Heidelberg Podcasts

How often do you walk past this sign without even noticing it? “Artistic Fireworks Since 1800” is written on the facade of the little house at Untere Straße 29. Today, it houses the bar “La Fee.” 

The Kesselbachs used to live and work here. Six generations of this family were pyrotechnicians who illuminated the castle ruins and lit up the sky above the Old Bridge. And the first of them, Nikolaus Kesselbach, laid the foundation for the art of pyrotechnics in 1800 with his love for fire and fireworks. 

In this episode, Götz Münstermann tells the story of the Heidelberg Castle Illuminations - how their international breakthrough was closely linked to the war against Napoleon, how it reinforced the Romantic movement and its view of the city. And at the center of it all is actually a family of artisans from the Old Town: the Kesselbachs, who played a central role for generations. 

In this episode, you’ll also learn what you really need to know after more than 200 years of castle illuminations. This is followed by a behind-the-scenes look at the spectacle with Joe Schwarz from Heidelberg Marketing. He is responsible for the organization. Could wealthy private individuals, as in the past, treat themselves and the public to castle illuminations? And why isn’t a drone show a substitute for fireworks around the Old Bridge?

In this episode of the podcast Reisen Reisen, journalist Michael Dietz can hardly stop raving. For him, Heidelberg really is that beautiful.

“One of the most beautiful cities in Germany.”

He speaks openly—and he doesn’t need to exaggerate. The fairytale-like Heidelberg Castle, the charming old town, the baroque architecture, the Neckar River, the meadows, and the surrounding forests all stand out in their own way. Dietz has made it his mission to experience cities beyond the typical tourist paths, and here too Heidelberg impresses him completely.

“Easily in the top 5 in Germany.”

The influence that many famous poets, thinkers, and artists have had on the city clearly fascinates him. At the same time, he feels that these creative minds have also left their mark on Heidelberg. The city has been attracting visitors for centuries, and its historic charm continues to draw people from all over the world.

“Heidelberg qualifies for the Champions League every year.”

Warm and welcoming people (with their charming dialect), beautiful nature all around, a fascinating history, rich culture, a lively student atmosphere, medieval alleyways, and the down-to-earth character of the Kurpfalz region—all of this combined is what makes Heidelberg so unique for Michael Dietz.