Heidelberg Dark History Guided Walking Tour

The Middle Ages - Witches burning on the Neckar. Whores and thieves ply their trade at the Old Bridge, and the executioner offers his bloody services according to an exact price list. Discover the dark side of the romantic old town alongside the executioner's daughter. Listen to the stories of scary crimes and cruel punishments. You'll be amazed what you could make from cremating witches or cutting off ears!
Our team of art historians, archaeologists and cultural scholars provides ambitious and profound insights into our past, but always with the proverbial wink. High-quality costumes and museum replicas of jewellery, weapons and everyday objects are used in accordance with the proven English “Living History Concept” and, together with the exciting guiding content, provide a picture of living, first-hand experience of history.

Meeting Point

Kornmarkt 1

Kornmarkt 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany

We meet at the statue of Mary on the Kornmarkt in Heidelberg's Old Town

What's included:

• 1.5-hour guided tour of Heidelberg's Old Town
• Provision of costume and equipment for the guide
• authentically costumed city guide

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Kornmarkt

, , Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg

From here you have a magnificent view of Heidelberg Castle.

10 minutes

Market Square (Marktplatz)

, , Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg

Public executions and corporal punishments took place on Heidelberg's market square until the 19th century.

10 minutes

Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche)

Marktpl., Heidelberg, 69117, Baden-Wurttemberg

Find out what the pretzels on the church wall are all about.

5 minutes

Hotel Zum Ritter

Hauptstr. 178, Heidelberg, 69117, Baden-Wurttemberg

The Renaissance building, is the only civic building that survived the great fire of 1693 during the War of the Palatine Succession.

5 minutes

Mittelbadgasse

Mittelbadgasse, 69117 Heidelberg-Altstadt, Germany

The street is named after a public bathing room, the former middle bath. In the bathroom alleys were various bathing rooms.

10 minutes

Old Bridge (Karl Theodor Bridge)

Am Hackteufel, , Heidelberg, 69117, Baden-Wurttemberg

The Old Bridge of Neckar Valley Sandstone was built in 1788 under Elector Karl Theodore as the ninth bridge in total on this site. Today it is one of Heidelberg's most famous sights and landmarks.

10 minutes

Bruckenaffe

Neckarstaden 66, Heidelberg, 69117, Baden-Wurttemberg

The predecessor of today's bridge monkey sat grinning in the niche of the old monkey tower and greeted every stranger mockingly. The tower and figure sank into the depths of the Neckar when the city was destroyed. Instead of him, the new bridge monkey now holds the golden mirror to visitors and welcomes them with a mocking poem that is said to have stood under the original monkey.

5 minutes

Studentenkarzer

Augustinergasse 2, Heidelberg, 69117, Baden-Wurttemberg

The first Heidelberg Karzer was established in 1545. Those detained here were allowed to buy food and drinks from the surrounding inns (at their own expense, of course) and also had regular release for longer sentences.

5 minutes

Universitätsplatz

Grabengasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany

Old University, New University, University Library The former Paradeplatz or Ludwigsplatz extends west and south of the Old University and is bounded on the south by the New University. It is located on the main road and covers the foundations of the former Augustinian monastery. Along the western edge of the square, Grabengasse illustrates the course of the first city fortification.

10 minutes

Hexenturm

Grabengasse 1, Heidelberg, 69117, Baden-Wurttemberg

Today, the Witch Tower is the only surviving defensive tower of Heidelberg's medieval city fortifications, which is now located in the area of the New University. The name refers to the period of witch persecution.

10 minutes

St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche)

Ploeck 62, , Heidelberg, 69117, Baden-Wurttemberg

St. Peter's Church is Heidelberg's oldest church and was built even before the city was probably founded in 1220 or a little earlier: In 1196 St. Peter can be inferred from a document, which at the same time represents the first documentary mention of the village Heidelberg.

5 minutes