The Neckarwiese – Heidelbergs green soul
Humboldt once said “Nature must be felt”, because it was not only him who was so fond of the green. The Neckarwiese is one of the most visited and important places in all of Heidelberg, both ecologically and culturally. But why is that?
What is the Neckarwiese?
The Neckarwiese Heidelberg is a 5 hectare green area within the Heidelberg city center. It runs along the Neckar River and blends in ideally with the green region. The meadow, which is about 1 kilometer long and 50 meters wide, is home to some treasures such as various playgrounds, pedal boat rentals or even volleyball courts. There is something for everyone here.
Historical background of the Neckarwiese
Let’s turn back the wheels of time a bit. Waaaay back in the days of the Romans, the region around the Neckar was a largely undeveloped and bumpy land, which was enlivened by one or two bridges and smaller ships. At that time, Heidelberg was also not yet a city that could live from tourism alone.
Heidelbergs new meadow</3> It was not until the 1920s after the river was turned into a federal waterway that the Neckar was changed into its current state, so that now there was not only room for large ships and bridges, but also green space. This was the birth of the Neckarwiese as we know it today. Over the years, of course, the Neckarwiese itself expanded, followed by playgrounds, clubs, and and and.
Cultural significance
Similar to the Old Town, the Neckarwiese is also considered one of Heidelberg’s main hotspots for social interaction, families, and the hustle and bustle of residents. Accordingly, the city also has a huge range of events on offer.
The meadow is especially popular with young people, as it offers plenty of space for fancy after-school graduation parties or meetings in huge groups.
The Neckarwiese is a meeting place for sports clubs, ventures, school trips and much more. Groups of all kinds meet here and that is one of the best aspects of this place.
The landscape and vegetation around the Neckarwiese Heidelberg unfold their full power, especially in the summer, because these underline the area around the Neckar with flowers, greenery and much more. Picturesque scenery stretches for miles thanks to the mountains and the castle in the corner of your eye.
Usage
Gastronomy
Multiple gastronomies of all kinds adorn the blue vein of the cultural metropolis, because this also has a lot to offer. The view alone makes you look right across Heidelberg, whether you look in the direction of the castle or Neuenheimer Feld.
Sports
The Neckarwiese Heidelberg is also a venue for club competitions such as the annual Heidelberg Rowing Regatta, the Festival of Sports and the Heidelberg Triathlon.
Offers
Even the barbecue areas and public viewings make for a great get-together on hot summer evenings, if you don’t mind the animals and goose droppings.
At the Theodor Heuss Bridge there is also a pedal boat rental, which promises a great trip across the Neckar for the whole family.
Playground
In the direction of Neuenheim is the ever-popular water playground for children, next door with a kiosk and DLRG rescue station.
Two volleyball courts complete the area next to the children’s playground.
Skatepark
If you like it a little more wacky, you’ll find it under the Ernst Walz Bridge. There is a skate park, where you can prove your skills on the board the inline skates.
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Castle lighting
Nevertheless, one of the biggest highlights of Heidelberg’s surroundings cannot be missed: the castle illumination. If you like the noise and the people, you will be rewarded with a color spectacle far from the goose problem. The castle on the hill is illuminated with colorful lights throughout the evening and lights up the horizon of the city. Fireworks are shot from the Old Bridge for several minutes, so you should definitely have your smartphone ready for photos and videos, because you will definitely get enough of the Neckarwiese Heidelberg to see.
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Access
Vom Stadtzentrum ist man nicht weit entfernt, denn man befindet sich mittendrin. Der Bismarckplatz ist eine 5 minütige Reise über die Theodor-Heuss-Brücke entfernt, dieser öffnet weitere Möglichkeiten im Transport rund um die Stadt. Egal ob mit den Bussen 34 und 31 oder den Bahnen 5 und 26, die Straßenbahnhaltestelle Brückenstraße und diverse Busverbindungen machen die An- und Abreise zu einem Kinderspiel… wobei, bei dieser Aussicht laufe ich doch lieber. 🙂
Doch selbst mit dem Fahrrad, Roller oder entspannt zu Fuß ist diese Location sehr einfach zu erreichen, denn die Größe und Lage spielen hier jedem in die Karten. Der Zugang durch die Uferstraße ist ebenfalls sehr offen und breit gewählt.
Conclusion
The Neckarwiese Heidelberg forms one of the most important cultural and social venues in the entire city. Here everything is programmed, whether it’s relaxing after a day’s work, effervescent birthdays or even meetings with the local sports club, the open and inviting atmosphere creates an environment where anything can be done. You have space, here are many people, sun, water and fun, what more could you want?
