District

Südstadt

In transition – from a US barracks site to a creative quarter with the Mark Twain Center, Karlstorbahnhof and new housing.

The Südstadt is Heidelberg's conversion quarter: a new district is taking shape on the grounds of the former Campbell Barracks, with the Mark Twain Center, the Karlstorbahnhof cultural venue, a private university for health professions (Medical School 11) and new homes. A mix of industrial monuments, new builds and creative interim uses – the Südstadt is the workshop for the next Heidelberg.

On the grounds of the former US barracks (Campbell Barracks and around), an entirely new district has been taking shape since the Americans withdrew. Brick buildings from the barracks era now stand beside modern homes and offices – an unusual side-by-side of military history and forward planning.

Culturally the Südstadt has long since arrived: the Karlstorbahnhof as a culture and concert venue, the Mark Twain Center for transatlantic history and a growing food and creative scene make the quarter one of the most interesting places in the city. It is worth the detour to see the Heidelberg beyond the postcard views.