Heidelberg Leisure

Both locals and visitors can enjoy an array of sports and leisure activities in Heidelberg. Since it is a university town, Heidelberg offers a number of things that the students can enjoy when they want a break from their studies. There are also exclusive tours for holidaymakers, with the highlight being the exciting helicopter tours. Shopping in Heidelberg is also fun and relaxing, as you don’t have to squeeze into the malls to get what you want.

Swimming

This is a perfect activity when the sun gets too strong and the air conditioning in the malls gives you a headache. Cool yourself down at one of the public outdoor swimming pools in Heidelberg such as Thermalschwimmbad, located 10 minutes drive from Bismarckplatz, and Schwimmbad, which is also an ideal place for a family day out, as this place is next to the zoo and a disco.

Sunbathing and boating

These activities can be enjoyed around the area by the river, across from the Old Town, which is usually packed during summer, as people come here to indulge themselves in the sunshine. If you are bored of just lazing around, head to the new bridge, where you can hire pedal boats and pedal away along the river. Rowing boats are also available for hire.

Helicopter tours

Famous among visitors who want to fill their vacation with some excitement, helicopter tours of Heidelberg take you up high and show you around Heidelberg. Witness the panoramic views of Heidelberg Castle, the River Neckar and the surrounding areas. Tours last around 30 minutes and can carry up to four people, with the fare levied per person. For more information, visit: www.e-heidelberg.com/accomodation/helicopter.html.

Trekking and mountain biking

Around Heiligenberg, 30 to 45 minutes drive from the Philosophenweg, you can embark on an unforgettable trip to many exquisite sites around the area. This can be quite challenging and much more difficult than climbing up to the Philosophenweg itself. Visit an open-air amphitheatre dating back to 1935, built by the Nazis using forced labour. Walking on to the top of the steps will give you a spectacular view from the highest point of the hill. Behind the amphitheatre is the ruins of an old monastery built in the 9th century. If you walk a bit further, a guesthouse with a beer garden can be found, much to the delight of exhausted trekkers.

Shopping

Shopping in Heidelberg is a pleasurable experience, as you don’t have to make your way through the crowds for the items you have an eye for. Heidelberg does not have huge malls, but its shopping streets are equipped with many shops that boast international brands. Walk along the Hauptstrasse in the pedestrainised area, a pretty shopping street with a variety of shops, cafés and bistros. Also, check out the streets in the Old Town, where you can find shops selling clothes, jewellery and old porcelain, blending the old and the new worlds together.