Heilbronn is a city in transition. With around 130,000 residents, it is located in the north of Baden-Württemberg, directly on the River Neckar. Short distances, urban life and a high quality of life characterize this open-minded, multicultural city where people from more than 140 nations live together.
Heilbronn actively shapes transformation. The city holds the title European Green Capital 2027 because it has convincingly demonstrated its ability to change and is determined to continue on this path. Sustainable mobility, new green urban spaces and a high quality of life are visible expressions of this ambition.
At the same time, Heilbronn is developing into a leading hub for knowledge and innovation. The Heilbronn Education Campus of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation brings together vocational training, academic study, research and lifelong learning in one location. With the IPAI, a Europe-wide significant ecosystem for artificial intelligence is emerging, complemented by Experimenta, Germany’s largest science center.
Despite all this dynamism, Heilbronn remains firmly rooted in its history. Wine and the River Neckar have shaped the city for centuries. In Württemberg’s oldest wine-growing city, vineyards stretch right to the city’s edge, and the riverbanks are places for meeting and relaxation.
Heilbronn is an active city with a strong passion for sport. More than 400 clubs and initiatives shape community life, and around a quarter of the population is involved in sports clubs. National and international competitions are part of everyday city life. A visible highlight of this sporting culture is the final stage of the Lidl Deutschland Tour, held in Heilbronn. At the same time, the Schwarz Group, which includes Lidl, has its headquarters in the region — a connection that makes this high-profile cycling event particularly fitting.
(c) HMG/Roland Schweizer
