Sometimes it’s hard for a small town living in the shadow of a big city; kinda of like a young child outshined by a more popular big sibling. That seems to be the deal for Heddesheim, a little town only a few minutes east of Mannheim.
That’s not to say that Heddesheim is some shanty town; far from it. The Romans appreciated the place; but then again they should have, they’re the ones who first settled here. Although, they might find the place a bit different from the way they left it and the area was once the largest tobacco growing region in Germany.
Mostly everyone who comes to Heddesheim heads over to the local swimming lake — the Heddesheimer See — for some recreational fun. The coolest part (other than just the fresh air and sandy beach) is the lake is heated. Way to go, German engineering!
Heddesheim does have an indoor swimming pool (in case it’s raining or cold) and an 18 hole golf course (in case you like the links). If you prefer cooler weather and activities, Heddesheim also has an outdoor ice skating rink.
For a more traditional sightseeing experience, Heddesheim doesn’t have much, but what little it does have is quite lovely. There’s an Old Town Hall and the town’s Protestant Church.
That’s pretty much it on that tour around town and if you’re looking for museums you need to hop over to nearby worker city Mannheim, scientific Heidelberg, or hilly Weinheim.
Then again, being close to the Odenwald you might find yourself taking a long leisurely walk, hike, or bicycle ride instead. If you’re tuckered out after that, spend the night at the Hotel Gramlich. Hotel is a term used loosely, it’s more like a bed & breakfast — but, it’s clean, tidy, offers breakfast, and a quaint little garden to sit and relax.
Turns out, Heddesheim doesn’t worry one bit about living in its big sister’s shadow; it likes itself just the way it is. And I agree! :-)
