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Discover the Old Bridge Heidelberg
Welcome to Old Bridge Heidelberg – the historic Old Bridge (Alte Brücke) of Heidelberg, located in the heart of Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. As the city’s central hub for visitors, this famous stone bridge crosses the River Neckar and connects the Old Town with the Philosophers’ Walk. It is the ideal starting point for exploring Heidelberg Castle, the Old Town with Hauptstraße and the funicular to the Königstuhl. On the bridge you will find the Baroque bridge gate with its twin towers and the famous bronze bridge monkey – while the middle of the bridge offers one of the finest views over the river and the castle.
Visitor Tips
- Free and accessible around the clock – open at any time for a stroll or photos
- Best light early in the morning or late in the afternoon
- It can be breezy on the bridge, so bring a light jacket
- Many cafés and traditional German restaurants are located right in the Old Town
Highlights
- Historic architecture: An iconic stone bridge over the River Neckar with rich history and beautiful sculptures.
- Perfect viewpoint: Offers a stunning panorama of Heidelberg Castle and the Old Town.
- Central location: Steps away from Heidelberg's Old Town with many attractions within walking distance.
About the Old Bridge Heidelberg
History, Architecture & Legends
Since 1284From the first wooden bridge through war and rebuilding to today's bronze bridge monkey: the eventful story of a landmark.
The first documented bridge
A Neckar bridge at this spot is first documented in 1284. Wooden bridges of the time had a hard life: as early as 1288 an ice drift destroyed the structure – a fate shared by many of its successors.
The War of the Palatine Succession
In March 1689 French troops under General Mélac blew up the then bridge; in 1693 they ravaged the city once more. For about two decades ferries and a pontoon bridge crossed the Neckar until a new bridge was built in 1706–1708.
The Karl Theodor Bridge rises
Elector Karl Theodor commissioned building inspector Mathias Mayer to construct today's bridge. In just two years a roughly 200-metre stone bridge with nine barrel vaults was built, clad in red sandstone – and it still bears the name of its patron.
The Bridge Gate with its twin towers
The nearly 28-metre twin towers of the bridge gate rise at the southern end. Their core dates from the late-Gothic town wall of the 15th century; the gate was remodelled in the Baroque style in 1709/11. Here the city collected the bridge toll – and in times of danger a portcullis sealed off the entrance.
Destruction in the Second World War
Shortly before American troops entered Heidelberg, Wehrmacht engineers blew up the Neckar bridges. Three arches of the Old Bridge collapsed into the river. Reconstruction began on 14 March 1946 – the rebuilt bridge was ceremonially reopened on 26 July 1947.
The return of the bridge monkey
As early as the 17th century a stone monkey holding a mirror sat on the bridge – a mocking reminder that anyone gazing in wonder at the town is just another "old monkey". The monkey, destroyed in 1689, was recreated in 1979 as a bronze sculpture by Gernot Rumpf; its hollow head still invites visitors to pose for photos.
"Why do you gape at me? Haven't you seen the old monkey of Heidelberg?" – a mocking rhyme that has accompanied the bridge monkey since the 17th century.
The bridge in numbers
- 200 metres long, 7 metres wide and up to 10.4 metres above the Neckar.
- Nine barrel vaults span the river; individual spans range from 12.2 to 22 metres.
- The 2nd and 7th of 8 pillars are wider – they were once intended to carry statues.
- The exterior is faced in red sandstone, the interior is rubble masonry.
- Only the two land arches were rebuilt in 1969/70 – the historic appearance of the bridge is unchanged.
Basic Information
Official Name
Old Bridge Heidelberg
Type
Bridge
Country
Germany
City
Heidelberg
Plus Code
CP75+RR Heidelberg Germany
Google Rating
4.8/5 (18,345)
Address
Old Bridge, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
Opening Hours
Old Bridge (entire bridge)
Free access 24 hours a day – no admission, no seasonal closure
Nearby Attractions
Heidelberg Castle
German Pharmacy Museum (at the castle)
Usually 10:00–17:30
Bridge Monkey & Bridge Towers
Open to visitors around the clock
The Old Bridge is quietest in the early morning and late afternoon – perfect for a stroll or photos
Tickets & Prices
Old Bridge (Karl Theodor Bridge)
Free – open all day
Paid Attractions Nearby
Tip for Your Visit
The bridge sits in the heart of the Old Town – cafés, restaurants and the Hauptstraße shopping mile are all within walking distance
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Toilets, parking, shopping, dining and more – compiled neutrally, without advertising for individual businesses.
Public Toilets
- Public facilities can be found in the Old Town and near the bridgehead; many cafés and restaurants also let guests use theirs.
- Toilets are rare along the Philosophers' Path and in the castle grounds – plan ahead before your walk.
Parking & Getting There
- There is virtually no parking right at the bridge. Use the Old Town car parks or park-and-ride lots on the edge of town, 5–15 minutes' walk away.
- Trams and buses run from the main station into the city centre; the bridge is a short walk from there.
- Motorhomes and coaches have dedicated parking areas outside the Old Town.
Food & Drink
- Around the bridge you will find cafés, bakeries, ice-cream parlours and restaurants serving German and international cuisine.
- For a picnic with a view of the bridge and castle, the Neckar meadows are ideal – self-catered and free of charge.
Where to Stay
- From Old Town hotels to guesthouses, holiday flats and hostels – there is something for every budget.
- Accommodation on the north bank of the Neckar is often quieter and faces the Old Town and castle.
Shopping & Everyday Needs
- Supermarkets, drugstores, souvenir shops, pharmacies and ATMs line the pedestrian zone on Hauptstraße.
- Good to know: in Germany most shops close on Sundays – plan your errands for weekdays.
Fuel & Charging
- Petrol stations are located on the main roads out of town and at the edge of the city – not in the pedestrian zone.
- Charging points for electric cars and e-bikes are available at car parks and public parking spaces across the city.
As an independent, non-profit information project we deliberately do not name individual businesses. Please check opening hours, facilities and prices on site.
Weather in Heidelberg
Current conditions at the Old Bridge and the outlook for the coming days – handy for planning photos, walks and picnics.
Now
12°
Partly cloudy
Feels like
11°
Humidity
82%
Wind
2 km/h
The next few days
Today
21°12°
0%
Fri
24°13°
5%
Sat
24°14°
3%
Sun
24°16°
84%
Mon
24°16°
58%
Getting There
From the Airport
The nearest international airports are Frankfurt (FRA, about 80 km, ~1 hour by train or car) and Stuttgart (STR, about 120 km, ~1.5 hours by car).
By Car
From Frankfurt or Stuttgart you reach Heidelberg via the A5. The Old Town is car-free – use the parking garages P12 (Kornmarkt/castle) or P13 (Karlsplatz) and walk about 5–10 minutes to the Old Bridge.
Public Transport
ICE/IC trains run directly from Frankfurt and Stuttgart to Heidelberg's main station. Tram and bus lines take you into the Old Town within minutes.
Getting Around
The Old Town is compact: from the Old Bridge you can reach the castle funicular (Kornmarkt) and the Hauptstraße on foot within a few minutes.
Cycling & Walking
The Neckar riverside path and the Philosophers' Walk on the opposite bank are perfect for bike tours and hikes.
Travel Tips
Heidelberg is located in Baden-Württemberg and makes an ideal base for exploring the Neckar region, Mannheim and Schwetzingen Palace.
Recommended Walking Route
A Heidelberg Old Town stroll starting at the Old Bridge
Start at the Old Bridge and visit the famous bridge monkey at the Old Town gate
Stroll along the River Neckar and enjoy the view of the Old Town and the castle
Walk through the bridge gate into the Old Town and explore the Hauptstraße pedestrian zone with its cafés and shops
Continue to the Marktplatz with the Church of the Holy Spirit – a great spot for coffee or lunch
Take the historic funicular from Kornmarkt up to Heidelberg Castle; if you have time, ride on to the Königstuhl
Cross the Old Bridge to the Philosophers' Walk on the opposite bank – the finest panorama of the city at sunset
Visitor Notes
- The Old Bridge is a public foot and cycle path, free to use around the clock – no reservation needed.
- There is little free parking in the Old Town – best to use one of the parking garages.
- The path up to the castle leads over historic cobblestones – comfortable shoes are recommended.
More Top Things to Do in Heidelberg
The Old Bridge is the perfect starting point – reach these highlights within minutes on foot or by funicular.
Heidelberg Castle
The famous castle ruin towers over the Old Town and offers the best view of the Old Bridge.
Königstuhl & Funicular Railway
Heidelberg's 568 m house mountain with panoramic views over the Neckar valley and the Rhine plain.
Philosophers' Walk
The famous riverside path on the opposite bank with postcard views of the Old Town.
Old Town & Hauptstraße
The pedestrian zone with half-timbered houses, cafés and shops – one of the longest in Europe.
Best Photo Spots
The Bridge Monkey
Capture the famous monkey statue at the bridge tower with the Old Town in the background
Neckar & Old Town Skyline
The river and the red rooftops of the Old Town make the classic Heidelberg picture
Bridge Gate & Towers
The distinctive round towers of the old bridge gate are an iconic photo subject
View of Heidelberg Castle
From the middle of the bridge, the castle frames the view of the Old Town
Photo Tip
Early in the morning the light falls on the red sandstone facade – and the bridge is usually still quiet.
Staying in Heidelberg
Boutique Hotels in the Old Town
Ideal for those who love Heidelberg's atmosphereJust a few minutes' walk from the bridge and the castle funicular
Cosy Apartments on Hauptstraße
Perfect for families or longer staysWith kitchen, surrounded by restaurants and supermarkets
Hotels on the Neckar Riverside
A quiet stay with a beautiful viewWith views of the river and the Philosophers' Walk, about 10–15 minutes' walk to the bridge
Accommodation Note
Heidelberg and its surroundings offer many highly rated restaurants with traditional German cuisine – from brewpubs to Baden specialities.
Old Bridge Photos
Beautiful views of the Old Bridge Heidelberg
Bridge Monkey
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View over the River Neckar
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Stone arches of the Old Bridge
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Heidelberg Castle in the distance
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Philosophers' Walk
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Neckar riverbank
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Old Town lanes
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Local café
Visitor Reviews
Review information can be viewed via Google Maps (external link).
A beautifully preserved landmark! The stones and statues are full of history, and the view of the castle and the Neckar is priceless. Definitely come for sunset.
The most beautiful place in Heidelberg! From the bridge monkey to the panorama of the Old Town – simply stunning. It can get breezy, so bring a jacket in winter.
An impressive structure. The bridge itself is not long, but the location is perfect – you can reach the Old Town or the castle within minutes. Parking can take a while in high season.
So romantic! In the evening the illuminated bridge with the castle in the background is a dream. I completely fell in love with this city.
The view instantly lifts your mood. From the bridge monkey to the river – everything is beautifully framed. Plenty of lovely cafés nearby.
Absolutely worth seeing! From the Old Town you reach the bridge quickly. Comfortable shoes are a must – there is cobblestone everywhere. Tons of great photo spots!
It feels like walking through history! Every arch and every statue has a story to tell. An absolute must on any visit to Heidelberg.
More beautiful than any description. Whether the bridge monkey or the view upstream along the Neckar – you simply don't want to move on. The sunset from the middle of the bridge is unforgettable.
Location & How to Visit Old Bridge in Heidelberg
Old Bridge, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
Geographic hierarchy
Old Bridge Heidelberg → Heidelberg → Baden-Württemberg → Germany
Alte Brücke, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
Landmarks around the Old Bridge
When visiting Old Bridge Heidelberg, you can easily explore surrounding historical landmarks and points of interest, including Heidelberg Castle and the Philosophers’ Walk – both within a short walk of the bridge.
Official tourism information
Tourist-Information Heidelberg: +49 6221 58 44 44
Frequently Asked Questions – Old Bridge Heidelberg
Short, factual answers – from the exact location and admission to tips for combining your visit.
Where exactly is the Old Bridge Heidelberg located?
Is it free to visit the Old Bridge?
When was the Old Bridge built?
Can you drive across the Old Bridge?
What is the bridge monkey and where is it?
Which view from the Old Bridge is the most famous?
What can I combine with a visit to the Old Bridge?
Sources & Further Reading
This independent information page is based on publicly accessible, predominantly official sources. Please always verify current details (opening hours, prices, works) on the official portals before your visit.
Heidelberg Tourism (Heidelberg Marketing)
The city of Heidelberg’s official tourism organisation with practical visitor information (multilingual website).
City of Heidelberg – Official Website
Official city portal with information on Heidelberg’s history, culture and monument protection.
State Office for the Preservation of Monuments Baden-Württemberg
Regional monument authority that records and documents the Old Bridge as a listed structure.
Wikipedia – Old Bridge (Alte Brücke), Heidelberg
Detailed history of the bridge with references and bibliography (article available in German).
German Digital Library
Central portal to historical photographs and archive documents of the bridge.
Google Maps – Old Bridge Heidelberg listing
Public visitor rating (4.8, over 18,000 reviews) and recent visitor photos for orientation.
Some links lead to external websites whose content is the responsibility of their respective operators. This website is an independent, non-commercial information project and is not affiliated with any of these organisations.