Living in Hagebutze
You will live in a flat in the self-managed housing project named Hagebutze. It was founded by young people in order to enable people to live in affordable rented apartments since Heidelberg rents are quite expensive. It follows the idea of a family-friendly, ecological and social co-living for generations. It is 15 minutes by bicycle from Heidelberg city center, 7 minutes walking distance from the Rheinstrasse tram stop and 5 minutes walking distance from the closest supermarket. With its 26 residences, it is home to more than 70 people. Apart from the residential spaces, Hagebutze offers various common areas, including a shared garden, a communal room called Rabatz—where concerts are regularly held—a terrace, a workshop, and a shared laundry room.
You will share the flat with two other volunteers from Werkstattschule. The flat consists of a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and three bedrooms. The kitchen is well-equipped, with a refrigerator, an oven, a cooktop, a dishwasher, and all the necessary kitchen utensils.
Living in Heidelberg
Heidelberg is a picturesque city nestled along the banks of the Neckar River in southwestern Germany, renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty. As one of Germany's oldest cities, Heidelberg is best known for being home to the Heidelberg University, which is one of the oldest (founded in 1386!) and most respected universities in Europe. The university has played a central role in the city's intellectual and cultural life for centuries, attracting scholars and students from around the world.
Dominating the skyline is the famous Heidelberg Castle, a magnificent hilltop ruin overlooking the city. With its impressive architecture and panoramic views, the castle is one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks. The city is also surrounded by hills, offering scenic hiking trails and opportunities for outdoor activities!
Heidelberg's charming old town, with its narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and the beautiful Old Bridge, exudes a romantic atmosphere. The city is closely associated with the Romantic period, particularly in the early 19th century, when it became a cultural hub for poets, philosophers, and artists. The city’s enchanting landscape, with its hills, the river, and the ancient castle, inspired countless works of literature and art, attracting figures such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Hölderlin.
Today, Heidelberg remains a vibrant city, blending its rich history with a lively modern atmosphere, offering a unique combination of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and academic excellence. Volunteering at Werkstattschule is a great opportunity to discover all that Heidelberg has to offer!
Living in Baden-Württenberg
Living in Heidelberg offers a perfect base for excursions to explore the beautiful region of Baden-Württemberg. Just a short train ride away, you can visit Frankfurt, a dynamic city known for its impressive skyline, vibrant culture, and historical sites like the Römer square and the Goethe House. Another great option is Stuttgart, famous for its automotive history with the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums, as well as its beautiful parks and vineyards. If you enjoy nature, the Rhine Valley offers stunning landscapes, charming castles, and picturesque towns. The region also boasts charming smaller towns like Heidelberg's neighboring town of Schwetzingen, famous for its palace and gardens, or the Black Forest, perfect for hiking, cycling, and experiencing traditional German villages. With so much to explore, the possibilities for weekend adventures are endless!