Nestled away in the south of Germany, the sleepy university city of Heilbronn is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Frankfurt and Munich. This historic city is home to a plethora of gothic architecture, quaint continental cafes and a number of spacious parks to enjoy at your leisure. Although a little off the beaten track, Heilbronn is truly Germany’s hidden gem.
How to get to Heilbronn
Germany is world-renowned for efficient and reliable train services and travel experts widely regard experiencing Europe by rail as a must-do bucket list adventure. Situated just two hours from Frankfurt, sit back, relax, and watch Germany’s rural countryside fly past your window. Heilbronn is well connected to major cities such as Munich and Nuremberg. Trains run daily from Frankfurt and cost as little as 19 EUR (21 USD). For train timetables and to book your ticket in advance, check the website.
1. Must see architecture - Church of St. Kilian
Captivating architecture is in abundance in Heilbronn and there is no better place to start your cultural explorations than the Church of St Kilian. This gothic Church hall dates back to the 11th-century. Still a place of worship for Roman Catholics to this day, St Kilian’s is beautiful inside and out. Characterized by its sand stone exterior, the church features an ornate welcoming archway above the traditional wooden front doors. Venture inside to observe the restored stain-glass window designed by Charles Cordel in 1967. After near total demolition during World War II, St Kilian’s restoration was only completed in 1974 following the reconstruction of the Western Tower.
Church of St Kilian
Address: Kiliansplatz, 74072 Heilbronn
Website: Church of St Kilian
2. Not to be missed landmark - Astronomical Clock
A short walk from the Church of St Kilian through the historical marketplace brings you to Heilbronn’s mesmerizing Astronomical Clock. Situated above the impressive City Hall building, you can’t miss this imposing masterpiece. The Astronomical Clock survived unscathed in the wake of WWII which makes this outstanding piece of workmanship even more impressive. Be sure to be there on the hour to watch as the clock comes to life before your eyes. Watch as the cogs and components move to the music, for a moment the whole Marketplace grinds to a stand still; a truly captivating landmark that is not to be missed!
Heilbronn Astronomical Clock
Address: Marktplatz 7, 74072 Heilbronn
Website: Heilbronn Astronomical Clock
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3. Take time to relax - Pfuhlpark
Leave the city behind and take wander through the winding pathways of Pfuhlpark. Featuring a fragrant rose garden and photogenic pond, Pfuhlpark is a welcoming retreat. A popular spot for young families the park is a great space to meet local people - try your hand at the language and discover the locals’ hidden gems and recommendations. Grab a coffee at the little family run kiosk and take to the shade with a book. The wide, flat pathways make Pfuhlpark the perfect running track, the open lawn area is great for playing Badminton or frisbee!
Heilbronn’s Pfuhlpark looks beautiful whatever the season. In the winter frost grips to the leaves and the evergreens stand proudly next to the bare branches of their neighbors. In the spring, take a moment to watch the petals uncurl and bask in the sun.
Pfuhlpark
Address: Richard-Becker-Straße, 74074 Heilbronn
Website: Pfuhlpark
4. Scratch beneath the surface - Heilbronn Salt Mines
Heilbronn may be internationally known for its wine industry but scratch below the surface and you will discover over seven hundred kilometers (435 miles) of salt mines! Established in 1908 the Heilbronn Salt Mines are one of Europe’s leading extractors of the raw material. The salt is sourced from deposits deep below the Alps and Heilbronn’s two mining shafts produce over four million tonnes a year!
Take a visit to the Bad Friedrichshall Museum Mine, travel one hundred and eighty meters (590 feet) below the ground and learn about the variety of mining methods used over the decades and observe the vast salt halls illuminated before you.
Bad Friedrichshall Museum Mine
Address: Bergrat-Bilfinger-Straße 1, 74177 Bad Friedrichshall
Website: Bad Friedrichshall Museum Mine
5. Try a tipple - Heilbronn vineyards
The residents of Heilbronn have been running vineyards since the Romans ruled the land. Widely regarded as Germany’s number one wine growing region, Heilbronn exports its wines the world over. It is most popularly drunk during the Heilbronner Weindorf, the Heilbronn Wine Festival.
The vineyards are supported by the Necklar River which has been a vital source of water for the community for centuries. There are over five hundred hectares (1,235 acres) of vineyards surrounding the city, making for a picture perfect landscape. If traveling by car, don’t miss an opportunity to drive down Württemberg Wine Road, five hundred kilometers (310 mi) of vineyard countryside to enjoy!
Württemberg Wine Road
Address: Württemberg Wine Road, Heilbronn
Website: Württemberg Wine Road
6. Eat like a local - Pfeffer's
Serving a range of traditional German and Mediterranean dishes, Pfeffer Lebensmittel & Tagbar’s menu has something for everyone. Caring and attentive staff offer table service inside the restaurant and in their outdoor dining area. Located in Heilbronn’s vibrant Marketplace, enjoy a glass of wine in the evening and watch the world go by. Alternatively, if you’re an early riser why not stop by for the best-selling Pfeffer Breakfast? With a range of delicatessen meats and cheeses on offer, as well as freshly brewed coffee, Pfeffeer’s is the perfect choice for travelers.
Pfeffer's
Address: Kramstraße 1, 74072 Heilbronn
Website: Pfeffer’s
Heilbronn is the place for you
Whether it’s stunning architecture, a relaxed walk in the park or a sip or two of local wine, Heilbronn is the place for you. The Necklar River that has powered the city for generations is now a focal point for tourists, featuring bars, cafes and restaurants a plenty. After a long day of exploring the promenade, it is the place to hang out, meet local people and make new friends along the way!