Though “New” is in the name, this is one of the oldest districts of Heidelberg, with natural havens just across the river from the Altstadt.

Once an independent village, Neuenheim retains a small-town feeling, with pleasant market squares and well-maintained historic houses interspersed with some of the area’s most pleasant green spaces. Stroll down charming residential streets and have lunch in small cafés or traditional restaurants. Walk off the calories in parks and paths on the Heiligenberg or along the riverbank.

Follow in the footsteps of some of Germany’s foremost thinkers throughout history along the Philosophenweg, a meandering path leading up the Heiligenberg, which is renowned for its ability to spur intellectual thoughts. Today, it is one of Heidelberg’s best-known locations. Enjoy the views and the Mediterranean microclimate. Look for the Michaelskloster, a ruined monastery that is both educational and exciting for clambering children. One of the largest natural sciences and life science campuses in Germany at the University of Heidelberg New Campus is located here.

Natural history and intellectual history are displayed at the Botanischer Garten der Universität, It was founded in 1593 and specializes in tropical orchids and plants from Madagascar. Stroll through the Neckarwiese, a park with beautiful views and reflections of the Altstadt and the castle on the glittering surface of the river.

Neuneheim is across the Necker from the Heidelberg Altstadt. Travel to the area from the Altstadt’s Marktplatz in under 30 minutes on foot and around 15 minutes by using the bus that follows the river. Reach the neighborhood in 15 minutes from the city’s main train station. Tram stops provide connections to the town center and other locations throughout the area including the nearby city of Mannheim, which has the area’s closest airport. Several buses allow students to easily make their way between the two campuses. Consider renting a car for visiting the rural areas east of Neuenheim. Bus services run along the main arteries.

Get into the rhythm of student life by bringing a sandwich to the river bank between Theodor-Heuss-Brücke and Ernst-Walz-Brücke and enjoy the outdoors with local students.