Interesting Facts

The first bicycle was invented by a graduate of the University of Heidelberg

The environmentally-friendly transportation means was invented by Karl Drais, a student at the University of Heidelberg. The ‘Laufmaschine’ represented the beginning of mechanised personal transport. It was also nicknamed the Dandy Horse and was the first means of transport to make use of the two-wheeler principle, even though it didn't have pedals. 

Heidelberg escaped bombing in the Second World War

Unlike many German cities, Heidelberg was not destroyed by air raids in World War II and therefore still has original buildings from the later Middle Ages and early Renaissance.


The first evidence of human life in Europe was found in Heidelberg

In 1907 a jaw-bone was discovered in a gravel pit in Heidelberg. It is the earliest evidence found of human life in Europe. The ‘Heidelberg Man’ is the name now given to a member of this extinct human species, considered closely related to “Homo erectus”.

One in every five Heidelberg residents is a student

As one might expect from a city with a university as prestigious as that of Heidelberg, a large proportion of the population are students. This gives the city a very youthful and lively feel, also ensuring ample social and cultural offerings for inhabitants and visitors to enjoy.

The city hosts superb firework displays during the summer

Known as the ‘Schlossbeleuchtung’, Heidelberg hosts a fantastic firework display on the first Saturday of June, second Saturday of July and first Saturday of September every year.

The marvelous show starts with the Heidelberg castle being lit up as though it is on fire. This is to remember the times in 1689, 1693 and 1764, when the castle actually went up in flames! After a few minutes of the castle ‘burning’, the fireworks begin. The fireworks are launched from the old bridge and last for about 15 minutes. The fireworks exploding over the old bridge with the castle looming in the background is really something spectacular to witness.


Heidelberg is home to a hidden amphitheater
From the town at the top of the surrounding wooded hills hidden from view, the ‘Thingstätte’ was built in 1935 by the Nazi party and was designed by Heidelberg native Albert Speer.

It was used by the Nazi party during WWII for rallies and solstice festivals. It is now preserved as a monument, but it is still used for many festivals and cultural events throughout the year.

Heidelberg is featured prominently in various poems and novels

The city is mentioned in works by the likes of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Heinrich Heine, and Mark Twain, who spent several months residing in Heidelberg in the late 19th century. Heidelberg is also the home of a professional Quidditch team operating within the fictional Harry Potter universe. In the fourth installment of Harry Potter,The Heidelberg Harriers have been described as “fiercer than a dragon and twice as clever”.

Heidelberg is the home to the world’s biggest wine barrel

The Heidelberg ‘Tun’ is the largest wine barrel in the world and holds 220,000 litres. It was built in 1751 and sits within Heidelberg’s famous castle.

Tourist Attractions

Heidelberg Castle 

Prince Elector Ruprecht III (1398–1410) arranged to build the Heidelberg Castle as a royal residence. Further reconstruction was made as time goes by.  However, the castle and its garden were destroyed several times during the 30 Years' War and the Palatine War of Succession. As Prince Elector Karl Theodor tried to restore the castle, lightning struck in 1764, and infortunately, ended all attempts at rebuilding. Later on, the castle was misused as a quarry. Castle stones were taken to build new houses in Heidelberg in result of this. The action was stopped in 1800 by Count Charles de Graimberg, who then began the preservation of the Heidelberg Castle. 


The King's Hall was not built until 1934. Today, the hall is used for festivities, such as dinner banquets, balls and theatre performances. During the Heidelberg Castle Festival in the summer, the courtyard is the site of open air musicals, operas, theatre performances, and classical concerts performed by the Heidelberg Philharmonics.


As the garden is open at night, it is recommended to come up and see the illumination of the old town and castle as it incredibly romantic.

Heidelberg Castle is what Heidelberg is famous for- a beautiful old castle that dominates the Heidelberg skyline, looming over the old town with its magical historical markings. Any visitor to Heidelberg must absolutely visit this charming landmark. There are lots of things to feast one's eyes on as well as the rich, fascinating history to soak up in. The Belvedere terrace in the castle is somewhere one should go to as he or she will be rewarded with remarkable views of the old town below, which is a splendid picture opportunity. 

Cost: £3.50 for adults, £2.20 for students (entry fee and a guided tour)

University of Heidelberg

Heidelberg is known for its institutions of higher education, one of the most famous of those is the University of Heidelberg. Founded in 1386, it is one of Europe's oldest institutions. In fact, Heidelberg is the oldest university town of today's Germany. The university has various faculties in several buildings as well as the well-known University Square.

Universitätsplatz or University Square is considered as one of Heidelberg’s historical attractions. What makes the square special is that it has witnessed Nazi’s conquest of Germany. It served as one of the major sites where books were burned and where other Communist or Jewish literature from the University’s library were destroyed. The square is an epitome of haven for history buffs and architecture. While the University Square provides the colorful and fascinating history of the town, it also now serves the purpose as a main venue for students to hang out. Throughout the years, it has also been a center for activities and events hosted by the town.

There is no entrance fee to the university or the garden.

Neckar River Cruise (Rhein-Neckar Fahrgastschifffahrt)

Passenger boats leave from the Old Town for cruises along the Neckar River. Usually lasting around two or three hours, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the lovely scenery of the valley as you gently float past centuries-old villages, towns and their many attractions. The running commentary throughout the boat ride means you can learn about the sights you see. There is a choice of an open-top or covered boats, but the decision-making usually depends on the weather.

The Neckar River Cruise is one of the most charming ways to witness the sights of Heidelberg, which is why it is highly recommended as a touristy activity.

It is 25 Euros for a private boat that can support 35 people.

Festivals of Heidelberg

Throughout the year, there are different regular festivals and events organized and hosted in Heidelberg. 

In February, the Ball der Vampire (Ball of the Vampires) is celebrated with a giant vampire-themed costume party at the local castle or city hall.

In March or April, the Heidelberger Frühling (Heidelberg Spring), the Classic Music Festival and the 

international Easter egg market are conducted. 

During the last weekend of April there is an annual half marathon. In the summertime the illumination of the 
castle and bridge with lights and fireworks take place.

In September, each last Saturday the Old Town Autumn Festival is held. It includes a Medieval Market, an arts and crafts market, and a flea market.

The Heidelberger Theater Days and a jazz festival are held during October or November. Every year in November the International Filmfestival Mannheim-Heidelberg take place in the city, too. The festival presents art house films of international newcomer directors and is held jointly by both of the cities. 

During Christmas there will be a Christmas market throughout the oldest part of the city. A famous gift 
around the area is a type of chocolate called Heidelberger Studentenkuss (student kiss).

Local Delicacy

Lebkuchen

It is the German-version of a gingerbread man, but has a slightly different texture and taste compared to typical American or British gingerbread. The German ones are "chewier" and definitely benefit from the use of individual traditional spices. The spices in the dough regarded as being healthy and aiding digestion. Its origins can be traced back to the 12th century and was first baked regularly in monasteries. 

Schwarzwaelder Kirschtorte

It is the Black Forest Gateau, Germany's sweetest and most renowned contribution all over the world. It is a type of Black Forest Cake, mainly a chocolate sponge filled with cream, cherries and cherry Schnapps.

Zimtschnecken 

Zimtschnecken, when translated literally, means "cinnamon snails" and is a regular feature in the "sweet" corner of any German bakery.

Flammkuchen

The Flammkuchen is composed of thin bread dough rolled out in a rectangle, traditionally, or a circle, which is covered with cheese, thinly sliced raw onions and pepper. There is also the sweet kind with crème fraîche, sliced apples, sugar and cinnamon. It resembles a thin pizza. 

Places to Eat Out

Weisser Bock

Location: Große Mantelgasse 24, just off Unterestr. in the old town.

It has an excellently prepared and served menu with a wide range of choices, which is fairly international with a few German favorites. The interior of the restaurant has an old German feel to it with lots of dark wood. It is a highly recommended restaurant by travel guides, tourists as well as the local people.

Dorfschenke

Location: Lutherstr. 14, hidden down a back street in Neuenheim.

It is a restaurant with simple interior décor but impeccably delicious food. Don’t expect a fancy table cloth, but expect some of the best food in Heidelberg at very affordable prices. It is famous for Flammkuchen and a good, varied selection of German cuisine.


Cafe Journal

Location: Haupstr. 162, right in the heart of the old town.

A lovely coffee house that has long and narrow, with a couple of tables outside during the summer months for alfresco-dining. An extensive menu with rather large choices including very good salads, some local German specialities and some pasta dishes. It also serves a very good breakfast and a wide selection of coffees. 

Shopping Galore

For those who enjoy a day out for shopping will find Heidelberg an appealing place to spend their money. Many  shopping streets of Heidelberg are particularly attractive and lined with charming shops and buildings that are restored for their historical appearance.

The heartland to some of the most attractive shopping precincts in Germany, multiple shops in the city stand alongside pavements cafes, bars, restaurants, and bistros providing you with plenty of opportunity to take a break, dine in alfresco-style and people-watch, just simply immersing yourself in the flurry of culture and atmosphere that is truly Heidelberg.

Among the best shopping places in Heidelberg, the Hauptstrasse is an appealing, pedestrianised home to many high-street names and major stores with enchanting side-streets, historical surroundings and modern living. This is where the heart of the old town beats. The Hauptstrasse stretches for around 1 km / 0.6 miles and will be sure to provide a particularly memorable shopping experience, with gift shops, fashion boutiques, local speciality stores and more. It is one of the reasons why Heidelberg is a shopping destination for people in the surrounding smaller towns.

Further shopping can be found along the winding side streets of Heidelberg's Old Quarter. Ranging from antiques stores and art galleries, to jewellery and clothing outlets, many affordable, quirky and unique souvenirs are on offer in this part of the city.

If you want a first-hand experience of 'real' German life, Neuenheim Market offers a typical Heidelberg shopping experience with an old town feel. The market sells mainly fresh produce, including locally made cheeses, deliciously fresh vegetables and colourful flowers.