Museums & Collections The Student Karzer

The 19th-century student Karzer (student prison) is today one of Heidelberg's most popular attractions

From its founding, the university held the privilege of exercising jurisdiction over its own members. A sentence to the karzer is documented as early as 1387, although the university did not have its own prison until the 16th century. 

When the university was rebuilt starting in 1712, two cells were created beneath the staircase, whose door can still be seen today in the baroque stairwell. Since these damp, cold rooms were considered harmful to health, they were closed at the end of the 18th century and replaced by new premises.

The five cells that can be visited today were created in 1823 at Augustinergasse 2, directly adjoining the Alte Universität. Students ended up here for offenses such as disturbing the peace at night, drunkenness, smashing streetlamps, nighttime nude bathing in the marketplace fountain, dueling, or resisting authority – usually amounting to harmless teasing of the police. In the second half of the 19th century, a stay in the Karzer was even considered a matter of honor by some students.

During their time in custody, students decorated the walls and ceilings with paintings and poems – using improvised techniques to create the famous artwork now seen there. Preserving this unique cultural heritage today poses a major challenge. Visitors are asked to treat these irreplaceable testimonies of student history with care and respect, helping to ensure they remain for future generations to enjoy.