Thanks to its historical significance, spectacular splendors and growing popularity as a major science and research center, modern Heidelberg welcomes millions of guests on its beatific land every year. Stretched across an area of 109 square kilometers (42 square miles) that are slotted into 14 major districts, this heavenly city is all set to win the hearts of tourists.

Altstadt (Old Town)

With its magnificent backdrop and narrow, picturesque roads, Old town is perhaps the most frequented destination in Heidelberg. This area extends to about two kilometers (one and a quarter miles) on both sides of the lively Hauptstraße from Bismarckplatz in the west along the south bank of the river Neckar and to the foot of the famous Schloss (Castle). The castle lies majestically enthroned on a small plateau above the river and town. Other important locations include the Universitätsplatz (University place), the Marktplatz (Market place) and the Alte Brücke (Old bridge). Most of Heidelberg's museums are to be found in the Old town, along with theaters, cinemas and countless restaurants and pubs. The Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg is the oldest in Germany and offers various short-term and long-term courses in different fields.

The whole of Old town can be discovered easily and pleasantly by foot. However, if you are driving down, the city center offers ample parking space in its 15 parking houses and the Park & Ride parking lots in the Neuenheimer Feld and at the Neuer Meßplatz in Kirchheim. This is particular recommended during the months of November and December when the famous Heidelberg Christmas Market takes place or the Heidelberg Castle Festival, a cultural event with theater, fireworks and exhibitions throughout the city.

Schlierbach, Ziegelhausen & Bergheim

The Neckar valley leads upstream in the east direction. Schlierbach lies here on the southern side. It was first documented in 1245 as having hardly more than 3000 inhabitants and even today, it is arguably the smallest district in Heidelberg. Located in northern Heidelberg, Ziegelhausen was founded in 850 CE. It is beautifully situated between the Neckar meadows and the Odenwald Forest and is a fantastic starting point for hiking-tours. The Textile Museum Max Berk and the Benedictine cloister Stift Neuburg are both popular visitors' choices.

West of the Old town and castle, between the Kurfürsten-Anlage and the Neckar, the district Bergheim reaches from the Bismarckplatz in the center to the motorway. In 769, Bergheim had already been mentioned as an independent settlement, but in 1392, the inhabitants were resettled within Heidelberg's town walls. The area was only built up again in the 19th Century, characterized by institutes and the university hospital, small businesses and residential premises.

Weststadt, Rohrbach, Boxberg & Emmertsgrund

South of Bergheim lies the Weststadt, with its beautiful old facades. It is a district much in demand amongst potential house buyers today. To the west of it, you will find the main railway station. It is only recently, since 1935, that the Südstadt has developed and expanded. It now joins the Weststadt along the Mark-Twain-Village and the NATO Headquarters, with the former village Rohrbach to its south. Rohrbach had already been documented as early as 766 CE. and, like Heidelberg itself, suffered damage in the Thirty-Years-War and the French-Palatinate War of Succession. The districts of Boxberg and Emmertsgrund are situated on a rise above Rohrbach, and have only really grown in the last 50 years.

Kirchheim

The western Kirchheim is also an old settlement. Tombs of Merowinger from the early Stone Age (3500-1800 BCE) were found here. Kirchheim itself was first mentioned in 767 CE. It, too, suffered from the wars in the 17th Century and afterwards seemed to develop at breakneck speed. From a population of just 350 inhabitants in 1766, it had expanded to 2000 by 1861. In 1920, it was incorporated into Heidelberg and is now home to some 17,000 inhabitants. Like Rohrbach, Kirchheim's new infrastructure presents a wide range of gastronomical and shopping possibilities.

Pfaffengrund & Wieblingen

Pfaffengrund lies in northwestern Heidelberg and was part of the project of "The Garden City Movement" at the beginning of the 20th Century. This group's objective was to bring about low-priced housing options for working-class families and other socially disadvantaged citizens. With this background, the Pfaffengrund developed slowly but steadily in phases: 1920, 1934 and 1948-53. The district now has a population of about 8000.

Wieblingen lies between the highway and a bend of the Neckar River. Not only was a mammoth tooth found here, but also traces of human settlements dating back to the Stone Age are quite evident. Wieblingen itself was first mentioned in a deed of donation in 767 CE. In the following centuries, the Wieblinger inhabitants made their living from agriculture and fishing, but this hamlet was plundered on several occasions and burnt down in the wars of the 17th Century. In the 19th century, crafts workshops and industrial companies flourished in this area. The residential character changed from village-like structures to working-class dwellings, and like Pfaffengrund, a garden city with small houses was set up. Nowadays Wieblingen even has a specialty museum, the Bonsai-Museum, which is certainly worth a visit.

Neuenheim & Handschuhsheim

Neuenheim is situated just north of Heidelberg's city center. Its origins date back to a Roman Castellum. Neuenheim was first mentioned in 765 CE and developed (like the hamlets around) into a settlement for peasants and fishermen. In the Thirty Years War and again in the French-Palatinate War of Succession, this region was completely destroyed. Later, in the 19th Century it became the favorite residential area of university professors and today one can still admire the beautiful art nouveau villas. With the beginning of the 20th Century, the university institutes for natural sciences were relocated from the town center to the close-by Neuenheimer Feld. Apart from two Max-Planck-Institutes, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is also based here. Furthermore, you will find a cluster of sports grounds, an open-air swimming-pool, the Schwimmbad Music Club, the Youth Hostel and last but not least, the Heidelberg Zoo and the Botanical Garden in this district.

Heidelberg's northernmost district is Handschuhsheim, first documented in 765 CE. Over many centuries, until 1600, it belonged to the aristocratic dynasty of Handschuhsheim, whose last heir lost his life in a tragic duel. The impressive Tiefburg, surrounded by a deep moat, once belonged to this dynasty. In the St. Vitus Church, the oldest church on Heidelberg grounds, several members of the family line are buried in old and fascinating sepulchers. The Handschuhsheimer Schlößchen, and the many restaurants and pubs (far from the tourist bustle) are definitely worth a visit.

With a population of about 150,000, Heidelberg maintains a fair balance between cultural charm and industrial adaptation. No wonder the city cherishes its well-deserved dynamic flair. As the popular local phrase goes, "Ich hab' mein Herz in Heidelberg verloren" (I lost my heart in Heidelberg) - visit this enchanting city of unlimited grace and fall in love with its inevitable charisma.