The Klingenteichbach springs from a steep cliff-face on the northwestern slope of the Königstuhl, between the Molkenkur spur and the Gaisberg at an altitude of around 281 m above sea level.

It flows in a northwesterly direction through the Klinge gorge and under Klingenteichstraße, descending steeply until it reaches the Klingentor.

[3] After this, its course is less steep and it weaves in a northerly direction, past the Church of St Peter [de] and runs underneath the Grabengasse on the western edge of Universitätsplatz, crosses the Hauptstrasse, continues under Marstallstrasse next to Marstall [de].

[5] The original settlement of Heidelberg was established on top of the alluvial fan deposited by the Klingenteichbach, which was high enough to protect the settlers when the Neckar flooded.

The stream formed the western boundary of the medieval city, with Grabengasse ("cemetery alley") running alongside it.