During our Enchanting Rhine River Cruise with AmaWaterways, we found so many things to do in Heidelberg during our fun morning in the city. The cruise line provided us with three different excursions to choose from, and because I always enjoy a walk through the woods, I opted for the “Philosopher’s Hike.” My travelling companion, Heather, chose the “Secrets of Speyer” tour so she could visit a German castle. We went our separate ways for the morning, with a plan to compare tours at lunch time.

Before I describe our morning in Heidelberg, here’s the full itinerary of our 7 day Enchanting Rhine River cruise. We visted a total of four different countries, including Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

• Day 1–Embarkation in Basel, Switzerland
• Day 2–Riquewihr and Strasbourg, France
• Day 3–Strasbourg, France
• Day 4–Heidelberg and Rudesheim, Germany
• Day 5–Rudesheim and the Rhine Gorge followed by Lahneck Castle in Lahnstein, Germany
• Day 6–Cologne, Germany
• Day 7–Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Day 8–Disembarkation in Amsterdam

After breakfast on the ship, the various excursion groups met outside to board their respective tour buses for the morning. The drive out to Heidelberg was scenic, and the bus was very comfortable.

Our guide met our small tour group of about eight guests once we stepped off the bus. We quickly set off on a walk through the historic neighbourhood surrounding Heidelberg University, founded in 1386. The walk toward the forest trail was about 30 minutes. The weather was overcast and a little cool, perfect for walking and hiking.

About the Philosopher’s Trail

Also known as the Philosophenweg, the trail is rather famous. Located on the northern banks of the Neckar River, the path offers stunning views of the city of Heidelberg, including Heidelberg Castle and the Old Bridge. The trail is called the Philosopher’s Trail because it was a favourite place for philosophers and scholars from Heidelberg University to walk and engage in deep thought.

The trail is easily accessible and popular among tourists, but locals also use it for jogging, walking and getting out to enjoy nature. Depending on the season, Enchanting Rhine river cruise guests might see cherry trees in bloom, vineyards or other plants along the trail. Some parts of the trail include historical markers or signage that describes the local plant life.

I found the trail itself to be wide and easy to navigate, and our pace was fairly brisk. The forest itself was beautiful, with a lot of gorgeous fall colours. The spectacular view of the city below was worth every step to the top of the trail.

Quick Tips for Navigating the Philosopher’s Trail on Your Rhine Excursion

Based on my experience on the trail, here are my tips for an enjoyable hike or walk on the trail.

• Wear comfortable shoes. The hike itself isn’t terribly strenuous, but there are some areas where the terrain is inclined.
• Dress for the weather. Layer your clothing and consider bringing along a rain coat or umbrella, depending on the forecast and season.
• Bring a camera and a pair of binoculars. There are a lot of opportunities to take some great photos along the trail, and therefore, you might find it helpful to view historical landmarks with a pair of binoculars.
• Remember, local residents use these trails regularly, so keep alert and keep to the right to allow faster hikers or cyclists to pass on the left.

As the trail walk ended, we walked back across the Old Bridge into the Old Town, where we wandered and explored on our own for about half an hour.

After that, we met up with the rest of the passengers from the Enchanting Rhine cruise, who were on other tours in the area, and boarded the bus back to the ship for lunch.

What else is there to do in Heidelberg During Your Rhine River Cruise?

Whether you are visiting Heidelberg during a river cruise, or you’re just stopping for the day, there are many ways to spend time in this lovely city. Here are some suggestions.

Visit Heidelberg Castle

One of the most iconic landmarks in this city, the historic castle overlooks the city and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. Take the funicular railway up to the castle for an easier climb and a unique experience.

Stroll the Old Town (Altstadt)

Wander the cobblestone streets, lined with charming shops, cafés and historical buildings. Visit the central square, which often hosts markets and events.

Walk the Old Bridge

A stroll on this beautiful old stone bridge offers excellent views of the castle and the Neckar River. Check out the bridge gate and the statue of the bridge monkey. Superstition states that if you touch the monkey’s paw, you’ll visit Heidelberg again! (Yes, I touched the paw.)

Explore Heidelberg University

Visit the Studentenkarzer, the historic student prison, which is now a museum. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the university library, a beautiful building with a vast collection of texts.

Visit Churches

The Church of the Holy Spirit is a gothic church located in the heart of the Old Town, while the Jesuit Church is also a striking religious building worth visiting.

Tour the Neckar River

Take a scenic boat tour along the river for a different perspective of the city, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverbank.

Museums

The Palatinate Museum offers exhibits on art, archaeology and local history, and the German Apothecary Museum, located inside Heidelberg Castle showcases the history of pharmaceuticals and medicine.

Gardens and Parks

Operated by Heidelberg University, the botanical garden is a peaceful place to enjoy a variety of plants. The Neckarwiese, a large park along the river, is a great spot for a picnic and people-watching.

Culinary Delights

Sample local German cuisine, like Bratwurst or pretzels. Enjoy a local beer in one of the city’s welcoming beer gardens.

Shopping

One of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the high street, or “Hauptstraße” is filled with shops ranging from high-end boutiques to quant local stores.

Heidelberg is a city steeped in interesting history, being home to Germany’s oldest university. As a result, the combination of natural beauty and intellectual heritage makes the Philosopher’s Trail a unique experience for anyone interested in soaking up the atmosphere of a historic European city. We loved our morning in Heidelberg during our Enchanting Rhine river cruise.

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