Heidelberg Guide

9 tips for a trip to Heidelberg

Welcome to Heidelberg

The roots of Lamy lie in the heart of Heidelberg. Countless successful models have been created here, and the design of writing implements has been constantly redefined. Also as internationally successful

The family business continues to rely on Heidelberg as the company location. What characterizes the city that inspires Lamy every day? A digital tour of nine places in Heidelberg that want to be discovered.
1

Heidelberg Castle

A true classic. Heidelberg Castle is one of the oldest sights in Germany and is the symbol of the city. Even today you can still see the splendor of old times in the well-preserved ruins from the early 13th century. The castle is raised on a terrace of the Königstuhl, from which you can enjoy a sweeping view of the city. A walk through the masonry and the adjacent, imposing castle garden with its Renaissance sculptures is the perfect choice for a relaxed start to the day.

2

Philosopher

's Path What could be nicer than walking through the beautiful Heidelberg countryside along the Neckar and philosophizing about life? Right, not much. With panoramic views over the old town, the castle, the Rhine plain or even across to the Palatinate Forest, you can let your thoughts run free. Hölderlin, Eichendorff and Scheffel already knew this, as they walked the same route through the vineyards during their time in Heidelberg and to whom the path owes its name. But no matter whether poet or thinker, the Philosophenweg is the most cultivated and at the same time most casual way for visitors to explore the city, the Neckar and the surrounding mountains.

3

Neckar

The main blue artery of the city runs from east to west through Heidelberg: the Neckar. Before it flows into the Rhine a few kilometers further, it shows itself in full bloom again in Heidelberg. On warm summer days it invites you to cool down, in particularly cold winters you can stroll on its ice cover. The best way to experience the river is from the banks of the Neckarwiese, where the city meets for a picnic, on a ride on the Neckar ferry or from the famous Old Bridge. The massive stone bridge with its fairytale bridge gate and a humorous bronze sculpture, the "bridge monkey", contributes significantly to the picturesque flair of the city.

4

Botanical Garden

A bit of the exotic in the heart of Heidelberg: orchids, bromeliads, palm trees, ferns, water lilies, succulents from the Old and New World... Around 14,000 different types of plants can currently be discovered in Heidelberg University's botanical garden. If the Neckar is considered the blue main artery, then the botanical garden is probably the green soul of the city. Once laid out by the university as a medicinal herb garden, today it impresses visitors with its fascinating variety of plants and plants. Admission is free and there are guided tours of the greenhouses and outdoor areas every first and third Sunday of the month.

5

Liebesstein

A piece of modern poetry on the banks of the Neckar: The Liebesstein is a mighty sandstone on the edges of which lovers from all over the world can attach their engraved love locks. Since popular bridges in Paris, New York or Florence are in danger of collapsing under the weight of love, the city decided in the summer of 2013 without further ado to use a stone – which, according to legend, is said to have been part of Heidelberg Castle. In the middle it is adorned with the love poem "Der Blick" by Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff, who found love in Heidelberg, at least for a time, around 200 years ago and dedicated these lines to her. Heidelberg is and remains the city of romance.

6

Stadthaus Heidelberg congress hall

The Stadthaus Heidelberg congress hall is a real feast for the eyes, both inside and out. The historic town hall combines architectural elements from the Wilhelminian era and the Renaissance with small Art Nouveau details – playful, romantic, elegant and very sublime. It was built in 1903 by two Heidelberg architects and today functions as a modern congress and cultural center. From theatrical performances and concerts to seminars and symposiums, the use of the hall is just as diverse as its architectural influences. An unbeatable plus: the view of the Neckar.

7

Heidelberg Sculpture Park

Lamy employees have their own sculpture garden, while visitors to the Orthopedic University Clinic can enjoy the Heidelberg Sculpture Park there. A total of 26 exhibits by important sculptors from the 1950s to the present day are on permanent display in the landscape park, and there are also special exhibitions that change every year. Exactly the right place to get some fresh air and be inspired by art. Open daily, free entry.

8

Observatory Königstuhl

Only a stone's throw away from the old town is Heidelberg's local mountain, the Königstuhl. To enjoy the fantastic view from the highest mountain in the region, you can either climb the "Himmelsleiter", a steep staircase that leads up from the castle, or take the comfortable cable car. But the Königstuhl has more to offer than the view down over the city, namely the view up into the galaxy. The Landessternwarte Königsstuhl of the University of Heidelberg offers interested public sky observations and guided tours, which are conducted by students of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy. At least as exciting as the view down.

9

Altstadt

The Altstadt is the heart of Heidelberg. Because the city was largely spared the destruction of the Second World War, the historic charm can still be felt today: small, cobbled streets that line the narrow old town houses; picturesque squares where romantic fountains and sculptures are enthroned. Every round arch, every house wall breathes the history of the city. At the same time, the old town with its numerous shopping opportunities represents modern Heidelberg: from fashion and designer shops to specialty shops to small bistros and cafés. It is precisely this fusion of old and new that makes the old town a special place, which is best explored by strolling through the alleys.