The 2026 Professional Driver World Championship (PDWC) will take place in Eppelheim, located just a few minutes from the historic university city of Heidelberg in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The region combines a strong tradition of engineering and transport with one of Germany’s most picturesque cultural landscapes, making it an ideal setting for an international championship celebrating professional drivers.
Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most famous historic cities. Situated along the banks of the River Neckar and surrounded by forested hills, the city is known for its beautifully preserved Old Town (Altstadt), the world-renowned Heidelberg Castle, and Heidelberg University, Germany’s oldest university founded in 1386. Visitors from around the world come to experience the city’s unique combination of history, architecture, and vibrant cultural life.
One of the main landmarks is Heidelberg Castle, which rises above the city and offers spectacular views across the Neckar Valley. The castle complex includes the famous Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest historic wine barrel, as well as the German Pharmacy Museum, making it a popular destination for visitors.
Visit: https://www.schloss-heidelberg.de
The charming Heidelberg Old Town stretches along the river beneath the castle and is filled with historic buildings, cafés, restaurants, and small shops. At its centre stands the iconic Old Bridge (Alte Brücke), one of the city’s most photographed landmarks, connecting the historic centre with the scenic Philosophenweg hillside.
Explore Heidelberg tourism information:
https://www.heidelberg-marketing.de
Another highlight is the Philosophers’ Walk (Philosophenweg), a scenic walking path offering panoramic views of the city, the river, and the castle. The route has inspired scholars and writers for centuries and remains one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the region.
For visitors interested in culture and science, Heidelberg also offers numerous museums, theatres, and events throughout the year. The historic university campus and the lively student population give the city an international atmosphere that perfectly complements the global spirit of the Professional Driver World Championship.
Just a short distance from Heidelberg lies Eppelheim, the official host town of PDWC 2026. Eppelheim is known for its welcoming community, strong local organisations, and excellent accessibility. Located in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, it benefits from modern infrastructure and convenient connections to Frankfurt International Airport, one of Europe’s largest transport hubs.
The championship itself will be organised in cooperation with local partners and motorsport organisations, ensuring professional facilities and a well-structured competition environment for drivers from around the world.
Visitors attending the championship will also find many opportunities to explore the surrounding region, including the Rhine Valley, the Odenwald forest, and the famous German Wine Route, all within easy reach of Heidelberg.
Useful visitor information:
• Heidelberg Tourism – https://www.heidelberg-marketing.de
• Heidelberg Castle – https://www.schloss-heidelberg.de
• City of Heidelberg – https://www.heidelberg.de
• Rhine-Neckar Region – https://www.rhein-neckar-kreis.de
With its blend of historic charm, modern infrastructure, and central European location, Heidelberg and Eppelheim provide an outstanding setting for the Professional Driver World Championship 2026, welcoming professional drivers, teams, sponsors, and visitors from across the globe.