Heidelberg, a large city in Baden-Württemberg with 150,000 residents, is picturesquely situated on the Neckar River and is especially known for its historic old town with the castle ruins and its renowned university. The University of Heidelberg, the oldest university in Germany, attracts scholars and visitors from all over the world. During World War II, Heidelberg was largely spared from bombing because the Americans used the city as a residence. This is reflected in the well-preserved old buildings that can be explored in more detail on a guided tour of the old town.

A walk along the 2.5 km long main street is also recommended. Here, numerous shops, cafes, restaurants, and attractions invite you to linger. In bad weather, visits to the many museums are a good option. Some, like the Museum of Geosciences, the Museum of Antiquities and Cast Collections, or the Documentation and Cultural Center of German Sinti and Roma, are free of charge. Other attractions are also accessible at fair prices.

For more information and offers, visit www.heidelberg.de. At the main train station, you can rent bicycles at a low cost (10 euros/day). The rental service offers a wide selection of city, touring, and trekking bikes, depending on your needs. Contact: Bike im Bahnhof, contact person: Dirk Podwalny, Willy-Brandt-Platz 5, at track 1b (in the main train station), 69115 Heidelberg, email: [email protected], www.vbi-heidelberg.de.

At the reception of the youth hostel, you can also purchase a one-day or three-day bus ticket (about 15.50 euros). The buses run at short, regular intervals and operate until late in the evening.