19 March 2026 — The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Frankfurt and the Knights of Rizal Wilhelmsfeld-Heidelberg Chapter have signed a partnership agreement that will pave the way for the public to trace a Rizal historic trail, a heritage hiking trail of about 10 kilometers tracing the footsteps of Philippine national hero Dr. José Rizal between the city of Heidelberg and the town of Wilhelmsfeld in Germany. The agreement was signed by Consul General Marie Yvette Banzon Abalos and Knights of Rizal Wilhelmsfeld-Heidelberg Chapter Commander Herbert Ehses, with Consul Cecille Lao and Deputy Chapter Commander and Mayor of Wilhelmsfeld Dr. Tobias Dangel as witnesses.
In 1886, Dr. Rizal studied at the University of Heidelberg’s Eye Clinic and lived with Pastor Ullmer in Wilhelmsfeld, walking daily between the two towns. The Rizal Historic Trail follows these original routes, connecting the existing Rizal memorials in both locations and bringing that history back to life through informative boards installed along the way.
The trail will give the public an opportunity to retrace the daily path of Rizal while he lived and studied in the Baden-Wurttenburg region of Germany as he was finishing the last chapter of his novel, “Noli Me Tangere.” The project combines culture, heritage, and nature, and is designed to promote sustainable tourism in the region. The project has been approved by the relevant local authorities and is spearheaded by the Knights of Rizal Wilhelmsfeld-Heidelberg Chapter.
The official opening of the Rizal Historic Trail is set for 20 June 2026. END
