The beauty of Heidelberg is timelessness. It inspired the German Romantic Movement, and it continues to inspire people today. Located on the Neckar River in southwestern Germany. It’s known for venerable Heidelberg University, founded in the 14th century. Gothic Heiliggeistkirche church towers over the cafe-lined Marktplatz, a town square in the Altstadt (Old Town). The red-sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, a noted example of Renaissance architecture, stand on Königstuhl hill. Heidelberg celebrates both the old and the new, making it the perfect place for everyone including the beer tourist.
Travel around Heidelberg and surrounding area. Buses and trams (Strassenbahn or Stadtbahn) are the main form of transportation in Heidelberg, with the centre hub at Bismarktplatz in the Altstadt. Individual tickets are available, but there are many special passes that make it much more affordable and efficient to get around. Individual tickets can be purchased at ticket machines or with the driver, and passes can be purchased at the ticket counters. Maps of each bus and tram route can be found at every stop. The transportation website link, http://www.vrn.de, contains all basic information.
So here we go again, we have been to Heidelberg quite a few time, so I thought I better get my "arse" into gear and put my thoughts on the drinking establishments down! Heidelberg boasts four brew-pubs as of March 2026.
Vetter Alt Heidelberg Brauhaus, Steingasse 9
Open: Daily 11.30 - 00.00
Vetter Alt Heidelberg Brauhaus (that's a snappy name) located in the Altstadt, on Steingasse a small road that sits close to the river side, of the 'Church of the Holy Spirit', also it's just a few minutes walk from Brauhaus Kulturbrauerei. A traditional city brauhaus, cosy and very busy. Inside there are no suprises dark wood with pine furniture and the copper brew kettles located on a back wall. They serve four draught beers and a plus is that they come in 100ml samplers which is a good deal. There 33 Pils has quite a reputation and that longside the traditional food is worth the trip alone, maybe the first place you should go in Heidelberg!
Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg, Leyergasse 6
Open: Daily 12.00 - 23.00
Located a 2-minute walk from the Neckar River, this quaint hotel and brewery. The building is lovely, a really beautiful beer hall, huge windows, large frescos, lots of wood, the ceilings all looked original and untouched. You can sit upstairs and look down on the long bench tables. They have a beer garden located across the street for summer evenings etc. They have three regular beers as well as a seasonal. The unfiltered helles is a hop bomb and quite decent. The prices are a bit high but the portions are also huge and the quality is good. A nice place I wouldn’t run back to but also wouldn’t mind revisiting.
Brauerei Zum Klosterhof Heidelberg, Stiftweg 4
Open: Mon-Fri: 10.00-18.00, Sat: 10.00-16.00 Closed: Sunday
A Brewery in grounds of a monastery, brewing organic craft beers and ales, were you can get tours and tastings. Located close to Heidelberg. With easy access with a bus. But also a beautiful walk from the bridge or via Philosphenweg to this "Zisterzensierklister", (potentially a trappist brewery if the brewery were not in the private hands of an investor). There is an on-site shop with local delicacies and a good range of most of their beers (including some new fangled ale experiments). Note, the resturant is not part of the brewery and is a separate business.
Heidelberger Brauerei, Kurpfalzring 112
Open: Mon-Fri: 08.00-15.00
A large regional brewery. They have guided tours so better to phone first to book, a nice tasting room in site where you can sample there various beer. Also a shop to but bottles and memorabilia etc.
Denninghoffs GmbH, Wieblinger Weg 92/1, 69123 Heidelberg
Open: Tours
A large brewery going back over 400 years. Tours are good if available please cantact first. Their beers are widley available.
Löwenbräu Heidelberg, Hauptstraße 127, 69117 Heidelberg
Open: Daily 11.00 - 23.00
The restaurant is located in the old street easy to find. Löwenbräu is a charming German pub and restaurant in Heidelberg that's worth a visit. The cosy interior feels like a step back in time, and as you'd expect from a Löwenbräu outlet. Great beers and local food.
Zum Roten Ochsen, Haupstrasse 217
Open: Fri - Sat 17.30 - 22.00
A hidden gem of a place, nestled away from the tourist areas. You are greeted warmly by the friendly staff. This is the classic authentic German experience, and has been in Heidelberg for over 300 years. Inside lots of dark wood and lots of graffiti on the ceiling wall's and even carved into the table tops! Plus lots of old photos and hunting trophies, horns and drinking cups hang on the walls, that all to the cosy atmosphere. They serve classical German food to go along with the local beer range. The staff, (generally) older German guys, who are very friendly, chatty and welcoming, make this a must visit bar.
Palmbräu Gasse, Hauptstraße 185
Open: Mon - Fri 16.00 - 00.00 Sat - Sun 12.00 - 22.00
The official brewery "tap" for Palmbräu Eppingen. Tucked into the altstadt (old city), its in the shadows of Schloos Heidelberg and deeply part of the area's history, the buildings, not necessarily the restaurant. Set in a medieval vault passage, large, stone walled "brauhaus" style building. The menu is a mix of Bavarian and Badian dishes, Schnitzel, Pork Knuckle and Potatoes (they got it all), that are served in huge portions, there are also vegetarian options to ge with the range of Palmbräu beers, three of which are on tap, the rest bottled. All tables are constantly occupied, a lively crowd coming and going, so maybe better to book? There is a great atmosphere. Friendly and fast service. Overall an absolutely amazing place it's both cosy and a perfect place to experience the hospitality and cuisine of this city.
HEERLIJK! 25 - Local Beer & Drinks, Hinterhof, Bergheimer Str. 25
Open: Wed - Sun 18.00 - 23.00
A great little local beer bar with beer flights. Tucked away in a courtyard. The beers are great. Friendly helpful service. A few outside tables, mostly inside including basement.
O'HEERLIJK! - Local Pub, Brückenkopfstraße 1/1
Open: Tues - Fri 18.00 - 00.00 Sat - Sun 15.00 - 23.00
A truly amazing place with a cool atmosphere, super-friendly staff, and a really good selection of drinks. The beers are as always at Herrlijk—simply delicious. live events, comedy, music etc. This is exactly what Heidelberg needed 🍻
HEERLIJK! - Local Craft Beer Shop, Plöck 14, 69117 Heidelberg
Open: Tues - Fri 15.00 - 19.00 Sat - 13.00 - 19.00
Fantastic local beers with a modern craft vibe. Strays away from the traditional flavours found in Bavaria in the best way. Worth a stop and a 6 pack to take home. Prost
I hope you found my guide to the brewpubs and bars in Heidelberg useful?
Now you just need to get yourself out there and start the beer adventure for yourself!
Go grab a locally brewed pint (or 2) and support your local pub's and brewers!
Translate This Page