Thermalschwimmbad Vangerowstraße 4 69115 Heidelberg Tel: 06221 5132877 www.thermalbad-heidelberg.de/ Thermarium Wellness- & Gesundheitspark Kraichgaustraße 14 76669 Bad Schönborn Tel: 07253 8027 0 www.thermarium.de/
Professional Sports TSG 1899 Hoffenheim One of the smallest clubs in the German first division soccer league (Bundesliga), TSG 1899 Hoffenheim has a loyal following in the region. A fifth division team in 2000, the club rose to the ranks of the first division in 2008. This was in no small part due to the 240 million euros invested by the club's benefactor, Dietmar Hopp, one of the founders of the software giant SAP. The club now plays in the modern Rhine-Neckar-Arena in Sinsheim with a seating capacity of 30,000. www.achtzehn99.de Adler Mannheim The Adler Mannheim has played in the first division of the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) since 1994, and were one of the league’s founding teams. The city closely identifies with the Adler,and, indeed, the team colors of blue, white and red are identical with those of the city flag. Home games are played in the impressive SAP-Arena, with a seating capacity of 13,600. The team has been one of the most successful in the DEL, capturing the championship six times. www.adler-mannheim.de German Motorsport Just off the A6 Autobahn and about 25 kilometers south of Mannheim is the German Mecca of motorsport – the Hockenheimring. Mor than 100,000 motorsports fans make their pilgrimage to the race track to see Formula 1 racing and cheer on hometown hero and threetime world champion, Sebastian Vettel, who hails from nearby Heppenheim. In addition to Formula 1 racing, Hockenheim also hosts the German Touring Car Masters (DTM), the ADAC GT Masters,
Sport Club System & Fitness Studios Have you ever wondered why Germans repeatedly excel in international sporting events? One of the reasons is the organized network of sports clubs that offers a wide range of activities at reasonable prices to everyone. Sports in Germany are a great equalizer, cutting across social and occupational strata. Joining a sports club in Germany is a great way to make contact with people from all walks of life in a fun atmosphere. Indeed, one of the best parts of being a sports club member is retreating to the pub with other club members after a good workout. The range of sports offered by these nonprofit clubs is enormous – soccer, tennis, horseback riding, track and field, aerobics, swimming and, increasingly, international sports such as baseball, rugby and even American football. For a full listing of the sports clubs available in your region, contact the local sports office (Sportamt) in the city or county government. In addition, the Sports Association of Hessen (www.sport-in-hessen.de), the Palatinate Sports Association (www.sportbund-pfalz.de) or the North Baden Sports Association (www.badischersportbund.de) can provide you with more information about sports clubs throughout your state. Membership fees vary greatly, depending on the type of sport, the size of the club and the quality of the facilities. But as a general guideline, individual memberships cost between 100-250 euros per year – with discounts for students and children. Family memberships are usually a good deal ... much cheaper than several individual memberships. It is important to note that once you become a registered member of a German sports club, you are automatically insured under that club’s policy should you become injured. Many clubs allow you to work out several times before formally committing to a membership. Moving up the cash ladder, one can choose from the trendier fitness studios in the region. The great advantage of fitness studios is their flexible schedules and ultra-modern equipment (sometimes including a swimming pool and sauna), although many studios are not open for early morning workouts. Most clubs require a minimum membership of six or 12 months, though some will first let you have a free trial. In addition, more fitness clubs offer “ladies-only” studios – with free babysitting. Monthly rates range from 20 euros a month for a basic fitness studio to 120 euros for the luxury class. One word of caution: some fitness clubs do not allow you to bring your own water while working out. Instead, you are forced to purchase water from the fitness studio. the Hockenheim Classics and many others races. www.hockenheimring.de Rhein-Neckar Löwen The Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region is particularly proud of its first division handball team, the Rhine-Neckar Löwen. The German handball league is considered one of the most competitive in the world and attracts players from throughout Europe. Although HSG has not yet won the German title, it won the EHF Cup in 2012/2013.
www.rhein-neckar-loewen.de TSG Friesenheim Known by their fans affectionately as the Owls, TSG Friesenheim broke through to the first division handball league in 2010/11. Unfortunately, the team wasn't able to maintain this distinction very long and was relegated to the second division in the following season. The Owls have a strong youth program and fans hope that the team will soon achieve first division status again. www.die-eulen.de
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