Transporting over a million passengers each year, the Heidelberg Funicular is one of the most popular tourist attractions.

This success is due to its spectacular route, which climbs from the beautiful old town to the castle and reaches the 500-meter-high Königstuhl.

Inaugurated way back in 1890, the Heidelberg Funicular (Heidelberger Bergbahn) is divided into two distinct sections. It’s no coincidence that they are often referred to as two separate funiculars: Molkenkurbahn and Königstuhlbahn.

Molkenkurbahn is the older section and connects the romantic old town of Heidelberg with the castle and Molkenkur, with a total of three stations. The trains and stations are more modern, as it’s the most popular section for tourists. Königstuhlbahn is the upper section, inaugurated in 1907, connecting Molkenkur with Königstuhlbahn for just two stops.

Photo ©, Hubert Berberich

PRACTICAL INFO

HEIDELBERG FUNICULAR STATIONS

The first section of the funicular is the most popular with tourists and, therefore, the most modern, having undergone a modernization project in 2005.
The lowest station is Kornmarkt, located in the heart of the historic center. The station is reached by walking along Kornmarkt in the opposite direction from Marktplatz. It is located near the Hotel am Schloss and the P12 car park.
Heidelberg Schloss is the castle stop that leads to the ruins of the castle complex of the same name.
Molkenkur is the intersection between the lower and upper funiculars. Exiting the station offers a truly unique view of Heidelberg and the Neckar River. The RNV30 bus stop is nearby.
Königstuhl is the highest stop on the entire funicular, located at over 500 meters. In addition to the beautiful views and nature, there is a children’s playground (Märchenparadies Heidelberg GmbH & Co) and beautiful nature trails.

OPENING HOURS

The Heidelberg funicular operates daily with the following schedule:
Summer. Lower section: 9:00 AM (first ride) to 8:00 PM (last ride), in both directions. Upper section: From Molkenkur, 9:08 AM to 7:28 PM. From Königstuhl, 9:08 AM to 7:48 PM.
Winter. Lower section: From Konigsmarkt, 9:00 AM to 5:10 PM. From Molkenkur, 9:00 AM to 5:40 PM. Upper section: From Molkenkur, 9:08 AM to 5:08 PM. From Königstuhl, 9:08 AM to 5:28 PM.

TICKETS PRICES

The Heidelberg Funicular is operated independently by Heidelberger Straßen- und Bergbahn on behalf of the Stadtbetriebe Heidelber local transport services. Therefore, specific tickets must be purchased to use it.

The Panorama ticket, the most comprehensive, offers access to the Upper and Lower Funiculars, the Castle Gardens, the wine cellar, and the Pharmacy Museum. Adult tickets cost €11 (one-way) and €17 (return). Children aged 6 to 14 receive a 50% discount. A family ticket costs €39 for a return ticket for two adults and two children.

The Upper Funicular ticket offers access to the Upper Railway only. It costs €7 (one-way) and €10 (return).
Children aged 6 to 14 receive a 50% discount. With a family ticket, 2 adults and 2 children travel for €24 for a return ticket.