The city has the largest undeveloped market square in Germany (4.7 ha). Here the traditional weekly market takes place for over 500 years. He is the former venue of the state assembly of the free and independent farmer republic Dithmarschen (1447-1559). 48 rulers met every Saturday, drew up laws, spoke justice, imposed punishments, received or sent embassies. Heide is known by the North Sea as a tourist city.