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Light-Symphonies in Heidelberg

Three times a year in Heidelberg, at 10:15 in the evening, thousands of faces are turned expectantly toward the castle. They are awaiting the beginning of a fascinating spectacle of flames and light. First, Bengalian beacon fires slowly bathe the Heidelberg Castle in a mysterious blaze of red light. It is as if the ruins were once again, for a further time in their long history, going up in flames. Just as in 1689 and 1693, when the troops of the Sun King of France razed the castle and the town, and left behind them the now world-famous ruin.

When the glowing castle slowly fades into the darkness, the second part of the spectacle begins. Suddenly, fireworks radiate through the night sky over the romantic city on the Neckar: explosions fill the air, golden rain falls from heaven, the firmament is lit up in a play of colours. The Old Town of Heidelberg takes on an almost unreal appearance in this blaze of light.

Already the well-travelled American author Mark Twain was enchanted by the castle illuminations during his stay in Heidelberg in 1878: "The towers continued to spout thick columns of rockets aloft, and overhead the sky was radiant with arrowy bolts which clove their way to the zenith, paused, curved gracefully downward, then burst into brilliant fountain-sprays of richly colored sparks."

Again in 2009, the traditional castle illuminations will spotlight the majestic ruin of the castle. Heidelberg Marketing GmbH, together with sponsors invites you to witness the enchanting fireworks display.

"I am delighted that Heidelberg enterprises with their financial support make it possible to present the Heidelberg Castle Illuminations to our citizens and guests three times a year," said Vera Cornelius, Managing Director of Heidelberg Marketing GmbH. The first Castle Illumination will take place on Saturday, June 6, the second on Saturday, July 11, and the third on Saturday, September 5, 2009.

Before each Castle Illumination, the stage is set for the coming drama by a festive concert at 6:15 p.m. in the Holy Ghost Church, on Market Square, with - among other musical offerings - Händel's famous Music for the Royal Fireworks.

During the day, a stroll through a special Artisan's Handcrafts Market on the Corn Market is a welcome addition to the lively Old Town scene. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday of each castle illumination, original craftworks can be discovered here. Prime locations from which to watch the illuminations: In the vicinity of the Old Bridge, along the banks of the Neckar, on Philosophenweg or on one of the boats the ply the Neckar River.

New Lighting on Old Bridge

Those whose schedules might not permit them to visit the Castle Illuminations can nevertheless enjoy a splended sight: The new lighting on the Old Bridge. As the grand finale to eight years of continuous renovations and an investment of over four million Euro, a new system of lights was installed, presenting the venerable structure of the bridge in new magnificence.

"We have waited a long time for the Old Bridge to shine in new splendour," said Heidelberg's Lord Mayor Dr. Eckart Würzner at the inauguration ceremony. The arches of the Old Bridge are vividly accentuated by the lights. The simultaneous illumination of the sculpted figures of Pallas Athena and Prince Elector Karl Theodor, as well as of the bridge balustrades and the bridge towers, complete this impressive play of lights. "Alone to once enjoy this superb view, the ensemble of the newly lit-up bridge and the illuminated castle, it is worthwhile to visit our city”, said Vera Cornelius, the Managing Director of Heidelberg Marketing GmbH, in tribute.

For more information on Heidelberg visit Heidelberg Tourism.

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