Snake Path (Schlangenweg)

The Snake Path (Schlangenweg) is a historic stepped path on the north bank of the Neckar in Heidelberg's Neuenheim district, in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It starts beside the Alte Brücke and winds up the Heiligenberg slope to the Philosophenweg, following a serpentine course between walls and gardens, which gives the path its name. The route is lined with old stone walls, villas and terraced vineyards, and it has been used for centuries as a way up the hill. The climb takes about 15 minutes at a steady pace, though it is steep, and the paving is stepped and uneven in places. Visitors who go slowly are rewarded with changing views of the Old Town, the bridge and the castle as they gain height, and the path is quieter than the main tourist streets across the river. A typical visit, including the climb and a short pause at the top, takes 20 to 30 minutes, longer if combined with the Philosophenweg walk. The path is free and open at all times, but it is unlit, so it is best used in daylight. The stone surfaces become slippery when wet or covered with leaves, so sturdy footwear with good grip matters. The path is typically calm on weekday mornings, and it can be busy on sunny weekend afternoons when walkers head up to the Philosophenweg. The best views are from the turns near the top, where gaps in the walls open the outlook toward the castle. Photographers do well in late afternoon, when the light warms the sandstone. Benches along the way provide a resting point, and visitors should bring water in summer. The base of the path is a short walk from the Neckarwiese and the cafes of Neuenheim, which makes a loop through the district easy to plan.