Neckarwiese
Neckarwiese features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Heidelberg. Give it roughly ~30 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type park
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Heidelberg Heidelberg guide
About Neckarwiese
Heidelberg's favourite riverside lawn on the north bank, about five hectares of grass. Locals gather here to picnic beneath a wide view across to the Old Town and castle.
The Neckarwiese is a green meadow on the north bank of the Neckar in Heidelberg's Neuenheim district. Covering about five hectares, it is described as the city's largest inner-city green space, though its length is variously given as one to two kilometres. It is one of Heidelberg's most popular gathering, picnic and recreation spots, offering a broad view across the river to the Old Town and the castle. Chestnut trees line the riverside street, with poplars, lindens, willows and alders on the lawn.
When Neuenheim was incorporated into Heidelberg in 1891, the riverbank here was still unformed; the meadow was reinforced and widened after the Neckar's development as a federal waterway began in 1921, and it still floods during higher-water events. Facilities include a fountain, a playground, a kiosk and a water-rescue station. It hosts a rowing regatta, a triathlon and other annual events.
Did you know? Sources cannot quite agree on its size: German Wikipedia gives about one kilometre long and roughly fifty metres wide, while some tourism sources claim closer to two kilometres. Everyone agrees on about five hectares.
How long is a visit to Neckarwiese?
Set aside roughly ~30 min for Neckarwiese. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Neckarwiese worth your time?
Neckarwiese is among the 12 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Heidelberg, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Heidelberg
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Neckarwiese and read more:
Day 1 of the Heidelberg in 2 days itinerary →
Updated:
Hear the story of Neckarwiese
Preview the Heidelberg tour free in the Gingerguide app.