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Heidelberg, Germany

Make the most of your time in Heidelberg, use the information provided on this web site by clicking on the links to plan your visit.

Heidelberg is a particularly picturesque city in the south-east of Germany which is known primarily for its role as a top university city. It is home to one of Europe’s oldest such educational institutions with somewhere approaching 30,000 students under its authority. There are also the remains of a castle in the Old Town part of the city, another reminder of Heidelberg’s past and another draw to this impressive destination.

The city is located on the River Neckar in the state of Baden-Württemberg in the south-eastern part of the country. More than 140,000 people live in Heidelberg, a number which swells by 3.5 million throughout the year due to the number of tourists who visit annually. It proves particularly popular during the summer months as onlookers venture to the country’s south to enjoy the warmest part of the year.

A number of old buildings stemming from the late-Middle Ages still stand to this day because the city avoided any serious bombing during the Second World War. There are also areas like the botanical garden, the zoo, the Heiliggeistkirche and a modern part which houses the city’s best hotels and restaurants, but it is the university, built as long ago as 1386, that is the most impressive and famous part of Heidelberg. Further, there are some 20 museums in the city, as well as the student jail, signifying something more of Heidelberg’s heritage. Offering something unique there is the scenic Philosophers Walk which overlooks the city and highlights Heidelberg’s role in the Romantic era in the country.

Heidelberg is also known for being a modern science and research city, while biotechnology is also a key sector. A number of large international companies reside in Heidelberg including 70 in the Heidelberg Technology Park.
Culturally, the city has much in the way of music, theatre and large scale events. The Heidelberg Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras are based in the city, while each Autumn sees the return of the jazz festival. During March and April there is a Classical Music festival, named the Heidelberger Fruehling. The municipal theatre hosts various events throughout the year, while for shopping the Hauptstrasse is the main place to head.

Every November Heidelberg hosts the International Film Festival Mannheim-Heidelberg, while by the time September comes around the Old Town Autumn Festival is in full flow. On the first weekends of June and September and on the second weekend of July there is a firework display at the castle which proves a particular draw for visitors to the city and is one of the top events of the year.
 

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