Experience Heidelberg from its mysterious side and discover the dark chapters of the city’s history in a very special way. Follow the hangman or hangman’s wife through narrow alleyways or listen to the night watchman as he makes his way through the old town by lantern light. Each tour offers exciting knowledge and some black humor from days long gone. You can expect dark stories, surprising insights and unforgettable moments at the city’s original locations. Ready for a tour that gets under your skin?
Of executioners, field shears and bathers
Immerse yourself in Heidelberg’s dark past and accompany the executioner on his nocturnal tour “Of executioners, field shears and bathers”. The tour starts at 8 p.m. at the Kornmarkt near the statue of St. Mary – from there, the route takes you through the alleyways of the city for 1.5 hours and our guide provides insights into a time when the art of healing and cruelty often went hand in hand. Find out how executioners not only rolled heads, but also worked as healers, waste collectors and watchdogs in shady neighborhoods. Exciting anecdotes about the lives of field shears, bathers and other sinister figures are of course included. Fancy some history with goosebump potential? Sign up for the guided tour now!
Executioners, witches, pretty girls
The Middle Ages were bloody and dark – and right in the middle of it all: the executioner of Heidelberg. Accompany his daughter on an exciting tour through the old town and experience history up close. The meeting point is at 8 pm at the Kornmarkt near the statue of St. Mary – then the 1.5-hour journey into a time full of cruelty, superstition and dark secrets begins. You will find out what the burning of witches entailed, how thieves’ ears were cut off and what prizes were on the punishment list. Listen to true stories about duels in brothels, corrupt bathers and dangerous treatments with red-hot iron. A guided tour for anyone who dares to look the gruesome side of Heidelberg in the eye.
With the executioner’s wife through Heidelberg’s alleyways
Accompany the executioner’s wife – or her charming daughter – on an exciting tour through Heidelberg’s dark history. The 1.5-hour tour starts at the market square and takes you past the Frauenturm tower to the site of the infamous blood court of 1812. She was once ostracized, but in demand at night: because no one knew better how to cure the fat of the poor or the dark secrets of everyday life between the gallows and mercy. Find out more about life in the shadow of the executioner during the tour, which will sometimes make you shudder and sometimes smile. Along the way, the executioner’s wife will take you on a journey through Heidelberg’s eventful history, from the castle to its hidden corners and vast gardens.
On the trail of the night watchmen
Experience Heidelberg by night – in the footsteps of the night watchmen who once roamed the dark alleyways with lanterns and halberds to protect the city from fire, thieves and sinister figures. You will learn how the night watchmen not only kept order, but also provided comfort and were messengers of hope. Listen to exciting stories about brave men, mysterious legends and life in medieval Heidelberg, discover highlights such as the Heiliggeistkirche and the Old Bridge and enjoy a breathtaking view of Heidelberg Castle. Interested in an unforgettable tour? On our night watchman tour, you can discover the romantic and spooky side of the city in a whole new way!
Even more nightlife with NiceGuides
Walking through the city alone at night? Not necessarily! Join our pub crawl and experience Heidelberg far away from hangmen and witches – with a tasty cold drink or two and good people.
