Souvenirs, kitsh and little treasures and other Heidelberg, Germany Shopping Tips

Name of Shop: SOUVENIR STALLS

Heidelberg is a tourist hot-spot, so naturally you'll see plenty of stores & stalls selling everything from postcards, to t-shirts, to fridge magnets, mouse pads, calendars, beer mugs... you get the idea: *Everything!*

The best place to look for souvenirs are the stalls all around the Heilig Geist Church in the old town's pedestrian precinct (or "Hauptstrasse"). Some might call this a tourist trap but let's be honest: most of us deny it, but usually we DO buy ourselves some souvenirs. Admit it! haha! ;-)

What To Buy: Most of the stuff is your usual cheesy rip-off kitsh, but sometimes you may just find something a little taseful & treasured.
Have a look at the back of the church... there's an art gallery selling prints of traditional, modern or abstract Heidelberg images. And maybe a mouse pad for the office wouldn't be so bad? A fridge magnet for grandma? And a proper German 1-litre beer mug for your uncle?

I bought a Heidelberg sweatshirt (helps my homesickness) for 20 Euros, a funny kitchen apron for 10 Euros and 2 small wooden dolls for 3 Euros each.

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--> Also see my seperate "things to do" tip on the Chocolaterie Knoesel, located right behind this church!

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What To Pay: You can try to haggle, but most stall owners will have none of it. If the price is too high, compare with the other stalls (they all have pretty much the same things) or just leave it be.

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Theme: Gifts
Address: Old town, "Marktplatz" (= market square)
Directions: by the Heilig Geist Kirche (church)

Name of Shop: UNICORN

UNICORN is a gem of a shop located in the old town. You have probably heard of the cheap & cheerful souvenir stands by the Heilig Geist Kirche (holy ghost church) near the Market Square, and this store also specializes in souvenirs from Heidelberg and Germany in general - but this is different:

--> Souvenirs here are of the highest quality. This is a place for the serious collector; or for some serious presents for the special people in your life. Prices aren't cheap, but you get some truly amazing items for your money.

You can find high-quality kitchen products from German manufacturers, traditional clothing for men & women, beer steins (mugs) with intricate decoration (often hand-made), fine china crockery & tea sets, photography books, and the infamous Steiff soft toy collection.

What To Buy: The Steiff "Knopf im Ohr" toys will catch your eye in their large window display; everything from a small teddy bear (40 EUR) up to a 6-foot tall lifelike polar bear (4,100 EUR!) can be found here!!! In my opinion, these are no toys for drooling toddlers. These are beautiful items of the highest quality. A teddy or any other animal from the Steiff collection is a great gift, and one that can be treasured by a family (and a child that is old enough to appreciate it!) for many years. I'm seriously considering buying one or two special "furry friends" during my next visit...

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A bit of fluffy history:
Margarete Steiff, a polio-stricken German seamstress, created a small elephant-shaped pin cushion in the year 1897. It became surprisingly popular as a children's toy, leading her to create more animals made from fabric. In 1902 her nephew, Richard Steiff, joins the company and creates the world's 1st toy bear with jointed arms & legs. In 1903, the bear makes it across the Atlantic to the USA where it is sold under the name "Teddy", after US President Theodore Roosevelt.
The trademark button in the ear was added in 1903 to combat the confusion created by numerous cheap copies flooding the world market. In 2005, the company celebrated its proud 125th birthday!

What To Pay: Prices start at approx. 9 EUR for a 6cm hedgehog, up to 4,100 EUR for a 6-foot tall polar bear!

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Theme: Local Craft
Phone: +49-6221-160 730
Address: Hauptstrasse 151-153, 69117 Heidelberg
Directions: old town, near the Jesuiten Kirche (jesuit church).

Name of Shop: KAETHE WOHLFAHRT

Germany is one of the few countries that still does Xmas "properly", in all its glory, cheesiness, community spirit, warm fuzziness & grand decorations. Experience christmas in Germany once and you'll never want to celebrate it anywhere else ever again :-)

--> Check this link for my separate Xmas-Market-Tip: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tp/1a2d2f.

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Kaethe Wohlfahrt is the poster child of this spirit; a well-known chain of stores throughout Germany and of course there's also a store in Heidelberg's old town. This is a place where it's always "the season to be jolly" - Christmas decorations are on display & for sale 365 days a year! The window displays are truly magnificent and are changed regularly.

What To Buy: There are also plenty of souvenirs and decorational items for sale that are not "Xmassy", such as Cuckoo-Clocks, Garden Gnomes, hand-made dolls, Glass or Ceramic figurines, table cloths, Xmas Pyramids, Nutcrackers, cookie tins, limited edition collectors items, hand-made tree decorations, and so much more...

For those of you that can't get enough: you can order their products from their online catalogue! Visit the website for more info.

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00am - 06.00pm.
Saturdays: 11:00am - 05:00pm. (Sundays: Closed)

What To Pay: Many of the items are quite expensive, but the high level quality & craftmanship is undeniable.

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Theme: Local Craft
Phone: 0049 - 9861 4090
Address: Hauptstrasse 124, 69117 Heidelberg
Directions: (see picture for location map)
Website: http://www.wohlfahrt.com/

Name of Shop: TEA-PAVILLON

This is the very first shop I visit, each and every time I'm in Heidelberg. I've been shopping here for years. It's a tradition for me, and anyone that I've ever brought here has also fallen in love with this place.

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The Tea Pavillon is easy to miss, so slow-down and take notice: a small yellow sign on one of the old town's buildings points into a small corridor, taking you past an age-old and dented wooden stairwell. Behind these stairs, enter through a small glass door into a tiny shop crammed full of delicious delights and wondrous trinkets.

This shop signifies everything I love about Heidelberg and old, European cities in general: step into a side-alley and discover something completely unique, tucked-away and hidden from "unworthy" visitors :-)

What To Buy: Here, you will find teas from all over the world as well as designer tea pots, hand-made cups & mugs, wind chimes, incense sticks, tee accessories, scented oils & candles, beautiful & unique gift ideas, etc. My reason for always visiting this shop are the hand-made, all-natural and incredibly yummy candies ("bonbons"). Made from various herbs & fruits, nothing beats a sore throat like their in-house candy creations!

If you're looking for something unique, visit the friendly staff at the Tea Pavillon in the Hauptstrasse (pedestrian precinct) of the old town in Heidelberg.

TIP: Be very careful when moving around in this small shop; if you break something, you pay for it.

What To Pay: There is something here for every budget. The sweets are charged by weight (pick 'n' mix your own).

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Theme: Gifts
Phone: 0049-6221-25719
Address: Hauptstrasse 54, D-69117 HEIDELBERG
Directions: Opposite the old Anatomy Garden. Old Town; on the right side when walking towards the large church and the castle.
Website: http://www.tea-pavillon.de/

Name of Shop: GALERIA KAUFHOF: twice in the old town

This mall is located exactly on the Bismarksplatz (convenient tram & bus stop for the old town) and consists of 7 levels covering over 12,000 square metres of "credit card danger"... Note that there are 2 (two) Kaufhof malls in old town Heidelberg. The other one is located in the Haupstrasse / pedestrian precint, about 5min walk from this one!

I prefer shopping in the individual stores along the Hauptstrasse, but especially in bad weather, a warm & dry mall is very tempting indeed.

Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturdays: 09:30am - 08:00pm.

What To Buy: Here you will find Fashion Accessories, Watches and Jewellery, Stationary and School supplies, Books and Magazines, Bed sheets and Duvet covers, Chocolates and sweets, Crockery and Cutlery, Kitchen and household appliances, Women's & Men's Wear, Sports items, Children's and Baby Clothes, and of course the "Markthalle" on the ground floor. (see my separate restaurant tip)

There is also a large toy store on top floor (beautifully decorated during Xmas time), together with one of my favourite places for "a coffee with a view": Dinea Restaurant. (see my separate restaurant tip!)

What To Pay: Most items are very reasonably priced, and there are many seasonal special offers.

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Theme: Other
Phone: +49-6221-9160
Address: Bergheimer Strasse 1, 69115 Heidelberg
Directions: Bismarkplatz, old town, Heidelberg and in the Hauptrstrasse (2nd store).
LOCATION MAP: http://my.klicktel.de/scout_show.php?id=8EB7963485A28CBE

Name of Shop: GRUEN & FINCK Likoere, etc.

This is a great place to either shop for yourself, or to also bring some nice gifts back home for loved-ones. Choose uniquely-shaped bottles & some nice decorative wrapping to make a simple bottle of booze into a nice gift from Heidelberg. (try "Heidelberger Blaue Perle" = blueberry liquor)

All around the store there are shelves packed with big glass spheres full of delicious concoctions, brews and fermentations. Ask one of the sales staff for assistance, and you can open the tap to pour yourself a sample (of each...) before you buy.

I spent 1/2 hour trying to choose a few bottles... their assortment is so big, with so many yummy things: liquors made from any kind of berries or fruit, aromatic whisky (not your "ancient" variety, but still pretty decent), various wines and much more.

What To Buy: This store sells spirits, liquors and mixers / wines, dessert wines, etc. / jams, honey & other condiments / oils & vinegars. I can't help myself: I buy something here every time :-)

Depending on the season, the store has promotions for certain products. In summer, for example, you're most likely to find small cups with caipirinha or sangria for free tasting, and the bottles at discounted prices.

In winter, you absolutely MUST try their Xmas liquor, made with cloves, plums, vanilla and other gorgeous ingredients... I'm serious folks: you are truly missing out on something if you don't pick-up a couple of bottles! Mulled wine at the Xmas market is nice, but this stuff is even nicer for sipping at home.

Opening Hours:
Mondays to Saturdays 10:00am - 07:00pm.

What To Pay: Obviously a little bit more expensive that regular "supermarket booze" but so worth it! I paid 7 EUR for 1 litre of plum liquor.

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Theme: Food and Drink
Phone: 0049-6221-618158
Address: Hauptstrasse 159, 69117 Heidelberg
Directions: In the pedestrian precint, old town. (website is in German only)
Website: http://www.likoere-hd.de/
Other Contact: Fax: +49-6221-618159

Name of Shop: LIL'S LADEN / SHOP

My fiance and I love this shop. If you are interested in spirituality or simply some unusual items for your home, this is a great little place to visit.

I often see students here looking for an interesting read, or after having returned from a back-packing trip through Asia they seek "musical enlightenment" and memories of their travels here.

According to the owner's business card, she is specialised in "Clothes, Joy & Music" ;-)

What To Buy: Here, you can find everything from hippy clothing, to CDs with world music (everything from Native American Shamanic songs to Mongolian throat singing), Tibetan sound bowls, healing crystals, unusual jewellery designs, photography books, etc.

You can also find some very interesting literature here, and if Lil is there she's usually available for a friendly and mind-opening chat with you.


Whatever it might be: if you consider yourself slightly "new age"
and interested in alternative beliefs, I highly recommend this little gem of a shop.

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"The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious - the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art & true science". - Albert Einstein.

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What To Pay: Prices vary according to design, age, material and country of origin.

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Theme: Other
Phone: 0049-6221-183 662
Address: Am Heumarkt, Old Town, Heidelberg.
Directions: Close to University Platz. Walk on Hauptstrasse towards the Kornmarket & Church, turn left when you see the shop "Belobene" & "Starbucks" (Now, listen: walk straight PAST stupid Starbucks & rather have a coffee in one of the nearby family-owned cafes!)

Name of Shop: HENNES & MAURITZ

I don't care if my clothes aren't by Italian designers. I don't care for shoes that cost more than a small car. All I want are trendy clothes that are comfortable, of good quality and will fit me! And ever since I got my first little pocket money from my parents, I've been shopping in Hennes & Mauritz. Don't get me wrong: I am not a shopaholic. But after years of frustration, seeking clothes that will fit tall women with curves, I always find myself returning to my trusty H&M.

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H&M is a Swedish brand now operating in countries worldwide. They have managed the seemingly impossible success of retail: ever-trendy clothes at very reasonable prices. If Madonna, Karl Lagerfeld & Kylie Minogue agree (all have designed collections for H&M) then I can't be so wrong, can I?!

What To Buy: There are 2 (two) H&M stores in Heidelberg: one at the entrance of the old town (Hauptstrasse No. 1), by the Bismarkplatz (this is ALWAYS my first stop when I visit Heidelberg) and the other is inside the Hauptstrasse (no. 37), about 10min by foot. Both stores have 2 levels, and if you cannot find your size in one shop, staff will call the other store to check for you.

I love H&M because:
> prices are reasonable.
> quality is good.
> the size on the hanger IS the actual size of the garment.
> fantastic selection of underwear & lingerie.
> their trousers are long enough for my long legs!
> they have large stocks of all items.

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 10:00am - 08:00pm.
Saturday: 09:30am - 07:00pm.

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--> UPDATE April 2008: H&M has emerged as the top performing European retail brand with a value of 10.4 billion euros!

What To Pay: Prices are extremely reasonable, and yet I always find I'm overspending and can hardly carry the bags afterwards!

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Theme: Women's Clothes
Phone: +49-6221-438 523 / 600 525
Address: Haupstrasse, old town, Heidelberg
Website: http://www.hm.com

Name of Shop: VINYL ONLY Record Shop

My fiance used to be an underground house DJ and nowadays works as an Audio Engineer, so I know that there is NO WAY we can walk past this record shop without spending a considerable amount of time! Nowadays, I usually "drop him off" and do some shopping alone, whilst leaving him happily in his element... haha!

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At any given time, Vinyl Only stocks over 70.000 records! Here you will find anything from Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, to the Beach Boys and ABBA, The Doors and INXS, to old-school dance classics and cutting-edge club tunes (many professional DJs are regulars here). As the name promises, the emphasis of the business revolve around vinyl (excuse the pun) but for those of you that are too young to even remember the black discs, CDs are also available.

On certain days of the week, the store welcome local DJs to spin a few tunes in a free set for its customers. Ask the staff for dates and details.

What To Buy: And even if you're not interested in buying much, settle down with a set of headphones, listen to your favourite or some new tunes, and join-in the musical appreciation, trivia & history discussions that always pop-up between the owners and some customers. The staff here are extremely helpful and knowledgeable... everything here is in alphabetical order, but if you're not sure about the artist or song title, simply singing the tune to them usually works as well ;-)

This is a real place for music lovers of all ages. Don't miss it!

What To Pay: Prices range far and wide: starting at 5.99 EUROS for "one-hit-wonders" and lesser known artists, up to big bucks for rare collectors' pieces. They also often have a special offers section where you can make some fantastic finds.

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Theme: Music
Phone: +49-6221-16 88 16
Address: Hauptstrasse 133, 69117 Heidelberg
Directions: old town Heidelberg, by the Universitaetsplatz (university sqaure)

Name of Shop: SCHWARZMARKT

Schwarzmarkt literally means "black market"... but don't worry: this isn't some kind of dodgy side-alley operation: this is a funky little shop that mainly specializes in Mobile Phone accessories (they say they have the largest selection of mobile covers in the area), but has recently started branching-out and now offers fun gadgets, cool & cult t-shirts, funky gift ideas, and in 2006: FIFA World Cup fan items (of course!)

The staff here is great: you can tell that they truly enjoy their work, and quite often I've had to force myself to stop a rather entertaining conversation because the queue behind me was getting impatient! (Sorry!)

--> (I will upload some photos of my t-shirts from here sometime...)

What To Buy: I'm not saying that you "have to" stop at this shop, but I enjoy coming here and more often than not, I find something fun, special and unique (and most of the time it's NOT for my mobile phone :-) This place is definitely worth a quick visit.

Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 09:30am - 08:00pm.

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Good thing to know: in Germany we call (UK) mobile phones or (USA) cell phones --> "a HANDY" :-)

What To Pay: There is something for every budget, but some of the "cult" items (i.e. t-shirts, etc.) can be a bit pricier than usual.

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Theme: Other
Phone: 0049–6221–61 88 77
Address: Hauptstrasse 57, 69117 Heidelberg
Directions: in the old town, left side of the pedestrian precinct (when walking towards the castle)
Website: http://www.schwarzmarkt.org/
Other Contact: (Website only in German)