Heidelberg Tun: A Colossal Wine Vat
Discover the world's largest wine barrel at Heidelberg Castle, a symbol of German winemaking history and a testament to the region's cultural heritage, drawing millions of visitors annually.
The Heidelberg Tun, nestled within the cellars of Heidelberg Castle, is a monumental wine vat that embodies the region's rich winemaking history. This enormous barrel, the fourth of its kind in Heidelberg's history, was constructed in 1751 and boasts a capacity of approximately 219,000 liters (57,854 U.S. gallons). Built using over a hundred oak trees, the Tun stands as a testament to both engineering ingenuity and the cultural significance of wine in the Palatinate region. While rarely used for actual wine storage, it has served as a unique tourist attraction for centuries, even featuring a dance floor on top. Visitors can marvel at its sheer size and learn about the legends surrounding Perkeo, the Tun's eternal keeper and a famously Herculean wine drinker.
A brief summary to Heidelberg Tun
- Heidelberg, Heidelberger Altstadt, 69115, DE
- +496221538472
- Visit website
Local tips
- Combine your visit with a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle to fully appreciate the history and significance of the Tun and other castle highlights.
- Check for special events or wine tastings held in the castle cellars for a unique experience.
- Take the funicular railway up to the castle for scenic views of Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Heidelberg Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), take bus line 33 or 20 to the 'Bergbahn' stop. From there, transfer to the Heidelberger Bergbahn (funicular railway) for a scenic ride up to the 'Schloss' (Castle) station. The castle entrance is a short walk from the funicular station. A single bus fare is approximately €3. A round-trip funicular ticket, which includes entry to the castle courtyard, Great Tun, and German Apothecary Museum, costs €11 for adults and €5.50 for a reduced ticket.
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Walking
From the Kornmarkt in Heidelberg's Old Town, follow the signs towards Heidelberg Castle. You can take the Burgweg, a scenic but steep uphill path, which takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, a staircase with around 300 steps offers a more direct route. Be aware that the climb can be strenuous. Upon reaching the castle grounds, follow the signs to the Great Tun, located in the cellars.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-share from Heidelberg Central Station to the base of Heidelberg Castle (Kornmarkt/Bergbahn station) will cost approximately €13-€16 and take about 6 minutes, depending on traffic. From there, you can either walk up to the castle or take the funicular railway (€11 for adults, including castle entry).
Discover more about Heidelberg Tun
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