Sophisticated, historic and very green:
Bad Wilhelmshöhe

If you like plenty of greenery, you'll love Bad Wilhelmshöhe: The spa quarter in the city centre is not only the site of Kassel's officially recognised natural brine baths and Kneipp health spa but also a popular residential area, as well as one of the city's most densely forested districts. Three-quarters of Bad Wilhelmshöhe belong to the central part of Habichtswald forest, on whose hillsides you'll also find the Bergpark with its famous historic water display. Whether spa facilities, hiking trails or a World Heritage site: There's a lot to discover in Bad Wilhelmshöhe!

Simply masterful!

The Landgraves of Kassel were enthusiastic collectors. Over the centuries, they brought many important art treasures to northern Hesse. An impressive example of this is the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister art collection in Schloss Wilhelmshöhe palace, considered to be one of the most important of its kind. More than 500 paintings by the most famous European artists of their day – from Rubens and Duerer to Titian and Jordaens – are exhibited here over three floors. The museum's Rembrandt collection is even one of the most extensive anywhere in the world. Also worth a visit is its collection of antiquities: Around 800 objects, some of which are thousands of years old, provide a fascinating insight into the Mediterranean cultures of the past – from the Bronze Age to ancient Greece and the Roman empire. Salve, Caesar!

Where to satisfy your appetite

Whether you want to recharge your batteries after a museum visit or are feeling peckish after an extended walk through the Bergpark and the Habichtswald: Bad Wilhelmshöhe has many tasty culinary treats to offer. In the Bergpark, for example, you can literally enjoy good food from "top to bottom" – for example at the Herkulesterrassen, the rustic Kaskadenwirtschaft or the Café Jerome. The historic "Alte Wache", which serves top-class Italian and German specialities, is also located in the Bergpark. In the middle of the Habichtswald forest, the Herbsthäuschen and the Café-Restaurant invite you to take a break with tasty food, and there is also a choice of numerous regional and international delicacies on offer along the Wilhelmshöher Allee.

The great outdoors!

A city break that also offers wonderful hiking experiences and challenging bike tours? Indeed! In Kassel, it's perfectly possible to combine culture and shopping with trips into an idyllic countryside. The densely forested Habichtswald, which extends westwards across the Mittelgebirge low mountain landscape from Bad Wilhelmshöhe, is ideal for this. You can hike in the footsteps of the Grimm brothers here on the Kassel Steig trail whilst enjoying spectacular local vistas. The views offered by the Bergpark, amongst whose giant ancient trees, planted at the time of the landgraves, you will from time to time also encounter architectural gems dating back to that era – from the water features throughout the park that are part of the water display to the romantic Löwenburg "castle" – are no less glorious. In the Habichtswald, you'll also find numerous fantastic trails if you enjoy racing through the great outdoors on a mountain bike. In addition, the nature conservation area Dönche right next to Bad Wilhelmshöhe also offers the opportunity to go for extended walks.

Wow!insider tip: Chinese village Mou-lang

In the 18th century, Frederick II, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel, had a small Chinese village built to the south of Schloss Wilhelmshöhe palace, simply because he loved China. Not only the graceful pagoda but also some other interesting properties from that period have survived to this day – a stroll through the neighbouring elegant residential area called Mulang is also worth it!

Photography Tip Bad Wilhelmshöhe

Devilishly good photo spot: One of the most impressive water features that make up the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe water display is the Devil's Bridge – the perfect spot for taking some souvenir photos of your memorable stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage Site!

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Travel podcast world tour:
An audio guide to Kassel's districts (german)

Would you like to learn more about Kassel's various districts? Have a listen to the travel podcast world tour, where Adrian and Christoph present their favourite Kassel districts, including numerous hot tips.

Sophisticated, historic and very green:Bad Wilhelmshöhe