Located in Baden-Württemberg's Neckar Valley, this historic wine-producing city dates back to Celtic times. Home to 120,000 people and a respected University of Applied Sciences.
Heilbronn stretches along the Neckar River in southwestern Germany, with vineyard-covered hills rising around the city. You can climb the octagonal tower of St. Kilian's Church, watch the 16th-century astronomical clock at the Town Hall mark time, or conduct experiments at the modern science center. The city's streets lead you past medieval towers, a theater that floats on water, and wine cellars where local vintners share their craft.
Wine Culture in Heilbronn
You'll find over 500 hectares of vineyards across Heilbronn's hills, particularly on Wartberg hill. Local winemakers focus on Trollinger grapes for their red wines. Visit the Wine Villa to learn about local wine-making techniques and taste regional varieties. The Wine Panorama Path takes you through working vineyards with signs explaining the growing process. During the ten-day Wine Village festival in September, more than 400 local wines are available for tasting, accompanied by regional food and live music.
Along the Neckar River
Walk, run, or cycle along the paved paths that follow the Neckar River through central Heilbronn. The riverside promenade connects several parks and gardens. You can board hour-long boat tours from April to October, or watch performances at Germany's southernmost floating theater. The working harbor includes public viewing areas where you can watch cargo ships navigate the locks connecting to the Rhine-Neckar waterway.
Historic Architecture
The octagonal tower of St. Kilian's Church rises 62 meters above the city center, mixing Gothic stone carvings with Renaissance windows. At the Town Hall, built in 1540, gather at noon to watch the astronomical clock from 1580 display its mechanical figures. Walk the city walls to find the 40-meter Götzenturm, which served as a gunpowder tower in medieval times, and climb the Market Tower for views across the old town.
Modern Culture and Science
At the experimenta science center, housed in a converted 1930s warehouse, you can try over 275 hands-on experiments across four floors. The center includes Germany's first science dome, where digital projections create immersive shows about space and nature. Watch classical plays and modern productions at the Municipal Theatre on Berliner Platz, or see contemporary art exhibitions at the Vogelmann Kunsthalle. The K3 forum hosts regular concerts by students from the municipal music school.
Sports and Recreation
Join local sports activities through one of Heilbronn's 68 sports clubs. Watch the Heilbronner Falken ice hockey team play home games at the Kolbenschmidt Arena from September to March. The Trollinger Marathon in May follows a route through the vineyards and along the river. You can swim year-round at the Soleo indoor pool complex, which includes thermal baths and water slides, or head to the outdoor Neckarhalde pool during summer months.
