Heidelberg's Studentenkuesse
For generations, Heidelberg has developed a global reputation for romance and is known throughout the world as a lively, loveable city. Rightly so, as the following episode shows. A long-standing institution, the Café Knösel is located at the heart of the Old Town and houses Heidelberg’s oldest confectioner’s store. Established in 1863, it soon became a popular place among Heidelberg’s residents and least not its students. Everyone liked Fridolin Knösel, the witty, dedicated chocolatier and confectioner, and his exquisite creations. In particular, the young ladies attending Heidelberg’s finishing schools loved the sweet chocolate delights and were frequent customers, much to the delight of many students of the university, who would flock to the store, hoping to exchange furtive glances with the fairer sex. Alas, their ever-watching governesses were never far away. These secret longings did not go unnoticed by the good-natured Fridolin Knösel. Ingenious as he was, he created one day a particularly delicious chocolate delight, which he impishly called the Student’s Kiss. Given as a present, it was such an exquisite, gallant token of affection that not even the chaperones could object.
At last, the students and young ladies had a discreet way to send a sweet message in the form of a Student’s Kiss. Much has changed since the days of Fridolin Knösel. Yet his descendants continue the family tradition in the little store on Haspelgasse, where they still make Student’s Kisses according to the original recipe from 1863. By hand, of course! A sweet symbol and charming souvenir of Heidelberg, Student’s Kisses have captured the hearts of generation after generation of resident and visitor alike. After all, this traditional Heidelberg specialty and its charming history are characteristic of the city’s unique savoir-vivre. |
