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Philosophenweg, Heidelberg
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Philosophenweg, Heidelberg

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Philosophenweg tips and photos posted by real travelers and Heidelberg locals.
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• 25 Reviews

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Philosophenweg: The best view of Heidelberg...
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  • Heidelberg Castle - from Philosophenweg - Heidelberg
    Heidelberg Castle - from
    Philosophenweg
    by Trekki, 4 more photos
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    ..... you get when you walk the Philosophenweg :-)

    If you are in Heidelberg during summer, spring or autumn (haha, most probably also during winter), and want to take one of these famous picture shots which you see all over the place on postcards, beer mugs, coffee pots or the books and magazines, walk along on the Philosophenweg (philosophers' path) in the evening.
    Evening, because the path is on the northern bank of Neckar, the castle on the southern, and when the sun starts to set, all the old town's roofs and the castle gleam red in the sun.

    Philosophenweg got his name from the saying that it has been the inspiring path for philosophers and professors some time ago. Regardless, it is still an inspiration today, to walk there along the gardens and old houses with this beautiful view.

    Whatever tour books or tourist information might tell you I highly suggest you hike on this path in the (late) afternoon, and "backwards", i.e. westward. Go on this hike, after you have visited the castle (it will be late afternoon anyhow by then), cross the old bridge (the one with the big white towers) and get on the Schlangenweg, which starts 10 m left (west) after you have crossed the bridge on Ziegelhausener Strasse.
    The path is partly covered by tree leaves and high walls along, but this is even better, as it is cool and fresh in there. You'll see some little viewing platforms along the path for picture shoots and rest.
    After 10-15 min, you will get on Philosophenweg, and most probably turn left (west), unless you want to go up Heiligenberg (which would be right = east).

    Philosophenweg is also the best place to watch the castle illumination, which is said to be:
    1st Saturday in June and September and 2nd Saturday in July.

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  • Directions: On the northern bank of Neckar - please see map pic (the red arrow marks Schlangenweg)
  • Website: http://www.cvb-heidelberg.de/e553/e861/index_eng.html
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    Philosophenweg: Witness one of Europe's most beautiful panoramas
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  • View over Heidelberg in winter (postcard) - Heidelberg
    View over Heidelberg in
    winter (postcard)
    by JessH
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    Do you wonder where all of those gorgeous postcard photos of Heidelberg's old town were taken? Where was the photographer standing? This is your answer: the Philosophenweg.
    This view over Heidelberg is considered one of the best panoramas north of the Alps, and one of the most stunning walking trails in the whole of Europe.

    This is where poets, scholars (Heidegger, Goethe and Jaspers) and Heidelberg University teachers used to stroll, taking in the beauty of the surrounding lush greenery & the historic city below. The path leads up along the hill on the north of the Neckar River and is easy to find via the various signs posted by both the old town bridge (Carl-Theodor-Bruecke) or the Theodor-Heuss-Bridge. If you're looking for your own personal "muse" or for that perfect view of Heidelberg from above, the Philosophenweg is the way to go! (excuse the pun :-)

    The so-called "snake path" (Schlangenweg) winds up the hill, at once you can peek through the massive & ancient trees and vegetation you'll see Heidelberg on the opposite river shores in all its picture-perfect glory.

    NOTE: This walk isn't recommended for elderly people or those with walking difficulties. Wear proper shoes (not high heels or sandals).

    This street is also renown for its beautiful luxury villas or some of the city's wealthier residents (some scenes for the German movie "Anatomie" were also filmed here)

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  • Address: Old Town, 69117 Heidelberg, GERMANY
  • Directions: Cross the Theodor-Heuss bridge, turn right, and the entrance to the path is located approx. 100 metres from the river's shore.
  • Website: http://www.heidelberg-marketing.de/content/index_eng.html
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    Philosophenweg: The Philosopher's Walk
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  • Along the Philosopher's Walk - Heidelberg
    Along the Philosopher's
    Walk
    by Callavetta
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    Across the River from the Alstadt, climb the hill and walk the "Philosopher's Walk" or "Philosophenwig". In the summer the walk is lined with flowers and bushes and the view is superb! You can quickly see why one might think great thoughts in such an environment!

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    Philosophenweg: Philosophenweg
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  • It is said that “Philosopher’s Walk” derived it’s name from the fact that the philosophers and teachers from the university of Heidelberg once walked along the route that is now lined with memorials of famous poets and philosophers. From here you have some breathtaking views of Heidelberg Castle.

    You can also enjoy a panoramic view of Philosophenweg from Heidelberg Castle as well, were I took these wonderful pics.

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    Philosophenweg: The Philosopher's Path
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  • Heidelberg as seen from Philosophenweg - Heidelberg
    Heidelberg as seen from
    Philosophenweg
    by King_Golo
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    The Philosopher's Path is situated on the other side of River Neckar and provides you with one of the most beautiful views on Heidelberg. It is a little bit exhausting to get up there. The so-called "snake path" (Schlangenweg) winds up the hill, almost completely overgrown by bushes and grass. As soon as you enter daylight again, you'll see Heidelberg on the opposite side of the river in all its beauty!

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  • Address: Philosophenweg
  • Directions: opposite the old town on the other side of the river
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    Philosophenweg: Der Philosophenweg.
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  • The Philosophenweg (i. e. philosophers' path) is a path situated in a green area that lies on a hill overlooking the Neckar river and the old core of Heidelberg. Here you can have a stroll, rest a bit or have a pic nic.

    In this area there are plants from the Mediterranean countries, form North Africa and from Asia.

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  • Directions: To get to this path you have to cross the Old Bridge, turn left and cross the road at the traffic lights. Then you have to climb a lot of stairs. It is a strenuous walk, but it is worth the effort.
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    Philosophenweg: Philisophenweg
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  • High up along the hills of the opposite banks of the river Neckar runs the road knowns as the Philosophers' Road. If you want to see how to get up here, have a look at my transport tips as it is quite a challenge. Worth every minute of it though as the views from here across to the Old Town and Castle are magnificent and you realise why the big brains of Heidelberg loved to walk here and think about life. Apart from the great views, there are also lots of plants here which you normally do not see in Germany but then the Neckar Valley has its own microclimate.

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  • Address: Philisophenweg
  • Directions: See transport tip.
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    Philosophenweg: The Philosopher's Walk
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  • Flowers line the path of the Philosopher's Walk as it winds it's way toward the river.

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  • Other Contact: Photo by Lorna
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    Philosophenweg: Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Way)
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  • View from Philosophengärtchen - Heidelberg
    View from Philosophengärtchen
    by AcornMan
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    The hill on the north bank of the Neckar overlooking the river and the old city center is home to Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Way), a scenic walking path lined with Japanese cherries, cypresses, lemons, bamboos, rhododendrons, gingko and yucca trees, and several other plants from the Mediterranean, North Africa and Asia. There is also a relaxing garden (Philosophengärtchen) filled with beautiful flora, from which you can sit and take in the breathtaking view of the city and its famous castle.

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  • Address: North bank of Neckar, across from old city center
  • Website: http://www.hhog.de/en/showCity_en_detail.php?cityID=10010&folderID=10218&articleID=2108%20
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    Philosophenweg: Walking up the...
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  • Walking up the 'Philosophenweg'. You will have a great view down to the old city, and also to the castle's ruine. Then cross one of the bridges (e.g. 'Theodor-Heuss-Brücke'), and walk along the narrow streets.

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