1.FC Heidenheim 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 is one of the clearest examples of how patience can transform a small club into a Bundesliga side. Based in a town of fewer than 50,000 people, Heidenheim spent decades in the lower divisions before beginning a remarkable rise under long-serving manager Frank Schmidt, who took charge in 2007.
Promotion to the Bundesliga in 2023 marked the culmination of that journey. In their first season in the top flight, Heidenheim exceeded expectations and even secured European qualification. The red-and-blues play their home matches at the compact but distinctive Voith-Arena.
