The Thick Tower: A Heidelberg Fortress
Explore the imposing Thick Tower at Heidelberg Castle, a historic landmark offering panoramic views and a glimpse into centuries of German history and architecture.
The Thick Tower (Dicker Turm) is a massive, imposing structure within Heidelberg Castle, a testament to the city's rich history and strategic importance. Built in the 16th century, its walls, reaching up to seven meters thick, were designed to withstand intense attacks. Over the centuries, it has served various purposes, from a defensive stronghold to a lavish banqueting hall for the Electoral court. Today, visitors can explore the tower's ruins, marvel at its immense scale, and enjoy panoramic views of Heidelberg's old town and the Neckar Valley. The Thick Tower is a must-see for anyone interested in medieval architecture, military history, and the captivating stories of Heidelberg Castle.
A brief summary to Thick Tower
- Heidelberg, Heidelberger Altstadt, DE
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the Thick Tower and Heidelberg Castle involves a lot of walking and climbing.
- Visit during sunset for breathtaking panoramic views of Heidelberg's old town and the Neckar Valley from the tower.
- Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the tower's history and significance within the Heidelberg Castle complex.
Getting There
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Walking
From Kornmarkt, a central square in Heidelberg's Altstadt (Old Town), the Thick Tower is easily reached as part of a visit to Heidelberg Castle. Follow the signs towards the Heidelberger Bergbahn (funicular railway). You can either take the funicular up to the castle (recommended), or walk uphill via Burgweg. The Thick Tower is located within the castle grounds. A single ride on the funicular costs €9 and includes entry to the castle courtyard, the Great Vat, and the German Pharmacy Museum.
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Public Transport
Take bus line 33 to the 'Rathaus/Bergbahn' stop, which is located near the Kornmarkt funicular station. From there, follow the walking directions or take the funicular. A single ticket for public transport within Heidelberg costs approximately €3.40. Alternatively, a day ticket costs €8.90.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-share from Heidelberg's city center (e.g., Bismarckplatz) to the base of Heidelberg Castle (Kornmarkt) will cost approximately €8-€12. From there, you can walk uphill or take the funicular to the Thick Tower.
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Driving
Driving directly to Heidelberg Castle is possible, but parking is extremely limited. The closest parking garage is P12 Kornmarkt/Schloss, but it fills up quickly. Parking at Karlsplatz (P13) is another option, about a 5-10 minute walk to Kornmarkt. Parking fees typically range from €2.50-€3.50 per hour.
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