Heidelberg

Heidelberg, Germany

"The city in its setting and entire surroundings may be said to have something ideal." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1797). Scarcely any other European city has had its praises so often sung as Heidelberg. The mysterious Heidelberg Castle, the picturesque Old Town, and as Goethe himself stated, the perfection of its setting – in the nineteenth century, all of this attracted the German romanticists, who immortalized Heidelberg in poetry, music, and art. Today the charm of Old Heidelberg is combined with a future-oriented and international focus.

Population:

Approximately 160.000

Currency:

Euro, €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Polizeinotruf 110
Feuerwehr und Rettungsdienst 112

Opening Hours:

Larger shops such as department stores are open from Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. some remain open longer. On Sunday, shops are generally closed, with the exception of smaller souvenir shops. Filling stations (gasoline/petrol) and the main train station also offer a small selection of grocery and household products beyond regular opening hours.

Newspapers:

Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung (RNZ)

Welcome to Heidelberg

The poet Goethe praised Heidelberg almost modestly as having "something ideal" about it. But Mark Twain, the pragmatic Mississippi river pilot, speaks of "the last possibility of the beautiful."

Today a city with some 160.000 inhabitants, Heidelberg was once the royal residence of German Prince Electors, and for hundreds of years it was a focal point of German history. Closely connected with Heidelberg are the names of such houses of nobility as Wittelsbach, Stuart, or Medici, of theologians such as Martin Luther, or political figures such as Friedrich Ebert.

Strikingly evident is the beauty of Heidelberg’s setting and architecture: edged north and south by the forested hillsides of the All Saints’ Mountain and the King’s Chair, Heidelberg lies where the Neckar river leaves the Odenwald Forest and flows onward into the Rhine valley. The baroque silhouettes of the houses, the elegant sweep of the bridge over the river, and the stately ruin of the regal castle towering above the town, blend with the surroundings to present a visual image that is almost ethereal.

Amidst this magical setting, the town pulsates with modern life. In the angular lanes of the Old Town, students, tourists, and long-time residents cross paths day and night. Numerous stages beckon citizens and passers-by alike to enjoy the annual festivals for classics, jazz, film, theater, and literature.

In Heidelberg’s oldest university, founded in 1386, research at the highest level is being actively pursued. At present some 31,000 students are matriculated, roughly a fifth of the population. It is largely the students who vest the city with its cosmopolitan, international, and youthful atmosphere. Positioned in one of the most dynamic economic regions of Germany, Heidelberg is among the most attractive conference and convention sites in the land.

With the HeidelbergCARD, the visitor can become acquainted with the city’s famous sights and attractions simply, comfortably, and economically.

Heidelberg Marketing GmbH is your competent on-site partner. Our friendly team of qualified experts is on hand to discuss with you our comprehensive programme of tours, and is glad to offer suggestions and assistance during your stay.

Tel.: +49 6221 58 44 444
E-Mail: info@heidelberg-marketing.de
Internet: www.heidelberg-marketing.com

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Do & See

Heidelberg is considered one of Germany’s most beautiful cities. The harmonious ensemble of Castle, Old Town and river in the midst of mountains was an inspiration to the poets and artists of the Romantic period, and has lost none of its fascination today for millions of visitors from all over the world.

The symbol of the city, Heidelberg Castle, lies some 70 meters or 230 feet above the Neckar on the hillside of Heidelberg’s local mountain, the Königstuhl (King’s Chair). The ruins of the Castle towering above the town are among the most impressive sights that a trip through Germany can offer the marveling traveller.

The city of the oldest university in Germany (founded in 1386, and since 2007 officially a University of Excellence) looks back on more than 800 years of history: from the former residence city of Germany’s Prince Electors up to today’s modern and future-oriented center of knowledge and economic growth.

Events

Scarcely any other German city of comparable size allows itself such a multifacetted and comprehensive program of cultural events as does Heidelberg. From the international music festival "Heidelberger Frühling" to the summer Castle Festivals and the jazz festival "Enjoy Jazz" – not forgetting the Castle Illuminations in June, July, and September, and as the atmospheric Grande Finale of the year, the magical Christmas Market – Heidelberg offers a plethora of cultural delights the whole year long. In between, such insiders’ tips as the Chanson Festival "schöner lügen", the Heidelberg Bach Week, or the Heidelberg Literature Days, ensure Heidelberg’s enthusiastic residents and visitors an unending source of enrichment and pleasure.

We present some of the events here. A comprehensive overview of other events you can find at https://www.heidelberg.de/hd,Len/300652.html

Due to the Corona Pandemic, numerous events in Heidelberg unfortunately have to be cancelled or postponed or will take place with restrictions.

Please inform yourself on the websites of the organizers about their current state of planning.

Dining

Just as versatile and multifaceted as Heidelberg itself is the immense scope of its culinary possibilities. From the popular student pubs to restaurants that offer authentic palatinate cooking, international specialties, and/or top of the line gastronomy, from early-morning coffee to the midnight hours, the range from which to choose is nothing short of delectable.