Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast All along the watchtowers – with self-guided tourism where they lend you the key!
Nov 14, 2025
Heilbronn, a quaint German city, is set to be the European Green Capital for 2027 and boasts two climbable medieval towers. You can grab the keys at the tourist office for an adventurous self-guided tour. Experience the thrill of exploring these historic structures on your own, with open access that contrasts sharply with more regulated tourist spots. Climb to the battlements at sunset for breathtaking views and a taste of local history. It's an invitation to roam freely and embrace the beauty of self-service tourism!
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Borrowing The Tower Key
- Simon Calder visited Heilbronn and collected a key from the tourist office to climb a medieval tower alone.
- He described walking down spiral stairs, locking gates, and following the self-service setup with delight.
Trust-Based, Self-Guided Tourism
- Heilbronn embraces self-guided tourism by entrusting visitors with keys rather than staffed supervision.
- This approach creates intimate, unmediated experiences that many modern attractions no longer offer.
Borrow Keys And Respect Opening Hours
- Visit Heilbronn and borrow keys from the tourist office to access medieval towers on your own.
- Be back by closing time and follow the simple locking instructions the office gives.