Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular
67% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
11.9kmLength
492mElevation gain
4–4.5hrEstimated time
Circular
Popular circular hiking trail in the Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park, Baden-Württemberg.
This is a great forest hike right on the outskirts of Heidelberg. The starting point of the route is close to Heidelberg Castle. Over a distance of almost 12 kilometres, you hike around the Königstuhl and the Gaisberg.
Highlights of the hike:
- Heidelberg Castle
- Gaisberg
- Königstuhl
- Leopoldstein
- Arboretum
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Elisabethentor
Attraction
Riesenstein
Attraction
Rhododendrenhain
Attraction
Leopoldsteinhütte
Weather shelter
Sprunghütte
Weather shelter
Heidelberg Castle
Castle
Obere Burg
Archaeological site
Gaisberg
Peak
Klingenteichfall
Waterfall
Auerhahnen-Hütte
Weather shelter
Arboretum I
Attraction
Blockhütte
Weather shelter
Klingentor
Attraction
Top sights
Elisabethentor
Attraction
Riesenstein
Attraction
Rhododendrenhain
Attraction
Leopoldsteinhütte
Weather shelter
Sprunghütte
Weather shelter
Heidelberg Castle
Castle
Obere Burg
Archaeological site
Gaisberg
Peak
Klingenteichfall
Waterfall
Auerhahnen-Hütte
Weather shelter
Arboretum I
Attraction
Blockhütte
Weather shelter
Klingentor
Attraction
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Explore this 11.9-km circular trail near Heidelberg, Baden-Wuerttemberg. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 49 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and trail running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are January through November.
What is the expected weather this week for Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular?
Expected weather for Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular for the next 5 days is:
- Sat 26 September - 28.1 degrees/clear
- Sun 27 September - 29.3 degrees/clear
- Mon 28 September - 28.8 degrees/clear
- Tue 29 September - 28.2 degrees/clear
- Wed 30 September - 21.6 degrees/showers
Where is Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular located?
Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular is a trail located in Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park.
How hard is Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular?
Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular is considered a moderate hike that covers 11.9 km, with an elevation gain of 492 m. It takes about 4–4.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular?
Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular is considered a moderate hike that covers 11.9 km, with an elevation gain of 492 m. It takes about 4–4.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular a circular?
Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular is a circular trail that covers 11.9 km, with an elevation gain of 492 m. It takes about 4–4.5 hr to complete. Circular trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular?
Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular is a circular trail that covers 11.9 km, with an elevation gain of 492 m. It takes about 4–4.5 hr to complete. Circular trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
Are dogs allowed on Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular?
Dogs may be allowed on Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular?
January to November is the most popular time of year to visit Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular.
How busy is Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular?
According to trailgoers, Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular is usually somewhat busy. January to November is the most popular time of year to visit Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular.
Are there waterfalls at Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular?
Yes, Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular has a scenic view of Klingenteichfall.
Is there running at Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular?
Yes, trailgoers have said that Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular is good for running. This trail covers 11.9 km, with an elevation gain of 492 m.
Are there forests at Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular?
Yes, Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular is a forest trail in Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Circular, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on 23 September 2026 at 22:45 GMT+0