6 Fun Facts About Heidelberg, The City of Knowledge
Heidelberg, with its spectacular castle majestically towering above the city center, is without a doubt one of the most romantic German cities. Over the years the city has been admired by great artists and thinkers, and even immortalized in the works of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Heinrich Heine, and Mark Twain.
Heidelberg is also the city where knowledge thrives – the local educational institutions belong to the best in Germany and Europe. Arts find their way here too – since 2014 Heidelberg belongs to the Cities of Literature designated by UNESCO Creative Cities Network. We are bringing you the ultimate fun facts about Heidelberg you need to know:
#1 Heidelberg is home to the oldest German university
The Heidelberg’s university, founded in 1386 upon instruction of Pope Urban VI, is the oldest university in Germany and one of the oldest in Europe. The institution’s motto is ‘semper apertus – always open’, showing the drive of the place to absorb knowledge and welcome diversity. Heidelberg University ranks high in many disciplines, among others medicine, life sciences, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. It is famous also for its international aspect with one-fourth of the students coming from abroad.
#2 The student city
Being home to the oldest German university, almost a quarter of Heidelberg’s s population are students. Thanks to this fact, Heidelberg is a very vibrant university town. Right next to University Square you can enjoy your free time at Heidelberg’s main night life area.
#3 The world’s largest wine barrel comes from Heidelberg
The Heidelberg Tun has been made out of 130 oak trees, has a capacity of 219,000 litres and dates back to 1751. The vat has been filled only three times over the years due to continued leaking issues. The barrel Is held in the cellar of Heidelberg Castle, which has been a home to many record-breaking barrels in the past. The first enormous barrel from Heidelberg’s Castle with a capacity of 127,000 liters was built already between 1589 and 1591.
#4 The Nobel City
Nobel Prize has been awarded for outstanding achievements in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace since 1901. Over the years, 56 Nobel laureates have had some connection with the city of Heidelberg. Nine laureates received the Prize during their tenure at the Heidelberg University.
#5 Heidelberg is the warmest city in Germany
The region of Heidelberg belongs to the warmest in Germany. You can find here plants typical of the Mediterranean climate, for example almond and fig trees, cypresses, lemons, and yucca trees. You can admire the extraordinary nature alongside Philiosophenweg (Philiosopher’s Walk), a picturesque path leading around the city, inviting to appreciate nature and to reflect upon life.
#6 Heidelberg is a rugby capital
One of the centers of Rugby union in Germany is located in Heidelberg. In years 2008-2009 four out of nine clubs in the Rugby-Bundesliga were originally from Heidelberg.
Fun Facts Heidelberg: FAQs
Why is Heidelberg known as one of the most romantic German cities?
With its magnificent castle towering above the city, Heidelberg has inspired many great artists and thinkers, including Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Heinrich Heine, and Mark Twain.
What's the connection between Heidelberg and UNESCO?
Since 2014, Heidelberg has been recognized as one of the Cities of Literature by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
What's unique about Heidelberg's university?
Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is the oldest in Germany and among the oldest in Europe. Its motto, "semper apertus," signifies openness to knowledge and diversity. Moreover, it has a significant international student body, with a quarter of its students coming from abroad.
How does the student population affect the vibe of the city?
Almost a quarter of Heidelberg's residents are students, giving it a lively university town atmosphere, especially around the University Square, which is a hub for nightlife.
What's so special about the Heidelberg Tun?
The Heidelberg Tun is the world's largest wine barrel. Made from 130 oak trees, it can hold 219,000 liters of wine. However, it has only been filled three times since 1751 due to leakage issues. Interestingly, the Heidelberg Castle, where this barrel resides, has a history of housing massive barrels.
How is Heidelberg linked with the Nobel Prize?
Over the years, 56 Nobel Prize winners have had some association with Heidelberg, with nine of them receiving the accolade while affiliated with Heidelberg University.
How does Heidelberg's climate stand out in Germany?
Heidelberg is the warmest city in Germany, boasting a climate that supports Mediterranean plants like almond and fig trees, cypresses, lemons, and yucca trees. The Philiosophenweg offers a scenic path around the city where visitors can admire this unique flora.
What is Heidelberg's connection with rugby?
Heidelberg is a major center for Rugby union in Germany. In the years 2008-2009, four of the nine clubs in the Rugby-Bundesliga hailed from Heidelberg.
Looking for a family hotel in Heidelberg? Our hotel is located near the city center which gives our guests easy access to explore Heidelberg.
