The first time we visited the Thingstaette happened to be on Walpurgisnacht. We were surprised when we got there and found about 10 Polizei cars parked nearby, and the place absolutely packed with kids partying. We're talking beer, bongos, giant bonfire, the whole thing. So if you're visiting on April 30 and are up for a party, this is the place to be!
The second time we went, it was completely empty and a totally different experience. It's so surreal to be here when its quiet and empty. Highly recommended. Once you walk to the top, there are Monastery ruins that are also fascinating to visit.

The Thingstatte is located on the hilltop across from Schloss Heidelberg. It is an outdoor ampetheatre, built in the early Nazi era (1934-35) and was used mainly for political rallies and such. Very interesting piece of history. A little bit of a hike from the bottom of the hill, but on the way up there is much to see, including an old well and a lookout tower. You must climb to the top of the lookout tower, an absolutely breathtaking view of the city and of the castle! Also, once you reach the thingstatte, if you continue to walk up the hill you will come across ruins of an old monastary, also very neat.

If you have younger children i would recomend driving up the hill rather than walking, the road is windy and small, but there is parking at the top of the hill so that the walk to the thingstatte isnt so bad.

Definitley a must see though!

The Thingstatte is the most fascinating place I have ever seen. It is a hill across from the Heidelberg Castle and contains interesting places that have a connection to history and Germany. The best way to access is by the "Philosopher's Way". The beginnings of the path can be found at the base of the old bridge across from the castle. There are many paths at the bottom of the hill, but they all converge at the top. Here is to be found a lookout tower for the castle, a Gasthaus, the ruins of an old monastery, and, the gem, an amphitheater designed by Albert Speer, (Hitler's architecht and a native of Heidelberg), and used for intimate rallies of the Nazi party inner circle. When I was there several years ago the caretaker of the Gasthaus was employed originally as a member of the Hitlerjugend. He has now passed on but was a treasure trove of info regarding this historic place.There is also a less strenuous method by a very steep road and a car or taxi. Bicyclists take care!