Ziegelhausen

Hidden amongst the steep slopes and flowing waters of the Neckar River lies Ziegelhausen, a district of Heidelberg brimming with captivating stories. Ziegelhausen’s name, meaning “house of bricks,” hints at its origins. Long before homes lined the Neckar’s edge, a brick factory stood here, shaping the very identity of this charming locale. The factory no longer operates. But its legacy is etched into the local sports teams’ shirts, which proudly display a house adorned with red clay roof shingles, a timeless symbol of Ziegelhausen. Ziegelhausen stretches northward into the embrace of the Odenwald Forest. Its southern slopes, blessed by the Neckar’s abundant waters, once supported a thriving laundry trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. The steep slopes, facing the sun, provided the perfect drying grounds for laundry. This made Ziegelhausen a bustling center of clean linens. Walk through Ziegelhausen today, and you’ll discover a mix of single-family and multiple-family homes. A small shopping district adds to the charm of this primarily residential neighborhood. Several small parks dot the area. One even boasts a whimsical playground featuring tile sculptures inspired by the vibrant works of Niki de Saint Phalle. In the late 19th century, a rather unusual industry briefly emerged in Ziegelhausen. In 1893, a 460-meter-long tunnel was carved into the Mausbach mountain. The goal was to extract manganese ore. A total of 130 tons were extracted and shipped to the Röchling steelworks in Völklingen. However, the ore quality proved disappointing. The mining venture was abandoned just three years later. This district also drew the attention of renowned figures. Composer Johannes Brahms found solace and inspiration amidst this picturesque setting, spending summers in Ziegelhausen during the 1880s. Perhaps he strolled along the Neckar’s banks, composing melodies in his head as he watched the washerwomen at their work. Ziegelhausen has evolved over the centuries. From a brick-making hub to a laundry center, from a brief mining endeavor to a haven for artists and composers, each chapter has added to the rich tapestry of its history.