As the fifth-largest city within Germany, Heidelberg lies within southwestern Germany, about 48 miles south of Frankfurt. Fun fact: the city also houses a 500,000 year old human fossilized jaw bone! Heidelberg maintains high international interest due to its history and focus on natural beauty.
Around 40% of Heidelberg's district is covered in forest, with most of its attractions located in and focusing on that ecosystem. While it is one of the most visited cities within Germany, it is also one of the most eco-aware. In the late 1990s, the city started setting an example for conscious sustainability in the country, winning the top German prize for nature preservation and protection of the environment in 1996 and the European Sustainable City Award in 1997. It is also located within one of the warmer areas within Germany, providing many tourists with a short escape during the start of the winter.
Although the city focuses on conscious sustainability, the people in Heidelberg must deal with the pollution of mainly created from nearby kilns of cement plants. The city plans to expand its housing due to its popularity, and maintaining environmental sustainability will become a much more challenging task as the city strives to keep a balance between human amenities and protection for the natural environment.
