Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop
57% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
5miLength
1,177ftElevation gain
2.5–3hrEstimated time
Loop
Popular historical hiking trail in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg.
This loop hike goes to the Heiligenberg in the north of Heidelberg. On the way, it passes the Bismarck column, the Heidelberg Thingstätte and the ruins of the Michaelskloster. The Bismarck Column is a listed observation tower located above the Philosophenweg. The Thingstätte is an open-air amphitheater and an example of Nazi architecture. The Michaelskloster was founded as a branch of the Lorsch monastery in the 9th century on the site of an old place of worship. The complex built in the 16th century is now only preserved in the remains of the foundations. Some passages are steeper and can quickly become slippery when it rains; caution is advised here.
Highlights of the hike:
- Heidelberger Castle
- Heidelberg old town
- Burgensteig
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Wasserschachtel
Bay
Michelsberg
Peak
Außenzisterne
Ruins
Fuchsrondell-Hütte
Weather shelter
Äußerer Ringwall
Archaeological site
St. Michaelskloster
Ruins
Heidenloch
Archaeological site
Innerer Ringwall
Archaeological site
Thingstätte
Attraction
Mönchberg-Hütte
Weather shelter
Heiligenberg
Peak
Römischer Tempel
Archaeological site
Meriankanzel
Viewpoint
Stephanskloster
Ruins
Heiligenbergturm
Building
Fuchsrondell
Viewpoint
Philosophengärtchen
Garden
Top sights
Wasserschachtel
Bay
Michelsberg
Peak
Außenzisterne
Ruins
Fuchsrondell-Hütte
Weather shelter
Äußerer Ringwall
Archaeological site
St. Michaelskloster
Ruins
Heidenloch
Archaeological site
Innerer Ringwall
Archaeological site
Thingstätte
Attraction
Mönchberg-Hütte
Weather shelter
Heiligenberg
Peak
Römischer Tempel
Archaeological site
Meriankanzel
Viewpoint
Stephanskloster
Ruins
Heiligenbergturm
Building
Fuchsrondell
Viewpoint
Philosophengärtchen
Garden
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Discover this 5.0-mile loop trail near Heidelberg, Baden-Wuerttemberg. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 40 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop?
Expected weather for Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery 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 Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop located?
Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop is a trail located in Geo-Nature Park Bergstrasse-Odenwald.
How hard is Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop?
Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop is considered a moderate hike that covers 5 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,177 ft. It takes about 2.5–3 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop?
Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop is considered a moderate hike that covers 5 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,177 ft. It takes about 2.5–3 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop a loop?
Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop is a loop trail that covers 5 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,177 ft. It takes about 2.5–3 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 Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop?
Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop is a loop trail that covers 5 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,177 ft. It takes about 2.5–3 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 Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop?
Dogs may be allowed on Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop?
Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop?
According to trailgoers, Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop is usually very busy. Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Meriankanzel and Fuchsrondell.
Is Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop is partially paved.
Are there forests at Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop?
Yes, Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop is a forest trail in Geo-Nature Park Bergstrasse-Odenwald.
Are there wildflowers at Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Bismarck Column, Thingstätte, and St. Michael's Monastery Loop in Geo-Nature Park Bergstrasse-Odenwald. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 18, 2026 at 2:39 am GMT+0