MARCH 24, 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Frankfurt and the Knights of Rizal Wilhelmsfeld-Heidelberg Chapter recently signed an agreement on the “Rizal Historic Trail.” This is a 10-kilometer hiking trail that traces the footsteps of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal between the town of Wilhelmsfeld and the city of Heidelberg in Germany.
The agreement was signed on Thursday, March 19, by Consul General Marie Yvette Banzon Abalos and Knights of Rizal Wilhelmsfeld-Heidelberg Chapter Commander Herbert Ehses. Consul Cecille Lao and Deputy Chapter Commander and Mayor of Wilhelmsfeld Dr. Tobias Dangel served as witnesses.
Historic Trail Retraces Rizal’s Footsteps in Germany
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shared a news release about the agreement, highlighting the historic significance of the trail. It may be recalled that in 1886, Dr. Rizal was living in the house of Pastor Karl Ullmer in Wilhelmsfeld, while studying at the Eye Clinic in the University of Heidelberg. He was also finishing the last chapter of his novel, “Noli Me Tangere” during this period.
Everyday, Dr. Rizal walked between Wilhelmsfeld and Heidelberg, marking a route that is now known as the “Rizal Historic Trail.” These days, the trail features several memorials and informative boards that commemorate the Philippine national hero.
Image Credit: dfa.gov.ph
The Rizal Historic Trail will offer visitors and travelers the opportunity to retrace the journey of Dr. Rizal. Most likely, these daily walks inspired him to write “To the Flowers of Heidelberg,” a poem that symbolized his longing for his homeland while living in a foreign country.
Image Credit: dfa.gov.ph
Notably the Rizal Historic Trail project is spearheaded by the Knights of Rizal Wilhelmsfeld-Heidelberg Chapter, a group that is dedicated to honoring Dr. Rizal’s stay in Germany. Aside from supporting local historical sites, the chapter also maintains the Jose Rizal Park, a small park in Wilhelmsfeld, which also happens to be a sister city of Calamba, Laguna — the birthplace of Rizal in the Philippines.
Set to open on June 20, 2026, the Rizal Historic Trail not only serves to commemorate Dr. Jose Rizal, but also foster cultural, historical and sustainable tourism, while strengthening ties between Germany and the Philippines.
In other news, the DFA, together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), recently entered a partnership to promote Philippine textiles. Visit this link to know more about the ‘Telang Pinoy’ initiative.