Tradition and further development - getting both under one hat is a true art. Wherever the balancing act succeeds, there is a tingling moment full of tangible history that you want to experience with all your senses. We introduce you to nine cities in Baden-Württemberg that are constantly evolving without forgetting their tradition. Get ready for great inventions, creative people, best vineyards and much more!
Table of Contents:
1. stuttgart: tradition and change of mobility
2. Karlsruhe: Home for Tinkerers and Creatives
3rd Mannheim: What a castle!
4. Heidelberg: Inspiring encounters
5. Pforzheim: Trendsetting antiquity
6. Freiburg: Environmental Capital with Exemplary Character
7th Baden-Baden: New & old united
8. Heilbronn: viticulture with history
9th Ulm: Award-winning New Center
Anyone who wants to experience the change in mobility up close, is in exactly the right place here: in the birthplace of the automobile. It has been more than 130 years since Gottlieb Daimler's invention changed the world. Even today, the automobile is still very much present here: Stuttgart is a destination for car fans from all over the world - for example, because of the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. But there are also sights worth seeing around other means of transportation, such as the traditional rack railroad to Degerloch or the Stuttgart-Ulm rail project, one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe.
Did you know that Karl Drais, who is considered the "father" of the bicycle, from Karlsruhe originates? And it was also here that Heinrich Hertz discovered electromagnetic waves? No wonder Karlsruhe is known as the "City of Inventors". But the city is not resting on its laurels. Even today, with three art colleges and the Center for Art and Media, it is a hotspot for creative minds. UNESCO honored this at the end of 2019 with its inclusion as a "City of Media Arts" in the global UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
The Electors Frederick IV and Charles Philip shaped the cityscape of Mannheim. Even today, the square streets bear witness to this - and of course the palace: After Versailles, Mannheim's palace complex is the second largest in Europe. It is home to the palace museum and parts of Mannheim University. The impressive building is thus a place that links the city's history with innovation, progress and education.
Heidelberg's old town is world famous. But did you know that Heidelberg is also a place for inspiring encounters and a top scientific location? Anyone interested in architecture and conference culture can experience here how the tried and tested and innovation meet: For over 100 years, the Stadthalle, in a prime location on the Neckar River, has been the center of Heidelberg's event activities. From spring 2023, it will be joined by the energy-efficient Heidelberg Congress Center in the innovative Bahnstadt district.
In Pforzheim you will learn, how forward-looking the life of the Romans already was in many respects: The city looks back on almost 2,000 years of history. At the junction of several military roads, the Romans founded the settlement around 90 AD. "portus". Traces of their life can still be discovered today. The Archaeological Museum displays many original finds, while in the Villa Rustica you can immerse yourself in everyday Roman life on an estate.
Welcome to the Green City! Freiburg is leading the way in terms of environmental friendliness and sustainability. Would you like a few examples? Here you go: There's the glass building of the university library, for example, which consumes only half as much energy as its predecessor. Or the climate-neutral light rail system. And many Freiburg residents who rely on bicycles as a means of transportation - also thanks to exemplary conditions. There are special city tours to sustainability hotspots such as the Vaubaun neighborhood, and those who want to stay overnight might opt for one of the Green City hotels designated as climate-neutral.
This City combines new and old like hardly any other. Modern lifestyle meets deeply rooted history here. Guests experience the splendor of the Belle Époque here - in the middle of the 21st century! Art fans get their money's worth on the Museum Mile; here you can see the artists of tomorrow alongside old masters. Music enthusiasts appreciate the SWR3 New Pop Festival. And no matter what activity you are looking for relaxation: You'll find it in the most beautiful setting at Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Therme.
Probably the greatest treasure of the city lies in the surrounding vineyards: Heilbronn is the oldest wine town in Württemberg - viticulture has been practiced there for more than 1,250 years. So if you spend your vacation here, you can't avoid an encounter with the juice of the vine! Numerous wine festivals invite you to enjoy the wine in a convivial atmosphere. The "Wein Panorama Weg" (wine panorama path) with its wide views or a wine tasting at one of the 30 wineries in the city area is a bit quieter.
This city has succeeded in something, that cannot be taken for granted: Despite widespread destruction in World War 2, the Ulm recovered in the best possible way. Historic buildings such as the Minster and the Federal Fortress harmonize in a fascinating way with modern buildings such as the glass library and the Stadthaus. The architecture of the Neue Mitte has even won awards.
Cover photo: Also due to their eventful past, Baden-Württemberg's cities are constantly developing © nizo - stock.adobe.com
