Heidelberg is fighting for fast train connections: Greens start petition!
Heidelberg is fighting to maintain important train connections. The Greens initiated a petition for commuters.

Heidelberg is fighting for fast train connections: Greens start petition!
Heidelberg, the fifth largest city in Baden-Württemberg after Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Mannheim and Freiburg, is currently faced with a challenge that particularly affects commuters. The Greens in Heidelberg have launched a petition calling for the preservation of direct, fast train connections to the important economic regions of Mainz, Frankfurt and Stuttgart. This action is no coincidence, because from then onDecember 14, 2025There are numerous cancellations in long-distance transport that could significantly restrict the mobility of Heidelberg residents.
The cancellations affect, among other things, the morning direct connection to Wiesbaden and Mainz (ICE 1118), as well as several connections to Stuttgart (IC 481, ICE 1611, ICE 711). The connection from Heidelberg via Weinheim and Darmstadt to Frankfurt (ICE 1672 / ICE 932) will also be offered in the future without a stop in Weinheim. The connection to Frankfurt Airport (ICE 774, future ICE 776) will be completely eliminated. These changes are particularly important for the many commuters who rely on reliable connections to complete their daily commutes. The last few years have already been affected by similar restrictions, which have affected the mobility of many Heidelberg residents. The initiators of the petition include Dr. Franziska Brantner MdB, Rike Greeb as well as Florian Kollmann and Frieda Fiedler.
Cultural and economic importance of Heidelberg
Heidelberg is not only an important science location, but also a vibrant center for business and innovation. With around163,000 residents, around a quarter of whom are students, the city has a high educational density. The oldest university in Germany, the University of Heidelberg, founded in 1386, is located here and attracts many students from all over the world every year. There are also renowned research institutions such as the European Laboratory for Molecular Biology and several Max Planck Institutes, which contribute to the city's great attractiveness.
The picturesque old town, flanked by the Königstuhl and Heiligenberg mountains, not only offers an impressive backdrop, but is also a popular tourist destination. Historical sights such as Heidelberg Castle, the Kurpfälzisches Museum and the Philosopher's Trail attract numerous visitors every year. This cultural significance is also of great economic relevance, as it contributes to the quality of life in Heidelberg and benefits local businesses. Heidelberg's distinctive Baroque architecture and romantic urban landscape have made the city famous beyond Germany's borders.
A look at the sights of Heidelberg
In addition to its economic and scientific importance, Heidelberg also has a lot to offer tourists:
- Heidelberger Schloss: Ein Renaissancebau mit beeindruckender Aussicht, das einst den Kurfürsten diente.
- Philosophenweg: Ein malerischer Weg mit tollem Blick auf die Stadt und das Schloss.
- Alte Brücke: Stilvolle Brücke über den Neckar, geschmückt mit historischen Skulpturen.
- Kurpfälzisches Museum: Kunst und Kultur unter einem Dach, inklusive Exponaten von namhaften Künstlern.
- Deutsches Apotheken-Museum: Ein faszinierendes Blickfeld auf die Geschichte der Pharmazie.
Heidelberg has a lot to offer and must also remain competitive in the area of transport connections. The Greens' petition is just one step to ensure that the city remains well connected in the future and is not left behind. After all, the quality of life and economic stability of a city depend crucially on its accessibility, especially for commuters.
Current information about the developments and progress of the petition can be viewed at any time on the Greens Heidelberg website: Green Heidelberg also discusses the possibilities of direct connections to the important cities in the area.