Imaging and Applied Optics in Heidelberg?
Sogol Borjian Borojeni
10 Interesting facts about Heidelberg:
(1)The first evidence of human life in Europe was found in Heidelberg.
A jaw-bone which is the earliest evidence found of human life in Europe, known today as the “Heidelberg Man”, was discovered in a gravel pit in Heidelberg in 1907.
(2)Heidelberg University is the oldest in Germany, founded in 1386.
(3)The first bicycle was invented by a graduate of the University of Heidelberg.
Karl Drais, a student at the University of Heidelberg, invented the first means of transport using the two-wheeler principle.
(4)Heidelberg is the home to the world’s biggest wine barrel.
The Heidelberg “Tun”, built in 1751, holds 220,000 litres of wine and it sits within Heidelberg’s famous castle. The region around Heidelberg is still producing some decent red and white wines.
(5)Heidelberg escaped bombing in the Second World War.
Heidelberg was not destroyed by air raids in World War II and original buildings from the later Middle Ages and early Renaissance can still be found there. Heidelberg was and still is a huge American military basis. When Elvis Presley was stationed in Germany, he spent some time here.
(6)Heidelberg is home to a hidden amphitheater.
The Thingstätte was built during the third Reich and is now unofficially used to celebrate Walpurgisnacht with up to 14,000 attendees, including buskers and other performers.
(7)The city hosts superb firework displays during the summer.
(8)Heidelberg is featured prominently in various poems and novels.
It is mentioned in many works by Goethe, Heine and even Mark Twain. Many works mention beautiful landscape and architecture.
(9)German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) in Heidelberg is the largest biomedical research institute in Germany.
Novel approaches have been developed for more precise tumor diagnosis. Professor Harald Zur Hausen was awarded Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2008 for his discovery of human papilloma viruses causing cervical cancer.
(10)One in every five Heidelberg residents is a student.
This is why the city is very lively and ensures ample social and cultural offerings for visitors and inhabitants to enjoy.
Top 5 places to visit in Heidelberg:
(1)Heidelberg Castle, Heidelberg Castle is the highlight of a visit to the city. Located in 15 minute walk from the old town, this is one of the best examples of German Renaissance architecture.
(2)Heidelberg University, A prison for misbehaving students (“Karzer”) is also located right behind the Old University. It is decorated with paintings, graffiti, verses and artwork, but is no longer in use.
(3)Hauptstrasse and the Altstadt (Old Town), the main sights are all within walking distance in the old town.
(4)Karl Theodor Bridge, the current (9th) version was built in the 18th Century, but bridges across the Neckar River date back to the Middle ages the bridge connects the old town with the Neuenheim district.
(5)The Philosopher’s walk, is a scenic but steep walk which leads to the top of a hill.
Food and drink
This is Germany, so beer has to be high on your list. Vetter brewery is a small microbrewery. Their Vetter 33 is one of the strongest beers in Germany, but appears to be an acquired taste. The Kulturbrauerei makes a variety of beers including a Weizen (wheat) beer.
Also, take advantage of the afternoon “coffee and cake” culture.
Important things to know about Heidelberg before travelling there
Credit cards are accepted in hotels and most restaurants, but are not commonly used in stores or cafes.
Especially in bars you don’t wait to be seated but just get a table yourself. When you finish your meal you need to ask for the bill, as it will not automatically be brought to your table.
By comparison to North America tips in restaurants tend to be low, typically no more than a few euros (5-10%). In a taxi cabs it is acceptable to round up to the next euro or give a ~5% tip.
