Discovery of Philosophy in Life in Heidelberg

A one-hour train brings you to Heidelberg from Frankfurt. Founded in 1386 on instruction of Pope Urban VI, it has the oldest university in Germany and the third university established in the Holy Roman Empire, right after Prague and Vienna in 1347 and 1365 respectively. In the QS World University Rankings, it took first place in Germany with Life Sciences & Medicine.

Who were some of the famous students of Heidelberg University? Collaborating with Martin Luther and John Calvin, Philip Melanchthon was a German Lutheran reformer and the shaper of Protestantism. The Jewish philosopher Hannah Arendt also studied in Heidelberg, who explained how the ordinary become actors in totalitarian systems with the phrase “the banality of evil”.

Alongside the University, it is the grandest castle of the Renaissance - Heidelberg Castle. It was destroyed by the French in the War of the Grand Alliance, and two lightning strikes after some makeshift repairs, in the 17th and 18th century. A sight both terrible and beautiful, the ruins epitomized the spirit of the Romantic movement and elevated it to a national monument.

Interestingly, the visit to the famous paintings of student prison surpasses the popularity of its campus. Established in the 1780s, it was in operation until 1914. As the university used to enjoy autonomous jurisdiction over students for the first 500 years, until it was limited to internal disciplinary matters, students were incarcerated due to offenses against the public order.

From the side of some international students, being incarcerated for minor offences was considered comfortable and entertaining in the 1880s. Life in the detention room “Karzer” was not severe in the 19th century, given that the inmates were allowed to take part in courses, to receive visitors or their servant, and to bring along painting equipment for artistic pursuits.

Across the Old Bridge above the Neckar River, you are highly recommended to take a walk in the Philosophers Way, i.e. Philosophenweg. Walking along the 2km path is not only a way to escape from the massive touristic spots, but also to get some inspiration yourself, same as how it inspired the German poets Joseph von Eichendorff and Friedrich Hölderlin.

Speaking of Joseph von Eichendorff, he was one of the most famous Romantic poets studied in Heidelberg. Inspired by the local picturesque landscape, of which there was a wonderful view from the Philosopher's Garden, he was named for the park. Surprisingly, there was not yet a defined garden at that time, but rather a path that led through the vineyards.