Swathed in magical forest and nestled next to a glittering lake, Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most charming fairytale destinations. As if plucked straight out of a picture book, the town’s cobbled streets are peppered with red-tinged architecture and a magnificent hilltop castle.
Easily accessible via the A5 and A6 freeways, car rental in Heidelberg makes exploring this part of Germany simple. Not only is it convenient for discovering the main attractions, but you have fast and immediate access to the surrounding Baden-Württemberg countryside as well.
We have several branches for car rental in Heidelberg, including one at the railway station, so you can start exploring the town right away. When you book with us, there are no hidden extras to pay for and zero cancellation or amendments fees when the reservation is cancelled or changed up to two days before collection. Our Heidelberg rental car collection has something for everyone, from spacious SUVs for families to more compact city cars.
Heidelberg Locations
A Quick Guide to Heidelberg
Dating back to the 14th century, Heidelberg University is the oldest in Germany and attracts students and intellectuals to the town from all over the world. It’s this rich educational heritage that has helped put the town on the map and create a vibrant atmosphere. Renting a car in Heidelberg gives you the freedom to explore the region at your leisure.
Must-see Places in Heidelberg
Begin your adventure in the charming old town. With a maze of cobbled streets, lined with half-timbered houses and tranquil squares, it’s the perfect place to wander freely and while away an afternoon. Make your way to the Marktplatz, Heidelberg’s main socializing point. Pull up a chair at one of the cafes and admire the pastel-hued buildings surrounding the square.
Schloss Heidelberg, set dramatically on a hilltop, looms over the old town and is the obvious next stop on your itinerary. Climb the hillside trail to the Renaissance castle ruins and you’ll be rewarded with mesmerizing views across the red-roofed town from the terrace. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle’s design evolved over time, creating an enchanting variety of architectural styles. War and nature have both left their mark on Schloss Heidelberg, but its beauty is undeniable. And beyond the ruins, the famous garden, the Hortus Palatinus, is a serene spot to wander.
Cross the Old Bridge
After you’ve explored the castle, make your way back down to the old town and head for the riverside to the Alte Brücke. Built in the 18th century, Heidelberg’s old bridge is another icon of the town. Stroll across its 200-meter cobblestone length and enjoy fantastic views of the river and the castle.
From here, you can pick up the Philosophenweg, a popular two-mile walking trail. Inspired by the university professors, philosophers and poets that once trod this path, the hike snakes through vineyards, exotic terraces and woodland, offering even more lovely views of the river. Take a picnic with you and enjoy a local feast of freshly baked bread and pastries as you drink in the vistas.
Day Trips From Heidelberg
Heidelberg is an ideal place to explore south-west Germany, best known for its picturesque villages, magical forests and medieval castles. Many of them are located along the Neckar River and have inspired poets and artists for centuries.
Take a day trip to the Roman spa town of Baden-Baden on the edge of the legendary Black Forest, just over an hour’s drive away when you rent a car from Heidelberg. Handsome and wholesome, this dazzling destination is brimming with elegant Belle Époque architecture. Meander along Lichtentaler Allee, a tranquil riverside avenue, in the direction of the old town center.
Being the home of the world-famous Black Forest gateau, Baden-Baden is the place to sample a slab of the cherry and chocolate cake. Café König is one of the best cafes in town to try it, having served up sweets treats for more than 250 years.
Germany’s oldest university town is the ideal base for you, whether you’re staying in town or heading out on a road trip. Easy to navigate, car rental in Heidelberg will help you explore this classically beautiful corner of Germany in comfort and at your own pace.
Driving In and Around Heidelberg
A city of romance, with gorgeous bridges spanning the river and students giving the place a sense of freshness, Heidelberg is a great place to explore by road. The A5 and B3 both run from north to south on either side of the city, while the B37 cuts through its center. Several parking lots for your Heidelberg rental car are on the edge of the old town, so you can park up and explore the picturesque cobbled streets and the Heidelberg Castle by foot.
Heading outside of Heidelberg in your rental car, you’ll find the autobahn network, a series of freeways, can help you get around easily. These wide, well-maintained routes have a speed limit of 80mph (130 km/h). Inside of towns, villages and cities, the limit is 30mph (50 km/h). First-time drivers in Heidelberg should also remember that while in Germany you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road, as in the U.S., and all passengers must wear a seatbelt.
Frankfurt is just over an hour away from car rental in Heidelberg if you take the A5 north. This destination is a tale of two cities, with a charming medieval old town and modern business district with skyscrapers punctuating the skyline. Stuttgart, an elegant city with a rich automotive heritage, is 90 minutes away if you head south along the A5 and A8.
The quaint spa town of Baden-Baden is an hour’s drive south along the A5 when you rent a car from Heidelberg. From here you’re perfectly placed to explore the mystical Black Forest, home to jaw-dropping woodland, serene river valleys and lush vineyards.