Heidenloch
A 55-meter deep medieval shaft on Heidelberg's Heiligenberg, shrouded in mystery and offering stunning city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Heidenloch
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 55-meter deep medieval shaft on Heidelberg's Heiligenberg, shrouded in mystery and offering stunning city views.
"An interesting sight, a well dug in former times to serve the monasteries nearby."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The paths around the Heidenloch and monasteries can be uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are a must!
💡 Bring a Flashlight
While there's a light switch for the well, a personal flashlight can help explore darker areas of the ruins.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Deep Shaft
Heiligenberg
Descend 55 meters into this ancient, mysterious well. A light switch illuminates its depths, revealing its impressive construction.
Monastery Ruins
Heiligenberg
Explore the remnants of Stephanskloster and Michaelskloster, offering a glimpse into medieval monastic life.
Panoramic Views
Heiligenberg
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Heidelberg Castle, the Old Bridge, and the Neckar River from the Heiligenberg.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Mysteries of the Heidenloch
Access and Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The paths around the Heidenloch and monasteries can be uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are a must!
💡 Bring a Flashlight
While there's a light switch for the well, a personal flashlight can help explore darker areas of the ruins.
🇩🇪 German Signs
Most informational signs are in German. Use a translation app for context on the well's history.
🚗 Parking Available
If hiking from the base isn't ideal, there's parking nearby (Wanderparkplatz) for easier access.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The paths around the Heidenloch and monasteries can be uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are a must!
💡 Bring a Flashlight
While there's a light switch for the well, a personal flashlight can help explore darker areas of the ruins.
🇩🇪 German Signs
Most informational signs are in German. Use a translation app for context on the well's history.
🚗 Parking Available
If hiking from the base isn't ideal, there's parking nearby (Wanderparkplatz) for easier access.
🗺️ Combine with Monasteries
The Heidenloch is a quick stop, perfect to combine with visits to the Stephanskloster and Michaelskloster ruins.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Heidenloch an interesting historical site, particularly its depth and the mystery surrounding its purpose. The accompanying monastery ruins and the stunning panoramic views of Heidelberg from the Heiligenberg are frequently praised. While the German-only signs can be a minor drawback, the free access and the unique nature of the well make it a worthwhile stop for many.
"Good views on the way up and at the top of the bridge and castle"
HY Tiong
"Fantastic view of the bridge, old town, and of course, the castle. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Worth the hike. (There is parking nearby too if you have other transport)."
Mark Peterson
"This was a nice little surprise during our visit to the monasteries. Free to visit; I'm not sure if it is open 24/7 or not. There are several informational signs in German only explaining its history and significance (a 55m well built during medieval times to serve the monasteries), and it's only a short walk away from the Wanderparkplatz. Definitely make the quick stop if you're already in the vicinity."
Danielle Cummings
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Heidenloch is located on the Heiligenberg. You can reach it by hiking from Heidelberg's old town or by driving to the Wanderparkplatz (hiking parking lot) on the Heiligenberg. From the parking lot, it's a short walk to the site.
While there isn't direct public transport to the Heidenloch itself, you can take buses or trams to the base of the Heiligenberg and then begin your hike.
Yes, there is a parking area (Wanderparkplatz) on the Heiligenberg that provides relatively close access to the Heidenloch and the monastery ruins.
Several trails lead up the Heiligenberg. The path from the Philosophenweg offers beautiful views, or you can take a more direct route from the base.
The hike can be moderately challenging depending on the route you choose. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for inclines.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Heidenloch is free to visit. There are no admission fees.
The Heidenloch is generally accessible 24/7, though official hours are not always clearly stated. It's an outdoor historical site.
While not always advertised for the Heidenloch specifically, guided tours of Heidelberg often include the Heiligenberg and its historical sites.
Children can visit, but supervision is essential due to the deep shaft. The hike itself might also be tiring for very young children.
As an outdoor site, it's technically accessible at night, but it's recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and better visibility.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Heidenloch is a 55-meter deep medieval shaft on the Heiligenberg in Heidelberg, believed to have served the nearby monasteries. Its exact purpose remains a subject of speculation.
Yes, there is a light switch that illuminates the shaft, allowing you to see its impressive depth and construction.
Theories suggest it was a well for the monasteries, a place for rituals, or even related to water spirits. Its construction in the rocky terrain is remarkable.
Adjacent to the Heidenloch are the ruins of the Stephanskloster and Michaelskloster, as well as the Thingstätte amphitheater. 
Restroom facilities are not typically available directly at the Heidenloch site. You may find them near parking areas or in the main tourist zones of Heidelberg.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the mysterious shaft itself, the surrounding monastery ruins, and the panoramic views of Heidelberg from the Heiligenberg.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the Heidenloch and the surrounding historical sites.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for both the shaft and the landscape views.
Drone usage may be restricted in historical and natural areas. Check local regulations before flying a drone.
The contrast between the ancient well and the modern city skyline in the background makes for a unique shot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
+1🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enigma of the Heidenloch
+1What adds to the mystery are the legends and speculations surrounding the Heidenloch. Some believe it was used for rituals or had a more mystical purpose, earning it the name 'Devil's Pit' in some contexts. The fact that it's located so close to the monasteries suggests a strong connection to their daily life and survival. Today, visitors can peer into its depths, illuminated by a switch, offering a tangible connection to this ancient enigma.
+1Exploring the Heidenloch is often combined with a visit to the ruins of the Stephanskloster and Michaelskloster. These remnants provide a broader context for understanding the historical significance of the area and the lives of the people who inhabited it centuries ago. The surrounding Heiligenberg also offers stunning views of Heidelberg, making it a rewarding destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
+2Exploring the Heiligenberg's Historical Landscape
+1Adding to the historical significance is the Thingstätte, an impressive open-air amphitheater built during the Nazi era, inspired by ancient Germanic assembly sites. While its origins are controversial, it now serves as a venue for cultural events and offers a striking architectural contrast to the older ruins. The entire Heiligenberg area is a testament to Heidelberg's layered history, from monastic life to more recent, complex pasts.
For visitors, the Heiligenberg presents a fantastic opportunity for a scenic hike combined with historical exploration. The trails are well-maintained, and the panoramic views of Heidelberg, including the famous castle and the Old Bridge, are a major draw. It’s a place where nature, history, and breathtaking vistas converge, offering a rich experience for any traveler.
+1
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