Karl Heffner is best known for his panoramic views of expansive landscapes in northern Germany and also England. Born in Wuerzberg Germany in 1849, Heffner originally studied music in Munich. His studies in the arts began while working for and traveling with the English art dealer Wallis during the early 1870s.

Heffner was a pupil of Johann Nepomuk Otto, Adolph Stademann, and Adolph Heinrich Lier. In 1886 he was made an honorary member of the Academy of Munich, and in 1887 he obtained from the Prince Regent the title of professor.