Bridge Monkey
A quirky bronze monkey statue on the historic Old Bridge, offering a fun photo op and local good luck traditions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Bridge Monkey
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quirky bronze monkey statue on the historic Old Bridge, offering a fun photo op and local good luck traditions.
"It's smaller than it looks, but a fun photo op with good luck charms!"
📸 Iconic Photo Op
Get your photo with the monkey's head in its mouth for a classic tourist shot! :camerawithflash:
✨ Touch for Good Luck
Rub the mirror, fingers, and mice for wealth, return, and fertility. :sparkles:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Heidelberg Monkey Statue
Alte Brücke (Old Bridge)
Strike a pose with the infamous bronze monkey! A quirky photo op with a touch of local legend and good luck charms.
Touching for Good Luck
Heidelberg Monkey Statue
Rub the mirror for wealth, fingers for return, and mice for fertility. Embrace the superstition!
View of Heidelberg Castle
Alte Brücke (Old Bridge)
Enjoy picturesque views of the majestic Heidelberg Castle from the bridge, with the monkey as your quirky companion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Heidelberg Monkey: A Quick Photo Op
Good Luck Charms and Legends
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Iconic Photo Op
Get your photo with the monkey's head in its mouth for a classic tourist shot! :camerawithflash:
✨ Touch for Good Luck
Rub the mirror, fingers, and mice for wealth, return, and fertility. :sparkles:
🚶♀️ Expect a Queue
Be patient, there's often a line for the perfect monkey pic. :running_man:
🧐 Smaller Than Expected
It's a fun detail, but smaller than many imagine. :thinking_face:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Iconic Photo Op
Get your photo with the monkey's head in its mouth for a classic tourist shot! :camerawithflash:
✨ Touch for Good Luck
Rub the mirror, fingers, and mice for wealth, return, and fertility. :sparkles:
🚶♀️ Expect a Queue
Be patient, there's often a line for the perfect monkey pic. :running_man:
🧐 Smaller Than Expected
It's a fun detail, but smaller than many imagine. :thinking_face:
📜 Read the Poem
Look for the plaque with the poem about the monkey. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Heidelberg Monkey a fun, iconic photo opportunity and a charming detail on the historic Old Bridge. While smaller than expected, its legends of good luck and the chance for a memorable picture make it a worthwhile stop. The views from the bridge are also a significant draw.
"Fun little highlight during a sightseeing trip. - Don’t forget to put your head inside ! 😉
Be prepared to wait in line for your real touristy experience"
Chrissi H
"It is smaller than it looks in the photos. Many people seemed to delight in taking pics with their head in its mouth or jaw or whatever. Just a little photo op when you’re at the old bridge"
Destiny Hong
"do it if you wanna come back again! ;)"
SAYGILARIMLA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Heidelberg Monkey is located on the Alte Brücke (Old Bridge) in Heidelberg, Germany. You can easily reach the bridge by walking from the Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) or by taking a tram to the 'Rathaus/Marktplatz' stop. The bridge is a central landmark and hard to miss during your exploration of the Altstadt (Old Town).
Parking in Heidelberg's Old Town can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transport or park in one of the designated parking garages like 'Parkhaus Feyersaal' or 'Parkhaus am Bismarckplatz' and walk to the bridge. Cycling is also a popular option, with bike racks available.
Yes, the Old Bridge and the Monkey statue are accessible at night. However, some local legends suggest the bridge has a 'curse' after sunset, adding a spooky element to a nighttime visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no ticket required to visit the Heidelberg Monkey statue. It is located on the public Alte Brücke, which is freely accessible to everyone. You can take photos and interact with the statue without any admission fee.
The Alte Brücke is a public thoroughfare and is open 24/7. You can visit the Heidelberg Monkey statue at any time of day or night. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for better photo opportunities and to experience the bridge's atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The most popular photo is to place your head inside the monkey's mouth or jaw. Be prepared to wait in line for your turn. Many visitors also enjoy touching the various parts of the statue for good luck.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with fewer crowds. Golden hour can provide a magical glow on the bridge and the castle in the background.
The main photo spot is directly with the monkey. However, the entire Old Bridge offers fantastic vantage points for capturing Heidelberg Castle and the Neckar River. Don't forget to look for the plaque with the monkey's poem.
🎫 ✨ Legends & Lore
The Heidelberg Monkey is said to symbolize ugliness, shamelessness, lechery, and vanity. However, it's also considered a symbol of good luck.
Touching the mirror is believed to bring you money, rubbing his fingers ensures your return to Heidelberg, and rubbing the nearby bronze mice is said to bring fertility.
No, the 'Monkey Bridge' in Heidelberg refers to the bronze monkey statue on the Alte Brücke. This is distinct from the narrow bamboo bridges in Vietnam, also called 'Monkey Bridges,' which require balancing skills to cross. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for a potential wait if you want that perfect photo with the monkey's head in its mouth. The bridge itself is safe for walking, and the views of the castle and river provide plenty of distraction. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as the immediate area can get busy.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles: get close-ups of the monkey's details, capture the classic shot with a person's head in its mouth, or frame the monkey with the castle in the distance. The bridge itself provides numerous vantage points for stunning cityscape shots.
✨ Travelers Seeking Good Luck
Even if you're skeptical, participating in these traditions can be a lighthearted and memorable part of your Heidelberg experience. It's a conversation starter and a unique cultural interaction that many visitors cherish.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heidelberg Monkey: More Than Just a Statue
Many visitors delight in interacting with the statue, following the local custom of touching specific parts for good fortune. Rubbing the mirror is said to bring wealth, touching the monkey's fingers promises a return trip to Heidelberg, and caressing the bronze mice nearby is believed to bless one with fertility. This interactive element adds a layer of engagement beyond a simple sightseeing stop, making it a memorable experience for many.
Beyond the monkey itself, the Alte Brücke offers stunning panoramic views of the Neckar River and the iconic Heidelberg Castle perched on the hill. The statue serves as a unique foreground element for these classic Heidelberg vistas, blending history, art, and local superstition into one unforgettable spot.
Navigating the Alte Brücke and its Surroundings
As you cross the bridge, you'll encounter the imposing Heidelberg Castle overlooking the city. The views from the bridge are spectacular, offering postcard-perfect scenes of the river, the old town, and the castle. It's a popular spot for photographers and anyone looking to capture the essence of Heidelberg.
While the monkey statue is a highlight, don't forget to explore the rest of the bridge. Look out for the bridge gate with its towers and the plaque featuring a poem about the monkey. The area around the bridge is also home to numerous cafes and shops, perfect for a break after your exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit