Botanischer Garten der Universität Heidelberg is a stunning botanical garden which offers visitors an insight into the world of plants. In the greenhouses, you will find a variety of plants including orchids, cacti, and succulents among others. Plants of different bio-systems like upland moors, heathland, alpine or dune landscapes grow in the open-air grounds.
Since 1934 the Heidelberg Zoo has been one of the major attractions for young and old in the city. Children in particular are keen on the animals and the playground which is even Heidelberg's largest. Covering a total area of 323 hectares (800 acres), here visitors can watch animals from five continents. On the extended Africa grounds you will see among others antelopes, elephants, rhinos and camels. The bird grounds with 27 aviaries show birds from around the globe, such as pelicans and parrots.
The name of this garden, which initially wasn't a garden at all, derives from the defence equipment that stood in this former bulwark. Installed under Ludwig V. (1508-1544), Friedrich V. (1610-1623) had the construction turned into a pleasure-garden for his consort Elisabeth. The richly ornamented Elisabeth's Gate is still standing there, on the opposite end the eye is caught by the Thick Tower with the remains of the English Palace. Between the Artillery Garden and the Castle lies the Moat that is 20 meters deep in places. The former prison tower Seltenleer (seldom empty) is still standing at the castle's south corner. The Rondel on the western side, a half-demolished battery tower, gives a good view over the Old town. Admission to the Artillery Gard en is free.
South of Heidelberg, on the peak of the Königstuhl, lies a fairy-tale paradise. On 48,000 square meters of woodland, children will find all kinds of entertainment at the Märchen Paradies Königstuhl. The fairy-tale paradise shows figures from well-known children's stories: Snow-white and the seven dwarfs, Rumpelstilzchen, and other familiar figures in life-size. Also, the children's railway, scooters, mini-golf, and electrical horse riding are exciting entertainment. A wild dragon and the large jumping cushion give much joy.