Thingstatte Amphitheater, Heidelberg

The Thingstätte, located on the Heiligenberg mountain, stands as a testament to National Socialist architecture, resembling ancient Greek theaters with its open-air design. Constructed in the 1930s by the Reich Labor Service and Heidelberg students, this imposing structure was originally envisioned as a venue for propaganda events, with a seating capacity of 8,000 or standing room for 15,000 individuals.

Despite its grandiose design, the National Socialists quickly lost interest in the site, and during the Second World War, the Thingstätte lay largely dormant. In the years following the war, it found new life as a venue for unofficial Walpurgis Night celebrations, drawing crowds of up to 15,000 revelers who were treated to fire-dancing and juggling performances.

Today, the amphitheater stands as a cultural monument, open to tourists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. It lacks structural amenities, fencing, or illumination, preserving its historical significance while inviting visitors to explore its presence amidst the tranquil surroundings of the forest.