Karlsplatz (Karl’s Square)

 Karlsplatz, named after Grand Duke Karlfriedrich of Baden is a spacious square where the Prince Electors used to reside. A monastery existed here up until 1803, now it is just a big open space with an open view of the castle. 

Zum Ritter

Hotel zum Ritter st. George is one of the few houses still standing after the Wars of Succession. This Renaissance monument was erected in 1592 by Charles Belier and his wife. He created this ornate and lavish hotel to lure pedestrians in as they walk along the main street towards the castle during medieval times. It is one of the most well-known buildings in Heidelberg, definitely a main attraction when walking on Hauptstraße! This historic hotel is still well-preserved after countless renovations. Although a  new addition has been built behind the old hotel, you still feel like you are in the Renaissance period with a modern twist. There are two restaurants here, the Ritterstube and the Beiler. The Ritterstube is located in the old building, you can't help but notice the romantic ambience given off by the lavish carvings and ornate architecture that surrounds you when you enter- it resembles much like the king's parlor.

Philosophenweg

Philosophenweg is a scenic path that winds through the Heidelberg forest that extends for 2 steep kilometers, also known as Schlangenweg (Snake's path). You can get the best view of the castle from Philosopher's Way, many people walk their dogs/ jog here- definitely a major tourist attraction.


This is definitely one of the wealthier places to reside, the extravagant homes are surrounded by wineries, gardens, historical landmarks and more. The name dates back to the 1900s; two renowned physicists, Hans Jensen (nobel prize winner) and Hugo Merton resided here in the early 1900s, and now their homes are used as buildings of the Faculty of Physics for the University present-day. Philosophers, scholars, and musicians used to stroll here to gather peace and quiet to write poems and songs and thats how students derived the name today.

Exotic plant life- bamboo, lemon trees, American cypresses!

Rathaus (Town Hall)

The Rathaus was destroyed in 1689 by the French troops, and the foundation stone was laid here in the early 1700's. Due to a fire, the building was resurrected in 1908, and surrounding houses on the main street were torn down in order to replace the town hall. The Prince Elector's Coat of Arms and initials are located on the balcony.

Alte Brücke (Old Bridge)

The old bridge was re-constructed in 1786 by Prince Elector Karl Theodor. Theodor was the first ruler to construct a stone bridge, as it was built from wood before and was destroyed numerous times from natural causes. On the bridge you will find four statues, each representing the four major rivers in the region, the Rhein, Neckar, Mosel, and Donau. Located on the bridge is a "Tränktor", also known as a drinking gate, cattle were driven through this gate to their drinking places, it also served as a part of the town wall during the French Palatine War. 

Marstall Mensa

Marstall (Stables) was built in the 16th Century and has been well-preserved since the late middle ages. It was ultimately used as an arsenal for war, as you can see, there are four defense towers located at each of the building's corners and foot-holes for small arms. It was built in close proximity to the Neckar River so that trading vessels could anchor in front of it. The ground floor of the Marstall complex was used for stables and the upper floor for dwelling-units.

A few hundred years later, in 1921, the Marstall Mensa (cafeteria) was opened as one of the many efforts of helping mal-nutritioned students during the time of inflation. Students had no choice but to work in tobacco factories, coal mines, and farms to earn their daily bread. Johann Hermann Mitgau helped develop the "Heidelberg Student Help Organization ", also known as, the "Studentenwerk" today.

The Marstall Mensa is still in use today, and students frequently come here to study outside, enjoy live music/bands in the Marstall cafe, meet with their study groups, or enjoy the sun in the inner-courtyard.

Grocery Shopping!

Since we are all poor college students, here are a few places to go grocery shopping: Lidl, Aldi, Kaufland. If you are willing to spend a little more for higher quality food, go to Rewee. You will also notice a lot of local fruit stands/ farmers markets- only the freshest fruit and vegetables of the season.. and it's always nice to support the local community! You'll definitely be spending a lot on food, practice being frugal and get creative with your cooking skills! In the beginning you are going to meet  A LOT of erasmus (european exchange) students, and a great way to meet people/ save money was having an international potluck. I got to meet people from all over the world and try great food from New Zealand, Spain, Sweden etc., while only having to spend a few euro on the dish I prepared.

Farmers Market

Universität Museum

The University Museum provides the historical background of the university and Germany during World War II. It is fascinating to read about professors and student's lives during the Nazi regime, and how bits of history are still incorporated in the university today.

"Non-Aryans" lost privileges- such as, jobs, eligibility to attend the university and other rights. In 1933, new laws were implemented that forbade non-Aryan instructors from working at the university, and a new staff was replaced by the Nazi Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP). In 1939, during the start of World War II, all universities were closed except for the departments that were applicable to the war efforts- law, medicine, physics and institute for interpreting; even today, the university  is well-known for its strong physics and medical department.

Physics Department

Nazi supportive university

Prism

The Old Great Hall

"The Old University’s most distinctive feature is the Great Hall. Designed in 1886 by Architect Josef Durm for the 500th Anniversary of the founding of the university, a magnificent example of ornate neo-Renaissance revivalism of rich dark wood galleries three stories high above the floor seats of red velvet. The great hall is still used for formal events, lectures and graduation ceremonies."
http://www.bargaintraveleurope.com/11/Germany_Student_Prison_Old_University_Heidelberg.htm

The upper-level is labeled with a series of names- these are the reserved seats for the renowned professors. At the center there are two male profiles, Palantine Elector Ruprecht I, the prince of the Rhineland region, and Karl Frederick, who endowed the university in 1803. This is how the university got its name, Ruprecht-Karls Universität Heidelberg, today. On the ceiling are four paintings of greek goddesses that represent the learning disciplines of law, medicine, theology, and philosophy. 

Studentenkarzer

The Studentenkarzer (student prison) is a must-see in Heidelberg. It was built in 1712 and was in use until the outbreak of World War I in 1914. Prior to 1712, the student prison was located below the Old University Building, but it was relocated due to potential health risks that may arise from the damp conditions. Students were sent here for public disturbance, nocturnal raids, and other misdemeanant behavior. They were held in confinement from anywhere between 24hrs to 4 weeks, depending on the level of offense they committed. Ironically enough, being sentenced to the Studentenkarzer was "honorable"among most students.

"Coat of Arms"

 

There are 5 prison cells and each cell includes a table, chair and a hard bed with a straw mattress. During the first two days of confinement, students were only provided with bread and water; for the remaining days, visitors could bring them food, or even beer. Students passed time by playing cards with other inmates and decorated the walls and ceilings of the stairway/prison walls and ceilings. Students mostly painted other students silhouette profiles, coat of arms, and monograms of their organizations they belonged to. They would use the soot from the fireplace or candles as paint. Although students were forbidden to leave the building, they were permitted to attend lectures for the university through a connecting door from the prison.

The jail cells were given names by students such as, "Palais Royale"

"Solitude"

Thingstätte

Thingstätte, an enormous amphitheater built in 1935 by Albert Speer for the Nazi regime. It was built for Hitler's Nazi rallies and festivals. It holds around 15,000 people and due to the acoustics of the theater, no mic is needed to hear someone speak from the stage. April 30th/May 1st is the biggest holiday in Heidelberg, thousands of people gather up on the mountain to watch fire shows and  have bonfires in Thingstätte.

Walpurgis Night is a traditional European fixed on 30th April . It was named after Saint Walburga , the memorial to the Middle Ages on the day of her canonization at the first May was celebrated. As dance into May because it has the opportunity to dance and socializing on the eve of May Day as an urban, modern hard event input into private and commercial events found.
 dtv-Red. dtv-Lexikon, vol 20, German paperback Publisher, Munich 1974, p. 7, ISBN 3-423-03070-4