Heidelberg and the Philosophers’ Path
Known for its romantic charm throughout the world, Heidelberg’s picturesque beauty is always a bit overwhelming for those who come to see it for the first time. Nestled among the green hills lining the banks of the Neckar River, it is understandably one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions and, surprisingly, the climate here is unusually friendly for Germany, located as it is in one of the sunniest corners of the country.
It is most certainly not one of Germany’s largest cities. With approximately 150,000 inhabitants it doesn’t even rank among the top fifty in terms of population. It does, however, belong to the indisputable crÃ?¨me de la crÃ?¨me when it comes to German romantic image and tradition. And it is primarily this romantic image that keeps drawing in Heidelberg’s 4 million visitors a year.
And yet, this friendly city “down south” in the (southwestern) province of Baden-WÃ?¼rttemberg and all its many famous attractions; the Philosophers’ Path, the Old Bridge, Heidelberg Castle and the beautiful slopes of the KÃ?¶nigsstuhl mountain itself – to name just a few – not only entices the heart. Heidelberg is, of course, a world-renowned university town which offers its students a great deal for the mind, as well.
One notices it immediately; despite its picture postcard beauty, Heidelberg is anything but tranquil. It is one of the most prestigious university cities in Europe and therefore filled with scores of young people. It is the classic student city in Germany, as a matter of fact, and is very similar in look and feel to other famous European university towns like Cambridge or Oxford.
The University of Heidelberg (Ruprecht-Karls-UniversitÃ?¤t Heidelberg) has a very long and famous tradition. Established in 1386, it is the oldest German University and, perhaps due to its very great age and long march through central European history, has had its own rather turbulent past. During the end of the 16th century the University was a flourishing center of science and culture, but it (and Heidelberg itself) was badly damaged during the Thirty Years War. In 1622 its world-famous Bibliotheca Palatina was even ransacked and carried off to Rome. It wasn’t until the early 19th century that the University was reorganized and began the ascent to its modern reputation.
Some of its most famous (and infamous) alumni and associates include Goethe, Jean Paul, Max Weber, Karl Jaspers, Friedrich Hegel, Ludwig Feuerbach, Robert Bunsen, Hannah Arendt, JÃ?¼rgen Habermas and Joseph Goebbels. And it is precisely this bustling University atmosphere that still contributes to giving Heidelberg proper a vibrant, active feel as well, its streets always filled with the dynamic drive of youthful energy. By the way, the proportion of foreign students here is quite high with roughly 20%. More than 25,000 students are registered among the University’s twelve faculties.
The Old Town is an inviting place, the central meeting place if you will. It is known for its sidewalk cafes and student pubs. And just “up the hill” from here is the famous Schloss itself. The ruins of the Heidelberg Castle are a breathtaking sight and a true adventure to explore (be prepared to take a little time and do a bit of walking – uphill walking). The castle was destroyed by French forces in 1689 during the War of the Palatine Succession. Despite repeated attempts, the castle was never fully reconstructed. The Romantics fell in love with the place all the more, as you will, too. The ivy-covered walls can’t help but recall the images of a lost, Romantic age. If you are lucky enough to visit in the spring or summer seasons, don’t fail to enjoy one of the popular outdoor concerts or opera productions that are held here regularly.
After you’ve had enough culture (sooner or later you will), take a breather and get back to nature by passing back through the Old Town and across the cobbled Old Bridge over to the other side of the Neckar. It is here that you will find the beautiful Philosophers’ Path (Philosophenweg). Said to be the most beautiful panorama north of the Alps, this winding path, 200 meter high, offers a fantastic view of Old Town Heidelberg and the ruins of Heidelberg Castle. It was named after the many poets and thinker who came up here to wander, ponder and gather their thoughts. There is also a curious collection of beautiful and exotic plants from all around the world to be enjoyed along the Path, this due to the mild climate on this Klima-Insel (climatic island) called Heidelberg.
And it is from here, of course, that one truly understands the meaning of what is popularly called the “Heidelberger Dreiklang” (the three “tones” or aspects of Heidelberg): The Old Town, the Neckar River and the romantic hills surrounding them.
