Hauptstrasse (Main Street), Heidelberg

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Hauptstrasse (Main Street), Heidelberg

Hauptstrasse (Main Street), Heidelberg

Heidelberg's Hauptstrasse is one of Europe's oldest, longest, and most beloved shopping avenues. Spanning 1.4 kilometers through the picturesque Old Town, this fully pedestrianized throroughfare links the busy Market Square with Bismarck Square. As you stroll along, you'll pass important landmarks like the Town Hall and a plethora of boutique shops.

Even before Heidelberg was founded, a small traffic route traced the path of what is now the Main Street. In the 14th century, it was expanded to its current length, with gates at each end. At the eastern end, you can see the Karlstor gate, which replaced the original gate in the 1700s and resembles a Roman triumphal arch, guarded by two lion statues.

Now considered one of Europe's most beautiful pedestrian zones, Hauptstrasse hosts arts and crafts markets and major city events such as the Heidelberg Half Marathon. Shopaholics will delight in the diverse array of offerings, from global fashion brands to quaint specialty stores, all distinguished by their attentive customer service.

When you need a break from the shopping and sightseeing, there are plenty of cafés and ice cream parlors to relax in. Especially in the summer, you can sit outside, enjoy a cool ice cream or a slice of cake, and watch the lively activity before resuming your exploration.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Heidelberg. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Hauptstrasse (Main Street) on Map

Sight Name: Hauptstrasse (Main Street)
Sight Location: Heidelberg, Germany (See walking tours in Heidelberg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Heidelberg, Germany

Create Your Own Walk in Heidelberg

Create Your Own Walk in Heidelberg

Creating your own self-guided walk in Heidelberg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Heidelberg Introduction Walking Tour

Heidelberg Introduction Walking Tour

Heidelberg is located on the Neckar River and is Baden-Württemberg’s fifth-largest city. One-quarter of the approximately 160,000 residents are students. Heidelberg University was founded in 1386 and is Germany’s oldest and one of Europe’s most prestigious universities. In addition, Heidelberg is home to internationally acclaimed research facilities, including four Max Planck Institutes....  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Philosophers’ Path

Philosophers’ Path

Heidelberg may be famous for its Castle, Old Town, and University, but its attractions don't stop there. A trip to Heidelberg isn't complete without visiting the Philosopher's Path.

Located on the northern side of the Neckar River, this popular path, about two kilometers long, meander along the sunny side of Holy Mountain. Over the centuries, it has inspired numerous scholars and...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles