our clinic
LOCATION AND SURROUNDINGS – THE MEDICAL CAPITAL OF HEIDELBERG
The location of the ETHIANUM Clinic is no coincidence. The venerable university city of Heidelberg is the ideal setting for a unique medical clinic like ours. It combines history and pioneering science. Because science has a long tradition in Heidelberg. Founded in 1385, Heidelberg’s Ruprechts-Karl University is the oldest in Germany and one of the oldest in Europe. Heidelberg University Hospital is also one of the largest and most renowned medical centres in Germany. In addition to the University Hospital, Heidelberg is also home to several large research institutions. These include the German Cancer Research Centre, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory and five Max Planck Institutes, including the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research. Around 3,000 doctors of medicine are currently being trained in Heidelberg. With more than 12,000 full-time employees, the universities and university hospitals are the largest employers in Heidelberg.
But that alone is not all that Heidelberg has to offer. Around 150,000 inhabitants enjoy the idyllic location of Heidelberg, which nestles on the Neckar between the mountains of the Odenwald and Palatinate Forest. Heidelberg presents itself as a jewel with a charming old town, in which many historic buildings have been preserved to this day. This is thanks to the fact that Heidelberg was spared during the Second World War in comparison to other major German cities.
One of the most famous sights is Heidelberg Castle. Built in the 13th century, it is now in ruins. However, this fact has not detracted from its popularity. To this day, people marvel at the impressive Gothic and Renaissance castle and garden architecture.
An exceptionally large number of green spaces round off Heidelberg’s image as one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. So it’s no wonder that the city attracts around 3.5 million visitors from all over the world every year.
Located in the southern part of Germany, Heidelberg also scores with its warm climate. It is no coincidence that the city and its surroundings are one of the country’s best-known wine-growing and gourmet regions. The Badische Bergstrasse is located near Heidelberg. Here you can savour local Burgundy varieties, Müller-Thurgau, Rieling or Silvaner. Or savour sweet temptations such as the Heidelberg Studentenkuss with chocolate, nougat and waffles.
Visit the castle ruins and discover why poets and thinkers declared the city to be synonymous with German Romanticism. Visit the huge wooden wine barrel in the castle cellar, which holds 195,000 litres. The best way to do this is to take the historic mountain railway. It runs from Heidelberg’s Old Town via the castle and the Molkenkur to the Königsstuhl. The Molkenkur is a former spa complex on the small Gaisberg hill. At 567.8 metres, the Königsstuhl is the city’s local mountain. From its summit, you have a fantastic view of Heidelberg and the Rhine-Neckar valley.
