Mannheim and the Rhine Neckar Metropolitan Region: A Home for Innovation in the Heart of Europe
While Mannheim and the surrounding Rhine Neckar Metropolitan Region are perhaps not as well known as other German cities, it offers both outstanding industrial heritage and a diverse natural beauty.
Internationally renowned companies such as BASF, SAP, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen or Roche Diagnostics emerged from this area. Today, 50 % of Germany’s Top-500 companies are based within 250 km of Mannheim. Innovative geniuses and entrepreneurs are also embedded in Mannheim's history: Carl Benz built the world's first automobile only a few miles outside the city. Also the bicycle was invented here.
Mannheim's vibrant cultural life together with the surrounding area with an abundance of recreational opportunities makes it the place to be in the heart of Europe. The Palatinate, Germany's largest wine-growing region, Heidelberg with its romantic flair and the Odenwald 's many castles are close to the city. Frankfurt, the financial hub of Germany, is less than an hour away by car or train.