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Just over 10 kilometers north of Heidelberg, in the Rhine Valley, Schwetzingen Castle is a small 18th-century gem.
Built as a Baroque summer residence for the Electors of the Palatinate, this castle is certainly one of the must-see places in Baden-Württemberg.
It’s ideal for visiting in conjunction with nearby Heidelberg, an enchanting town among the most beautiful in Germany.
Its historic theater is a small masterpiece, captivating with its scenography and unique acoustics. The Mosque is a true symbol of tolerance and lends an oriental touch to the entire complex.
The castle also boasts exquisite interiors and a beautiful, well-kept garden, with 180 hectares of enchanting corners.
Photo ©, Berthold Werner
PRACTICAL INFO
HOW TO GET TO SCHWETZINGEN CASTLE
The castle is easily accessible by car and public transport.
From Heidelberg, it’s just over 10 kilometers and takes about 20 minutes to reach the destination.
The closest parking lot to the castle is Schlossgarage, with a maximum capacity of 90 spaces. Open 24/7, it offers rates starting from €1.80 per hour.
If the parking lot is full, you can park a little closer, at Marstallstraße 9, at the Zentrum Schloss car park, with a capacity of 180 spaces.
Bus 717 runs daily from Heidelberg HBF main station to Schlossplatz, the Castle Square. The journey takes about 40 minutes.
The ticket costs €5.60 full price and €3.90 reduced. You can also use the €11 single day ticket and the €14 family day ticket.
WHAT TO SEE
Only a few rooms of the castle are open to visitors (with an English or German guide only), and are not particularly exceptional.
The beautiful Historic Theater, designed by architect Nicolas de Pigage, is considered the oldest surviving theater of its kind in Europe!
Among the must-see attractions of Schwetzingen Castle, the Mosque (Gartenmoschee) deserves special mention. It is perhaps the most fascinating building in the entire complex.
The gardens (Schlossgarten) are the most spectacular feature of the entire complex. Their 180 hectares are a perfect blend of French and English styles. You can admire the magnificent tree-lined avenues, woods, and shaped hedges. The fountains, including the beautiful Arion Fountain, and the Natural Theater with the evocative Temple of Apollo, are also worth a visit.
And, again, the Roman Water Castle with its aqueduct, the Temple of Forest Botany, and the mysterious Temple of Mercury.
Covering more than 180 hectares, the Schwetzingen Garden, known as Schlossgarten, was designed following a blend of French and English styles.
2025 OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS
The Schwetzingen Garden is open daily, including holidays, from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM in the summer and from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the winter.
The castle closes one hour early.
Visits are only permitted as part of a guided tour.
The Castle + Gardens Guided Tour ticket costs €13 for adults and €6.50 for a reduced price. The Family Ticket costs €32.50 for two adults and two children.
To visit the gardens only, the cost is €9 for adults, €4.50 for a reduced price, and €22.50 for families.