How big is the Heidelberg Tun and how much wine can it hold?

The Heidelberg Tun is the world's largest wine barrel, originally constructed in 1751 with a capacity of 221,726 litres (58,574 U.S. gallons). Due to the wood drying over time, its current capacity is 219,000 litres (57,854 U.S. gallons), and it was built using wood from approximately 130 oak trees.

Where is the Heidelberg Tun located and how do I visit it?

The Heidelberg Tun is housed in the cellars of Heidelberg Castle in Heidelberg, Germany. Visitors can access the castle and descend into the cellars to see this remarkable barrel, making it one of the main attractions within the castle complex.

Can you actually dance on top of the Heidelberg Tun?

Yes! A dance floor has been constructed on top of the barrel, and a staircase allows visitors to climb up and enjoy a quick dance on this unique surface. It's a fun and memorable experience that transforms the historic wine vat into an interactive tourist attraction.

Is the Heidelberg Tun still used to store wine?

The barrel has only rarely been used as an actual wine barrel throughout its history. Today, it primarily serves as a major tourist attraction within Heidelberg Castle rather than for its original purpose of wine storage.

How many Heidelberg Tuns have there been throughout history?

There have been four large wine barrels in the history of Heidelberg, with the current one being the most famous. The present Heidelberg Tun, constructed in 1751, has become the iconic symbol and is recognized as the world's largest wine barrel.

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Heidelberg Tun

The Heidelberg Tun (German: Großes Fass), or Great Heidelberg Tun, is an extremely large wine vat contained within the cellars of Heidelberg Castle. It is supposed to be the world’s largest wine barrel. There have been four such barrels in the history of Heidelberg. In 1751, the...

Photo · Naya R.

Heidelberg Tun — Heidelberg, Germany.

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Heidelberg

Type

Wines

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About Heidelberg Tun

Heidelberg Tun - Heidelberg | Secret World Trip Planner

The Heidelberg Tun (German: Großes Fass), or Great Heidelberg Tun, is an extremely large wine vat contained within the cellars of Heidelberg Castle. It is supposed to be the world’s largest wine barrel. There have been four such barrels in the history of Heidelberg. In 1751, the year of its construction, the present one had a capacity of 221,726 litres (58,574 U.S. gallons). Due to the drying of the wood its current capacity is 219,000 litres (57,854 U.S. gallons). One hundred and thirty oak trees were reputedly used in its construction. It has only rarely been used as a wine barrel, and in fact presently enjoys more use as a tourist attraction, and also as a dance floor since one was constructed on top of the tun. A staircase allows visitors to climb atop the barrel for a quick dance!