Heidenheim an der Brenz facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Heidenheim an der Brenz
Coat of arms
Country	Germany
State	Baden-Württemberg
Admin. region	Stuttgart
District	Heidenheim
Elevation	504 m (1,654 ft)
Population  (2022-12-31)
• Total	50,025
Time zone	CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Postal codes	89501–89522
Dialling codes	07321
Vehicle registration	HDH
Website	www.heidenheim.de

Heidenheim an der Brenz, often just called Heidenheim, is a town in southern Germany. It's located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, close to the border with Bavaria. The town is about 17 km south of Aalen and 33 km north of Ulm.

Heidenheim is the biggest town and the main city of the Heidenheim district. It's also the third largest town in the East Württemberg region. Heidenheim is an important business hub for the communities around it. It's also home to the main office of Voith, a big industrial company. In 2021, the town had almost 50,000 people living there. People in Heidenheim and nearby areas speak a special German dialect called Swabian.

Geography of Heidenheim

Heidenheim is nestled in a beautiful area of the Swabian Alb. It sits where the valley of the Brenz River meets the Stubental, right at the foot of Hellenstein Mountain.

The Brenz River starts in Königsbronn and flows into Heidenheim from the northwest. It passes through the areas of Aufhausen and Schnaitheim before reaching the main part of Heidenheim. Then, it continues south through Mergelstetten before leaving the city towards Herbrechtingen.

Towns and Villages Nearby

Heidenheim shares its borders with several towns and cities. Moving clockwise from the North, these include Aalen and Neresheim in Ostalb County. Then there's Nattheim in Heidenheim County. Next is Syrgenstein in Dillingen County, which is in Bavaria. Finally, there are Herbrechtingen, Steinheim am Albuch, and Königsbronn, all in Heidenheim County.

Parts of Heidenheim

Heidenheim an der Brenz is made up of the main town and four smaller areas called boroughs. These boroughs are Schnaitheim, Mergelstetten, Oggenhausen, and Großkuchen. They joined Heidenheim between 1910 and 1974.

Each of these four boroughs has its own neighborhoods. Some of these neighborhoods are very old, while others are new developments. Even though they have names, their exact borders aren't officially set.

Oggenhausen and Großkuchen became part of Heidenheim during a big district change in the 1970s. They are special because they still have their own local councils. These councils are chosen by the people living there and are led by a president.

Schnaitheim Borough

Schnaitheim is located to the north of Heidenheim. It used to be a small independent town. Now, it's Heidenheim's biggest borough, officially called Heidenheim-Schnaitheim. The main town and Schnaitheim have grown so much that there's no longer any empty space between them.

Schnaitheim is mostly a place where people live. However, it also has many large stores, which are important for the city's shopping. About 10,900 people live here.

Inside Schnaitheim, you'll find neighborhoods like Wehrenfeld on the east side. This area has many nice homes and a big sports club called TSG Schnaitheim. Other neighborhoods include Hagen, located on a hillside to the west, and Aufhausen, which was once a separate farming village to the north.

Mergelstetten Borough

Mergelstetten is located south of Heidenheim's center, on the way to Herbrechtingen. Around 7,900 people live here. Mergelstetten has several factories, but it still feels a bit like a countryside village. The residential area of Reutenen is located on a hill within Mergelstetten.

Oggenhausen Borough

Oggenhausen is a village about 5 kilometers east of Heidenheim. It's separated from the main town by a big road, European route E43. About 1,550 people live in Oggenhausen. The villagers voted to join Heidenheim in 1970.

Großkuchen Borough

Großkuchen is about 8 kilometers northeast of Heidenheim. It's not directly connected to the main town. This area is popular for outdoor activities like hiking and cross-country skiing. It also has a small local industry that makes charcoal. About 1,550 people live in Großkuchen, and it joined Heidenheim in 1974.

Heidenheim's Climate

History of Heidenheim

People have lived in the area of Heidenheim for a very long time, possibly as far back as 8,000 years ago. However, a permanent settlement was only built around 1300 BC. There are many old ruins from settlements that existed mainly between 1200 and 800 BC.

During the time of the Roman Empire, starting around 85 AD, Heidenheim was home to a Roman fort called Aquileia. This fort had over 1,000 mounted soldiers. Later, around 159 AD, these soldiers moved further north to Aalen.

At first, the fort marked the eastern edge of the Roman border, known as the Alb Limes. Soon, a civilian town grew up around this important spot, where five Roman roads met. This town became the largest Roman city in what is now Baden-Württemberg. Archeologists believe it covered an area of about 15 to 20 hectares (37 to 50 acres). Recently, remains of a large Roman government building were found. It's thought that Aquileia might have been the capital of a Roman administrative area.

Starting in 233 AD, a group called the Alamanni often attacked the Roman border defenses. When the Romans left the border in 260 AD, the Roman city of Heidenheim ended. It's not clear if any Romans stayed under the new Alamannic rule, but it's likely some did.

We don't know much about Aquileia/Heidenheim during the time of the Great Migration. However, in the 8th century, Heidenheim was mentioned again in official papers. The town grew in the Middle Ages when Hellenstein Castle was built. A city wall was constructed in parts between 1190 and 1420. In 1356, Emperor Charles IV officially made Heidenheim a market town.

Heidenheim became part of Württemberg in 1448, after being ruled by the von Helfenstein family and then the Duchy of Teck. For a short time between 1462 and 1504, it belonged to the dukes of Bavaria. Later, it was briefly part of Ulm. During the time of Württemberg, Heidenheim was always an important administrative center. It was a separate part of Württemberg until 1803, when new land gains connected it to the main territory. In 1807, Heidenheim became a district, and then a county in 1938. The district changes in the 1970s didn't change its county borders much.

The town's economy grew mainly because of the metal ores found in the area, which were used even in Roman times. However, this industry became less important around the 19th century due to competition from other places.

Heidenheim was also important for the textile industry. Flax grown in the Eastern Swabian Alps was used to make linen. This business grew into a big industry in the early 19th century with cotton imports. But it declined after World War II because of competition from other countries. During the war, a camp was located here where people were forced to work for local industries.

After World War II ended in 1945, a camp was set up in the city to help people who had lost their homes find new ones. This camp housed up to 2,300 people at times and closed in August 1949.

Mergelstetten was first mentioned in a document in 1143. It confirmed that a nearby monastery owned a mill, a fish pond, and a farm there. However, it's believed that the first settlement was founded by the Alamanni in the 7th or 8th century. Other important dates for the local economy include 1828, when Jakob Zoeppritz started a woolen blanket factory, and 1901, when Carl Schwenk built a concrete factory.

Religion in Heidenheim

Schloss Hellenstein in winter

Originally, people in Heidenheim belonged to the Prince-Bishopric of Augsburg. But in 1524, the Reformation arrived in the city through Ulm.

At that time, Heidenheim was part of Württemberg, and Duke Ulrich supported the Reformation from 1535 onwards. Because of this, most people in Heidenheim have been Protestant for centuries.

Heidenheim became the center of a Protestant church district. The main church was where Paul's Protestant Church (built in 1897) stands today. However, Heidenheim's very first church was Peter's Church, located on top of the Totenberg. It was originally a Roman church, rebuilt several times, and now serves as a chapel for the cemetery.

During the 16th century, Michael's Church became the main church for Heidenheim. This church was built around 1200, completely rebuilt in 1578, and made bigger in 1621. The tower was added in 1687, and another extension in 1767. When Paul's Church was built, it became the main church, but Michael's Church is still used by Paul's Parish today.

As Heidenheim's population grew in the 20th century, several new Protestant churches were started. Christ Parish began in 1958 (its church built in 1956). John's Parish got its church and community center in 1963. Forestchurch Parish started in 1972 (its church was built in 1975, but they had used a wooden chapel since 1926). Reconciliation Parish and Zinzendorf Parish were also founded.

These six parishes in Heidenheim (the main town) form the Protestant United Parish of Heidenheim. Since Mergelstetten and Schnaitheim also belonged to Württemberg, they also became Protestant early on. So, they have their own independent Protestant churches.

Mergelstetten was first part of Bolheim's church, but became its own parish in 1700. Today's church was built in 1843 after the old one burned down.

The church in Schnaitheim was built in the 17th century, though the town had an older church mentioned in 1344.

Oggenhausen was originally Catholic and part of the Zöschingen parish. But in the 17th century, Protestantism became popular there too. Later, it was part of the Nattheim parish until it became its own parish in 1834. The village church was built in 1702, replacing an earlier chapel. Großkuchen remained Catholic because it was connected to Öttingen and a Benedictine Abbey owned the right to use its church. The few Protestants who live there now attend church in Schnaitheim. All Protestant churches in Heidenheim belong to the Deanery of Heidenheim within the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Württemberg. There are also pietist churches in Heidenheim.

Catholics only started to return to Heidenheim in the 19th century. In 1882, they built their own church, St. Mary's Church. The parish for this church was founded in 1886.

A second Catholic church, Trinity Church, was built in 1961 and became a parish in 1962. Mergelstetten got Christ the King Church in 1957, which became a parish in 1961. These three parishes form Ministry 3 of the Deanery Heidenheim within the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart.

In Schnaitheim, St. Boniface Church was built in 1951 (parish in 1961). The Church of Saint Peter and Paul in Großkuchen was built in 1736 on the foundations of an older church. Part of this parish is Kleinkuchen, which has its own church, Saint Ulrich (built in 1517 and rebuilt in 1746). Both St. Boniface and St. Peter and Paul parishes, along with Mary's Ascension in Königsbronn, form Ministry 2.

Catholics from Oggenhausen belong to the Holy Heart of Jesus parish in Nattheim (Ministry 1), also part of the Deanery of Heidenheim.

Besides these two main Christian groups, Heidenheim also has other churches. These include the Methodist Church, the Evangelical Immanuel Parish, and the Evangelical Chrischona-Community. The New Apostolic Church and The Christian Community also have groups in Heidenheim.

Population of Heidenheim

Heidenheim an der Brenz demographics

The numbers below show how the population of Heidenheim has changed over time. These figures are based on the city's boundaries at the time. They are either estimates, official Census data (marked with ¹), or official extensions of that data. They only count people who live in Heidenheim as their main home.

¹ Census data

Music in Heidenheim

Neuer Kammerchor Heidenheim 2017

Heidenheim is home to the Neuer Kammerchor Heidenheim. This is one of Germany's most talented youth choirs. It was started in 2005 by Thomas Kammel, who still leads it today. The Neuer Kammerchor travels a lot to perform in other countries. It has received great praise for its shows. In January 2017, the choir won the Bürger-Prize from the City of Heidenheim. This award recognized their achievements as cultural ambassadors for the city.

Culture and Buildings in Heidenheim

Schnaitheim is home to the Sasse Theater company, which puts on plays.

The State Museum of Württemberg has a special part of its collection in Hellenstein Castle. Here, you can see their Carriage and Chaise Museum. The Museum in the Roman Baths shows items found from the Roman times. The Art Museum, located in an old Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) bathhouse, hosts different art shows. It also has a permanent display of the world's largest collection of Picasso posters.

Hellenstein Castle is the most important building and landmark in Heidenheim. It sits on top of Hellenstein Mountain, looking over the city.

In the inner city, some notable buildings include the Protestant Michaels' Church, which used to be the main church. There's also the Elmar-Doch-House, the Crown Inn and Pub, and the Lower Gate. Other interesting places are Villa Waldemaier, the Türmle (a tower), the Castle Pharmacy, and the weavers' settlement. You can also see the Heathland smithy, the Old mint, and the old Peters' Church, which is now a cemetery chapel.

The large factory building for making turbines for the local Voith company, built in 1924, is an important historical industrial site.

The small castle in Schnaitheim is located by the Brenz River. It's a lovely sight for both visitors and locals. The Schnaitheim Mill is just a short walk away, with its big wheel. However, the mill stopped working several years ago.

In Mergelstetten, the old church was taken down in 1841. A new Protestant church was built in its place in the neo-gothic style. Carl Alexander Heideloff, who also designed Lichtenstein Castle, ordered this building. Wood was used for parts of the church because the church community was not rich at the time. For the same reason, the church tower was not built as tall as planned. Still, this church is popular and often seen on postcards because it looks so nice.

Events in Heidenheim

Every two years, the Shepherd Run takes place in Heidenheim. It first happened in 1723, started by Duke Eberhard Ludwig. Shepherds from all over the area come to this event. A big part of the Shepherd Run is crowning a new shepherd king and queen. The Run was held until 1828, then stopped for a long time. It returned in 1922 and was held five more times until 1952. Since its return in 1972, it has been a regular and important part of Heidenheim's cultural events.

In 2006, Heidenheim hosted the Baden-Württemberg State Botanical Show, which happens every two years.

Heidenheim also hosts an annual World Cup fencing tournament for épée. This event is considered one of the strongest épée competitions in the world. This is because of the many skilled fencers who participate, making it even more challenging than the World Championships or the Olympic Games.

Opera Festival

Every year, Heidenheim holds the "Opernfestspiele Heidenheim" (Opera Festival Heidenheim) at Hellenstein Castle. This festival grew from earlier music events held there. In recent years, it has become famous around the world. It has received great reviews under the artistic direction of conductor Marco-Maria Canonica.

In the summer of 2009, the festival performed Marschner's opera "Der Vampyr." This was the second part of a series of three operas called "Romantik im Rittersaal" (Romance in the Knight's Hall). The first part was von Weber's "Der Freischütz" in 2008. The third and final part was Wagner's "Der fliegende Holländer" in 2010. In the summer of 2010, all three operas were performed in full. The Opernfestspiele Heidenheim attracts visitors from all over Europe and beyond. It has greatly improved the city's reputation as an important cultural place. Locals also enjoy the annual theater festival held in the outdoor Nature Theater.

Sports in Heidenheim

The city's main sports club is Heidenheimer Sportbund (SB). This club offers many different sports. Its football team is called FC Heidenheim 1846. They play at the Voith-Arena. The team has been very successful recently. They moved up two levels in the German football league system after winning the Regionalliga Süd in 2009. Starting from the 2023–24 season, they will compete in the Bundesliga, which is Germany's top football league.

Heidenheimer SB's baseball team, Heidenheim Heideköpfe, plays in the top division of the Baseball Bundesliga. The club has reached the playoffs almost every year since joining the first division in 2001. They won the championship in 2009.

Economy and Industry

Industry

Heidenheim is most famous for being the headquarters of Voith. This industrial company makes turbines and machines for the paper-making industry. Voith is the biggest employer in Heidenheim. It provides jobs for 7,500 people in and around the town.

In May 2006, the world's first Paper Technology Centre opened in Heidenheim. It cost 75 million euros to build. Voith calls this center "the most important center for paper research in the world."

Transport

Heidenheim is a stop on the Brenz Railway. This train line runs from Aalen through Heidenheim to Ulm. This regional train line is also part of Heidenheim's local public transport. The town has a second train station in the Schnaitheim area.

Several bus lines also help people get around the city.

Heidenheim is located near the Autobahn A 7, just off the Heidenheim exit. It's also easy to reach by car and truck using the federal highways B 19 and B 466, which go through the city.

Media

"Heidenheimer Zeitung" and "Heidenheimer Neue Presse" are daily newspapers published in the city. Also, the "Neue Woche" is published every Thursday, and the "Sunday Newspaper" comes out on Sundays.

The Südwestrundfunk (SWR) operates a relay station in Heidenheim. This station broadcasts four of its FM radio stations and the television channel Das Erste. The Schmittenberg radio tower sends out programs for two more radio stations.

Famous People from Heidenheim

• Friedrich Christoph Oetinger (1702–1782), a Lutheran theologian, worked in Heidenheim from 1743 to 1746.
• Johann Jakob von Wunsch (1717–1788), a Prussian General of the Infantry.
• Alfred Meebold (1863–1952), a botanist, writer, and anthroposophist.
• Erwin Rommel (1891–1944), a German Field Marshal, who was an officer in World War I and II. He was the father of Manfred Rommel.
• Helmut Bornefeld (1906–1990), a Protestant church musician, composer, organ expert, and writer. He worked, lived, and died in Heidenheim.
• Dieter Oesterlen (1911–1994), an architect in Hannover.
• Walter Kasper (born 1933), a Roman Catholic Cardinal.
• Gerhard Thiele (born 1953), a physicist and former astronaut.
• Horst Blankenburg (born 1947), a footballer who won the European Cup three times in a row with Ajax.

Twin Towns and Friendly Cities

Heidenheim an der Brenz has special partnerships with other towns around the world. These are called twin towns or sister cities:

Friendly Cities

Heidenheim an der Brenz also has friendly relationships with these cities:

• Qianjiang, China (since 1994)
• Papeete, French Polynesia, France (since 2022)

Images for kids

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  Heidenheim an der Brenz demographics

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  Neuer Kammerchor Heidenheim 2017

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  Schloss Hellenstein in winter

See also

In Spanish: Heidenheim an der Brenz para niños