Heiligenberg

Heiligenberg is a wooded mountain overlooking Heidelberg, rising above the surrounding landscape with dense forest on all sides. Multiple walking trails crisscross the slopes, letting visitors choose routes based on how long they want to spend on the mountain.

Humans first settled on this mountain around 5500 BCE, with Celtic and Roman peoples later building religious structures there. Medieval monks established two monasteries that shaped the mountain's story for hundreds of years.

The remains of two medieval monasteries sit on the slopes, reflecting the mountain's former role as a spiritual center for the region. Locals and visitors connect to this past when they walk among the old stones and foundations.

Well-marked trails climb the mountain from different starting points, with parking available at the base of the slopes. Sturdy shoes are important, and the driest seasons offer the most comfortable walking conditions underfoot.

A large open-air theater was built on the mountain in the 1930s, though it no longer hosts performances and its structure has changed over time. Visitors can still explore the remains and understand how this space once brought crowds together.