wellness
Heidelberg Offers Free Heat Maps, Subsidized Sports, Health Networks
City programs give residents access to heat protection maps, subsidized sports courses and community health networks.
How we reported this
Heidelberg residents can access digital or analog maps of cool refuge locations called Kühle Karte through a service offered by the City of Heidelberg to protect against summer heat.
Heat Refuge Maps
The maps help people locate shaded or cooled public spots during warm periods. This resource comes directly from the City of Heidelberg and is available in both digital and printed formats for everyday use.
Sports and Exercise Options
The Office of Sports Facilities runs free or subsidized courses open to all ages. Offerings include water aerobics, aquajogging and pregnancy-specific water gymnastics led by midwives. These sessions provide structured physical activity without high personal cost.
Long-Standing Health Networks
Heidelberg has belonged to the WHO Network of Healthy Cities since 1991. The membership supports integration of healthy nutrition and addiction prevention into kindergarten and school routines. The city also backs stroke and eating disorder networks that share information on daily healthy living.
Local Water and Nutrition Programs
The initiative Trink dich fit und schlau encourages children to drink water regularly. Combined with the school curricula work, these efforts focus on practical habits that families can adopt at low or no cost.
Medical Access Points
Residents benefit from the highest density of doctors in Baden-Württemberg. The Heidelberg University Hospital operates over 30 clinics and functions as one of Europe’s leading medical centers, offering a wide range of services through established public pathways.
Anyone seeking personal guidance should contact the City of Heidelberg offices or the Office of Sports Facilities for current registration details on maps and courses. These programs remain open to participants of varying ages and needs.