With a golden sun overhead, and fall colors all around, Shawn and I climbed up to the Heiliggeistkirche’s platform. I had never ascended the 600-year-old Gothic church’s curvy staircase during the autumn season, so I was pleasantly surprised by the splendid panorama that greeted us at the top.
On the sandstone perch overlooking Heidelberg’s Altstadt (Old Town), ladybugs congregated.
Swallows soared.
The bells of the Heiliggeistkirche (English: Church of the Holy Spirit) tolled, as if to summon Old Man Winter, who was eagerly waiting in the wings.
Autumn was in all her glory. The trees of the hillsides cradling the Altstadt were painted in vibrant fall hues. Crispy leaves danced on the cobblestoned streets below. People soaked up the sun’s warmth at outdoor cafés.
We left the roost feeling very lucky — not only for having mingled with so many ladybugs (they are considered to be a good luck symbol in Germany) but also for having chosen the perfect day to enjoy a bird’s-eye view in the charming city of Heidelberg.
Where in the World?
Planning Pointers:
- Heidelberg is located 90 km (55 miles) south of Frankfurt.
- For more information about Heidelberg’s attractions, visit Heidelberg’s Tourist Information Center.
- How to ascend the tower of the Heiliggeistkirche: Check the Heiliggeistkirche website to determine its opening hours. As of 2025, the cost was €5/person. Note that there are about 200 steps.
- When and where to see the fall colors in Heidelberg: I took these pictures the last week of October, when the autumn leaves were at their peak. Beyond the Heiliggeistkirche, other great spots to enjoy Heidelberg’s fall foliage include:
- Philosophenweg (Philospher’s Walk)
- Schloss Heidelberg (Heidelberg Castle)
- The summit of the Königstuhl
- Because of its charming atmosphere and proximity to Heidelberg’s best-known attractions, I heartily recommend choosing a hotel in, or near Heidelberg’s Old Town-core: either the Altstadt (Heidelberg’s Old Town), Bergheim district, or Neuenheim district. Restaurants, cafés and shops are nearby, and you can even go hiking in the hills in a matter of minutes. I lived in an Altstadt apartment for 10 years, and I loved being among all the action. Since I was a resident of Heidelberg, I have limited experience staying in hotels in Heidelberg. However, here are some hotels we would revisit the next time we come to Heidelberg. (Some affiliate links follow.)
- Hotel Goldener Hecht – After our furniture was boxed up and we were preparing to leave Heidelberg, Shawn and I spent a few nights at the Goldener Hecht. We loved the central location! Heidelberg’s famous Old Bridge was just a few footsteps away, and the Heidelberg Castle was only about half a kilometer’s walk. Our room was clean, quiet, and pleasant, too.
- Hotel zum Ritter – When Shawn and I were married in the Heidelberg Castle, some of our family and friends stayed at the Hotel zum Ritter, one of Heidelberg’s most famous buildings. The elegant Hotel Ritter is situated on the pedestrianized Hauptstrasse (Main Street), just across from the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit). Even if you don’t stay there, the hotel’s gorgeous Renaissance exterior will likely catch your eye as you stroll down the Hauptstrasse.
- Are you looking for more ideas as you plan your trip to Germany? My Germany guide offers more tips, including posts about hiking in Heidelberg, welcoming fall at the Heidelberg Herbstfest, and visiting the Neuschwanstein Castle to enjoy the fall foliage.
Photography & text © Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.
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