Thingstätte
A haunting Nazi-era amphitheater nestled in Heidelberg's forest, offering a unique historical reflection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for hiking
Thingstätte
Best Time
Pleasant weather for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A haunting Nazi-era amphitheater nestled in Heidelberg's forest, offering a unique historical reflection.
"Feels like something out of a movie, a place where awful things were said, now reclaimed by nature."
🚶♀️ Hike with a Buddy
Going with friends is recommended for navigation and safety, especially with spotty reception.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Ensure you have offline maps as phone signal can be unreliable in the forest.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Stone Arena
Main amphitheater
A vast, open-air stone amphitheater, built by Nazis, now a serene spot reclaimed by nature.
Forest Hike
Path to the amphitheater
A scenic walk through the woods, offering a sense of discovery as you approach the historic site.
Historical Echoes
Throughout the amphitheater
Reflect on the site's complex past, from Nazi propaganda to its current peaceful state.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Forest Path
Embrace the Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Hike with a Buddy
Going with friends is recommended for navigation and safety, especially with spotty reception.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Ensure you have offline maps as phone signal can be unreliable in the forest.
☀️ Best in Sunny Weather
Ideal for exploring and enjoying the serene atmosphere, especially in spring or summer.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy footwear is essential for the hike through the wooded terrain.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Hike with a Buddy
Going with friends is recommended for navigation and safety, especially with spotty reception.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Ensure you have offline maps as phone signal can be unreliable in the forest.
☀️ Best in Sunny Weather
Ideal for exploring and enjoying the serene atmosphere, especially in spring or summer.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy footwear is essential for the hike through the wooded terrain.
📸 Capture the Vibe
The unique atmosphere makes for striking photos, blending history and nature.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Thingstätte for its unique historical significance and the serene, natural setting that is slowly reclaiming the Nazi-era amphitheater. Many find the hike through the forest to be a rewarding part of the experience, offering a sense of discovery and reflection. While the history is somber, the current peaceful ambiance is often highlighted.
"Nice, pretty easy hike to this old Nazi Amphitheatre. It's definitely worth seeing; feels a little strange to be in the middle of a place where awful things were once said, and now it's being slowly reclaimed by nature. Feels like something out of a movie."
Ayon Ibrahim
"A must visit!
Just follow the road up to the top until you can't go further then park in the car park past the bar, walk further and you will be inside it!"
Brian Denny
"Marvelous! The stones are designed to stand the test of time and nature🙂 Brilliant place to relax and read a book and sun bath. Very serene as well.
It says from the map that it takes around 40minutes or so from Philosophers way but it took me around 1 hour and 30minutes i guess due to my stride and me taking some videos and photos on the way down.
The hiking routes are also very well marked. Some of the arrows were covered in some kinda stickers or graffiti but it's still readable."
Belle Holzhauer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Thingstätte is by hiking from Heidelberg. You can start from areas like the Philosopher's Way. The hike can take around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace and stops for photos. Some suggest parking near a bar at the top of the road and walking from there.
Yes, there is parking available further up the road towards the top of the Heiligenberg. This can shorten the walking distance to the amphitheater.
Public transport will get you to the base of the Heiligenberg in Heidelberg, but the final approach to Thingstätte is primarily a hike through the forest.
The hike is generally considered moderate. While trails are marked, some signs might be obscured. It's a forest path, so comfortable shoes are a must.
It's highly recommended to download offline maps of the area, as phone reception can be spotty. Going with a companion can also make navigation easier and safer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Thingstätte is an open-air site and does not require an entrance ticket. You can visit it freely.
As an outdoor historical site, Thingstätte is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no admission fee to enter the Thingstätte. It's a historical landmark open for public exploration.
While official guided tours might not be readily advertised, local guides or historical societies may offer them. It's worth checking with Heidelberg's tourism office.
Yes, it's a great spot for a spontaneous outing, especially if you enjoy hiking and exploring historical sites. Just ensure you're prepared for the walk.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light that enhances the stone structures and surrounding forest.
You can capture dramatic shots of the stone amphitheater, the surrounding forest, and the interplay of light and shadow. It's a unique blend of history and nature.
The atmosphere is often described as serene and reflective, with a sense of historical weight. Nature's reclamation adds to its unique ambiance.
Many visitors find it a peaceful spot to relax, read, or have a quiet picnic, especially during good weather.
Built in 1935 by the National Socialists as part of the 'Thingbewegung' propaganda movement, it served as an open-air arena for rallies and speeches.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and water for the hike. While the site itself is open, the historical context might require age-appropriate explanations. The serene atmosphere and the natural surroundings can make it a peaceful spot for a family outing, especially during warmer months.
🚶 Solo Travelers
The site itself offers a unique historical perspective, and many find it a peaceful place to contemplate. The blend of nature and history provides a rich experience for independent exploration.
👟 Hikers and Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will appreciate how the forest is gradually reclaiming the stone structure, creating a visually striking contrast. Visiting during spring or summer allows for the best weather conditions to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Purpose of Thingstätte
+1Designed as a large open-air amphitheater, its construction utilized local stone and was integrated into the natural landscape of the Heiligenberg. The intention was to create an imposing venue that could host thousands of spectators, reinforcing a sense of collective identity and power. After World War II, the site was used by American forces stationed in Heidelberg, and over time, nature has begun to reclaim the structure, adding a layer of poignant contrast to its original purpose.
Today, the Thingstätte stands as a stark reminder of a dark period in history. Visitors often describe a complex emotional response, feeling the weight of the past while appreciating the serene beauty of the site as it is now. It serves as a place for reflection on history, propaganda, and the enduring power of nature.
Navigating the Heiligenberg Hike
Many visitors recommend downloading offline maps of the area before setting out, as mobile phone reception can be unreliable within the dense forest.
For those seeking a slightly less strenuous approach, parking is available further up the road towards the summit, which can shorten the walking distance to the amphitheater.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit