20/08/2026
✨ Save the date: 5 September 2026 – Heidelberg Castle Illumination
One of Heidelberg’s most iconic evenings is returning: the Heidelberg Castle Illumination. 🏰🎆
At around 10:15 pm, Heidelberg Castle will once again glow red above the Old Town – followed by the traditional fireworks over the Neckar.
The red illumination recalls the destruction of the castle during the War of the Palatine Succession in 1689 and 1693. The tradition of celebrating with fireworks reaches even further back: in 1613, Elector Frederick V commissioned a festive display to welcome his wife, Elizabeth Stuart, to Heidelberg.
Today, the Castle Illumination is one of Heidelberg’s best-known traditions – and on 5 September, the castle will once again take centre stage.
📅 5 September 2026
🎆 Heidelberg Castle Illumination
🎟️ The event in the public space is free of charge
For all information about the event, viewpoints and getting there, head over to Heidelberg 4 you, the organiser of the Heidelberg Castle Illumination.
Save the date – and we’ll see you in September!
📸 Special thanks to .markrot (via Instagram) for letting us share these wonderful views of Heidelberg Castle.