Fri, 12 March 2010
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You have been offered a job in Heidelberg?
Being a native of this city I can assure you: you can count yourself lucky indeed.
But be warned: you will come across strong contrasts between old and young, romanticism and high-tech, multicultural open-mindedness and local southwest German mentality.
Life in this famous university town appeals to many people — not to mention the 3.5 million visitors every year attracted by the touristic highlights the town can offer.
Heidelberg is situated about 90 kilometres south of Frankfurt, and with its university more than 600 years old, is steeped in history.
At the same time Heidelberg is cosmopolitan, vibrant and full of young people, which does not come as a surprise considering that one in five of the 130,000 inhabitants is a student.
History and scenery
Let's put one thing straight from the start: the most famous Heidelberger is not a local at all.
When the jawbone of the 'Heidelberg Man' was discovered in 1907 at nearby Mauer, nobody dreamt of naming him 'Mauer Man'.
Heidelberg just had a better ring to it and seemed a more appropriate place to find the earliest evidence of human existence in Europe — about 600,000 years ago.
And the tradition of learning and discovery continues.
In 2001 Heidelberg still has a magical sound for many scientists, specialists and expats.
Sigmund Romberg's operetta 'The Student Prince' pictures the romantic life of university students against the backdrop of a bittersweet love affair.
The well-known song 'I've lost my heart in Heidelberg' is one aspect of the city, the other - modern - side is the development of important centres of business and high tech.
Baroque and business
While a baroque town and in the idyllic setting of the beautiful Neckar valley, Heidelberg manages to be a player in several areas of global importance.
The city has been a strong player in the fields of protection of the environment, genetic engineering and information technology.
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