Find your cruise

Heidelberg River Cruises

About Heidelberg 

Heidelberg is located in South-west Germany on the banks of the Neckar River, which is a tributary of the Rhine River. Many Rhine cruises include a stop at the port of Speyer and it is from here that you can join an excursion to the nearby city of Heidelberg. The city’s origins as a settlement lie way back in the fifth century BC, when a Celtic fortress and place of worship were built. The Romans further developed in the area from 40AD onwards and remained there until 260AD, when Germanic tribes conquered the camp. The first reference to Heidelberg as a city was 1196 and it was in this year that the city was officially founded. Later in its history, Heidelberg was the headquarters of a revolutionary army during the 1848 revolutions and emerged relatively unscathed following allied bombings during the Second World War. 

Exploring Heidelberg 

The Altstadt is Heidelberg’s Old Town and as you would imagine from the name, is home to many of its most historical buildings. Most excursion in Heidelberg will take place here, as there’s so much to see within a relatively short distance. 

The Old Town and indeed, Heidelberg’s most famous attraction is the university, which dates all the way back to 1386 and is the oldest university in Germany. It still functions as a university today and you can explore the picturesque grounds during your time there, with particular highlights inside including the ornate wood-carved Lecture Hall, the Library and the Student Prison. There’s an informative museum too and a guided tour is the best way to get the most out of your visit. Elsewhere in the Old Town, you’ll find the Old Bridge, officially known as the Karl-Theodor Bridge, which crosses the Neckar River and dates back to the 18th century. It’s a popular landmark and a photo of the river from the midpoint is always a popular choice. Conveniently if you’re in need of a little retail therapy, Hauptstrasse, the city’s main shopping street can also be found here.

You’ll also pass through the Old Town on your way to one of the city’s other most popular landmarks and attractions, Heidelberg Castle, which dates back to the early 1300s. The structure has certainly had some very mixed fortunes, having been expanded over the years, then gradually demolished in the 17th and 18th centuries, then partially rebuilt again. Today, though it essentially remains a ruin, there are plenty of rooms to explore and the view from the top is well worth the climb. For a thoughtful river stroll away from the tourist crowds, be sure to head to Philosopher’s Way, a famous picturesque path along the Neckar River which has been a source of inspiration for a number of history’s most famous philosophers throughout history. The Thingstatte is another key tourist attraction, an amphitheatre-like structure which was the brainchild of Joseph Goebbels during the time of Nazi rule and a place he envisioned where thousands of people would meet. 

Heidelberg tips 

If you're in search of that traditional German Pretzel experience, Heidelberg is a great place to have it, with a wealth of traditional bakeries to be found on Hauptstrasse.

Heidelberg Itineraries

Basel

Rhine Christmas Markets with Switzerland

2 sailing dates December 2024
11 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Zurich
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £4719pp
Lucerne

The Majestic Rhine & Lucerne - Zurich

2 sailing dates June 2024 to July 2024
10 Nights From Frankfurt, to Zurich
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3299pp
Strasbourg

Zurich - Lucerne & Jewels Of The Rhine

11 sailing dates May 2024 to October 2024
10 Nights From Zurich, to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3019pp
Heidelberg

Christmas Markets on the Rhine from Amsterdam

1 sailing date December 2023
7 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Switzerland , Basel
Emerald Cruises logo CALL
Heidelberg

Jewels Of The Rhine - Amsterdam to Basel

2 sailing dates August 2024 to October 2024
9 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Zurich
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2769pp
Basel

Jewels Of The Rhine - Zurich to Amsterdam

8 sailing dates May 2024 to October 2024
12 Nights From Zurich, to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3559pp
Lucerne

Amsterdam & Jewels Of The Rhine - Amsterdam

1 sailing date August 2024
12 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Zurich
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3929pp
Koblenz

Christmas Markets on the Rhine from Basel

3 sailing dates December 2024 to December 2025
7 Nights From Basel, Switzerland to , Amsterdam, Netherlands
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2149pp
Rudesheim

Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg from Cologne

1 sailing date October 2024
7 Nights From Cologne, Germany to Cologne
Riviera Travel logo FROM £2459pp
Heidelberg

Christmas Markets on the Rhine -Amsterdam to Basel

1 sailing date December 2024
7 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Switzerland , Basel
Emerald Cruises logo CALL
Strasbourg

Jewels Of The Rhine - Amsterdam to Basel

27 sailing dates May 2024 to October 2025
7 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Switzerland , Basel

Book now to take advantage of HUGE savings | Includes flights and overseas transfers.

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £1699pp
Amsterdam

Rhine Christmas Markets - Amsterdam to Zurich

2 sailing dates December 2024
7 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Zurich
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £3159pp
Koblenz

Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg

13 sailing dates April 2024 to October 2024
7 Nights From Cologne, Germany to Cologne

Enjoy a free Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week on all 2024 European river cruises

Riviera Travel logo FROM £1699pp
Breisach

Rhine Highlights - Amsterdam to Basel

12 sailing dates April 2024 to October 2024
7 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Switzerland , Basel

Book now to take advantage of HUGE savings | Includes flights and overseas transfers.

Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £2459pp
Amsterdam

Romantic Rhine - Amsterdam to Basel

1 sailing date December 2023
7 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Switzerland , Basel
Avalon Waterways logo CALL
Heidelberg

Christmas Markets Along the Rhine - Southbound

1 sailing date December 2021
7 Nights From Koln, Germany to Switzerland , Basel
Tauck logo CALL
Basel

Romantic Rhine - Basel to Amsterdam

1 sailing date December 2023
7 Nights From Basel, Switzerland to , Amsterdam
Avalon Waterways logo CALL
Rudesheim

The Majestic Rhine - Basel to Frankfurt

2 sailing dates June 2024 to July 2024
7 Nights From Basel, Switzerland to , Frankfurt

Book now to take advantage of HUGE savings | Includes flights and overseas transfers.

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £1889pp
Heidelberg

Rhine Holiday Markets - Cologne to Basel

6 sailing dates November 2024 to December 2025
7 Nights From Cologne, Germany to Switzerland , Basel
Uniworld River Cruises logo FROM £3299pp
Strasbourg

Jewels of the Rhine - Basel to Amsterdam

30 sailing dates May 2024 to October 2025
7 Nights From Basel, Switzerland to , Amsterdam, Netherlands

Book now to take advantage of HUGE savings | Includes flights and overseas transfers.

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £1699pp

General Enquiry

Title
First Name
Last Name
Phone Number
Email Address
Adult
Children
Infant
Cruise Destination
Departure Month
Duration
Cruise Line
Cabin Type
Call back time
Special
requirements
Airport
preference

By providing your email address and clicking the Submit button, you consent to us sending you cruise holiday deals by email. For further details, please see our Privacy Policy here .