Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop
67% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
7.4miLength
1,614ftElevation gain
4–4.5hrEstimated time
Loop
Popular loop trail in the Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park, Baden-Wuerttemberg.
This is a great forest hike just outside Heidelberg. The starting point of the route is near Heidelberg Castle. You hike around the Koenigstuhl and the Gaisberg over a distance of almost 12 km.
Highlights of the hike:
- Heidelberger Castle
- Gaisberg
- Koenigstuhl (King's chair)
- 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 7.4-mile loop 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 Loop?
Expected weather for Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop for the next 5 days is:
- Sat, September 19 - 76 degrees/drizzle
- Sun, September 20 - 67 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 21 - 71 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 73 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 74 degrees/clear
Where is Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop located?
Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop is a trail located in Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park.
How hard is Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop?
Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop is considered a moderate hike that covers 7.4 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,614 ft. 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 Loop?
Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop is considered a moderate hike that covers 7.4 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,614 ft. 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 Loop a loop?
Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop is a loop trail that covers 7.4 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,614 ft. It takes about 4–4.5 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop?
Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop is a loop trail that covers 7.4 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,614 ft. It takes about 4–4.5 hr to complete. Loop 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 Loop?
Dogs may be allowed on Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop?
January to November is the most popular time of year to visit Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop.
How busy is Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop?
According to trailgoers, Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop is usually somewhat busy. January to November is the most popular time of year to visit Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop.
Are there waterfalls at Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop?
Yes, Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop has a scenic view of Klingenteichfall.
Is there running at Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop?
Yes, trailgoers have said that Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop is good for running. This trail covers 7.4 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,614 ft.
Are there forests at Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop?
Yes, Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop is a forest trail in Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Heidelberg Castle - Königstuhl Loop, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on September 18, 2026 at 3:24 pm GMT+0