Top Attractions

Hercules, the landmark of Kassel, sits atop the Karlsberg hill overlooking the city. From the viewing platform, visitors enjoy a magnificent view over the North Hessian low mountain landscape. The UNESCO World Heritage site Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is the largest of its kind in Europe and impresses with its unique variety of trees and plants, the baroque Wilhelmshöhe Palace with its museums, as well as Hercules and the water features. The Löwenburg in Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, built at the end of the 18th century in the style of a medieval knight’s castle, once served as a pleasure palace for Landgrave Wilhelm IX. It fascinates with its romantic architecture, towers and battlements, and its lavish interior, which transports visitors back to the Middle Ages. The expansive Karlsaue park invites guests to enjoy leisurely walks through its baroque landscape, the Orangerie, and the Flower Island Siebenbergen.

Culture & Events

In addition to the documenta, held every five years, the Old Masters Picture Gallery in Wilhelmshöhe Palace is one of Germany’s most important art collections. A visit to the Grimmwelt, where the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm come to life, is also popular. The State Theatre Kassel offers performances throughout the year, including opera, drama, and dance. In summer, the water features at Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe captivate visitors, while in winter, the Kassel Fairy Tale Christmas Market delights guests.

Cuisine

Kassel offers hearty North Hessian cuisine with rustic charm. The city is known for “Ahle Worscht,” an air-dried raw sausage made from pork, and for the Kasseler Hornaffe, a sweet pastry made of puff pastry filled with raisins and candied orange, brushed with marzipan, and sprinkled with almond pieces.