at the Stadthalle (city hall concert venue). Prices start at around 18 euros for adults, with a reduced rate for children.
The castle tour to Neckarsteinach
With more time, head upstream through the narrow, green Neckar valley to Neckarsteinach, the Vierburgenstadt or “four castle town.” These scheduled sailings run several times a day in season, and the boat passes through a lock on the way. You can get off in Neckarsteinach or Neckargemünd, look at the castles and take a later boat back.
The solar boat and themed sailings
One operator runs an emissions free solar boat that moves down the Neckar very quietly. On top of that come seasonal themed sailings: trips timed to the castle illumination so you watch the fireworks from the water, brunch and evening cruises, and charters for private celebrations.
Season and departure times
The excursion boats are seasonal and generally run from late March to early November. In high season the loops depart several times a day, often on a rhythm of 10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm and 4:30pm. Exact times and dates depend on the operator, the day of the week and the water level, so check them on the operator’s own website before you go.
| Tour | Duration | Adult price from | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sightseeing loop | approx. 50 min | approx. 18 euros | approx. late March to early November |
| Castle tour to Neckarsteinach | approx. 1 to 2 hrs each way | depends on distance | summer half of the year |
| Castle illumination cruise | evening sailing | special rate | 3 dates in summer |
Note: prices and times are guide values and can change from season to season. Binding information comes from the operator.
Docks and getting there
The central docks are on the Old Town side of the Neckar, among them the Stadthalle and a landing near the Old Bridge. From Bismarckplatz or the Hauptstraße it is only a few minutes on foot. By bus or tram, get off at any of the stops around the Old Town.
Tips for the trip
- Book ahead on holidays. On warm weekends and around the castle illumination, sailings fill up fast.
- Sit on the sunny side. For photos of the castle, take the side facing the Old Town.
- Combine it with the Neckarwiese. After the trip, the Neckarwiese is the natural place to end the day.
- Check the weather. High water or storms can cancel sailings at short notice.
Make an evening of it
An evening sailing pairs well with a night in the Old Town, which puts you within walking distance of the sights the next morning. See our hotel guide for places near the docks.
Frequently asked questions
Where do boat tours in Heidelberg start? The central docks are on the Old Town bank of the Neckar, among them the Stadthalle and a landing near the Old Bridge.
How long does a boat tour take? The classic loop takes about 50 minutes. Trips to Neckarsteinach take one to two hours in each direction.
What does a boat tour in Heidelberg cost? The sightseeing loop starts at around 18 euros for adults, with a reduced rate for children. Longer routes and special sailings cost more.
When is the best time for a boat tour? The season runs from late March to early November. The evening sailings and the dates around the castle illumination have the best atmosphere.