Tuebingen, city of students, poets and philosophers
Wahyuni Kamah, Contributor, Tuebingen, Germany
Of all the cities in Germany, Tuebingen offers a distinct impression.
As soon as one arrives in Tuebingen railway station -- only 55 minutes
by train from Stuttgart, the capital of the state of Baden Wuerttemberg
-- one sees many young faces about. Teenage girls and boys crowd the
waiting room, cheerfully chatting with each other. On the streets,
young people carrying colorful backpacks are seen waiting for the bus,
riding bicycles or just walking along. This is a rare picture indeed,
given that the majority population of most small cities in Germany
consist of the elderly.
One of Tuebingen's attractions is Eberhard Karls University, more
popularly known as Tuebingen University, which has lured many students
from the world over to this city.
"Of the 85,000 inhabitants in Tuebingen, 20,000 are students," proudly
revealed an official at the Tuebingen Tourist Information center.
The university, which was founded in 1477 by Duke Eberhard, is also one of the oldest universities in Germany.
There are also numerous research institutes in Tuebingen, such as the
Max Planck Institute, that have contributed to making the city one of
the leading research centers in the world. It is no wonder that
Tuebingen calls itself Universitaetsstadt, or "the university town".
Tuebingen also owes its fame to noted poets and influential
philosophers, who spent time studying and living in this 900-year-old
city.
Philosophers Hegel, Schelling and Hoelderin, and astronomer Johannes
Kepler studied here, while writer Hermann Hesse spent four years
working in a bookshop in Tuebingen. It is also here that Goethe
actually published his first work. The places where these famed
thinkers and scholars studied, worked and lived can still be viewed
today.
The
atmosphere in the city certainly supports Tuebingen as a university
town. Its people are open and intelligent, and the city is relaxed, yet
modern. Although it is often dubbed as a student's town, Tuebingen is
attractive to visit, particularly its undamaged and well-preserved Old
Town area.
Still
standing in Old Town are the original buildings from the Middle Ages,
because Tuebingen had not been targeted by Allied bombers in World War
II. It was once hit by a stray bomb during the war, but only two houses
were destroyed.
"It remains a mystery as to why Tuebingen was not bombed, but there
were 59 Americans who studied in Tuebingen from 1920 to 1945," said
Michael Seifert from Eberhard Karls University. "Moreover, Tuebingen
was once a lazarette city," he added.
Perhaps another reason was because although Tuebingen had a small
Jewish community, which used to occupy the road of Judengasse, they
were expelled from the city in 1477. There is now nothing but houses
along this short road.
Tuebingen is divided by Neckar River, and the best route to explore Old
Town is from Neckar Bridge, a favorite photo subject for tourists.
Neckar Wall, which faces the river, is a favorite student hangout and
for residents to spend their free time chatting or reading books. A few
punting boats are tied up by the river, waiting for passengers who want
to have a river tour. In the distance, the peak of Hoelderin Tower can
clearly be seen.
Old Town is accessible by foot, although it means a walk along narrow,
winding cobblestone alleyways lined with 16th-century semi-timber
houses and the pointed gables of castles and towers. Those who love
medieval architecture will find Old Town of Tuebingen very inspiring.
In Marktplatz, or market square, at the center of Old Town, visitors
will find the three-story City Hall, which dates from the 15th century.
The square is surrounded also by semi-timber houses, and in the summer
it is full with outdoor cafes. Kiosks selling fresh fruit or souvenirs
can also be found in the open square of the market.
The original Renaissance portal of the 16th century can be seen at
Hoehentuebingen Castle, which now houses the various academic
departments of Tuebingen University. On Burgsteige, the road that leads
to the castle, stands the former home of Johannes Kepler. The
Protestant Seminary, where Hegel and Schelling studied, has served as a
center of Protestant theology until today, and the house where poet
Hoelderin lived is now known as Hoelderin Tower.
Collegiate Church in Holzmarkt has the most beautiful Gothic rood
screens in south Germany, as well as stained glass windows from the
15th century and tombs of the dukes and duchesses of Wuerttemberg. One
of the stores in Holzmarkt was formerly the bookstore where Hermann
Hesse worked.
In
most modern German cities, the gutters are underground but on
Ammergasse, the gutters are in full view in front of the houses, which
gives a unique and picturesque image to the road.
Despite the centuries-old surroundings, the lively atmosphere from
street cafes and student pubs permeate the city. The shops, restaurants
and cafes are mostly housed in old, timber houses and interestingly
enough, they are not concentrated in any one particular area, but are
scattered throughout Old Town, their streets generally frequented by
tourists.
The
city's celebratory highlights are scheduled every year from January to
December, ranging from boat races to musical performances. Nature
lovers can visit Tuebingen's Botanical Garden or take a stroll down
Platanenallee. A trail bordered by large trees that overhang and
provide cool shade along the path, Platanenallee is a favorite place
for those who like to read outdoors.
