Coat of arms and logo for Baden-Württemberg State Palaces and Gardens
Heidelberg Castle
Truly romantic: the world-famous ruins

Curious inhabitants, strange featuresAnecdotes

Many myths and legends surround Heidelberg Castle. On castle tours, the story of the royal court jester, Perkeo, is told with a wink. Visitors who look closely will find mysterious, "inexplicable" features at Heidelberg Castle. Happy hunting!

Detail of the head of a statue of the dwarf Perkeo.

A tragic death

The court jester was known for being able to hold his drink. But water proved to be his undoing.

Perkeo
View of a shoe-shaped imprint on a cobblestone of the Great Terrace.

A leap to freedom

An exciting search for footprints on the Great Terrace. Who left the shoe imprint?

The Knight's Leap
Iron ring on the gate tower at Heidelberg Castle.

A hard nut to crack

A witch took a bite out of the gate at Heidelberg Castle.

The Witch's Bite