Hesse, situated in the heart of Germany, offers visitors a distinctive combination of traditional charm and modern vitality. This central state is home to Frankfurt, Germany's financial hub, as well as picturesque medieval towns and unspoilt forests.
Hesse (known as 'Hessen' in German) boasts a wide range of diverse landscapes and the variety of attractions in the state make it an appealing destination for different types of travellers.
The state's history is evident in its well-preserved castles and half-timbered houses, while modern museums and thriving arts scenes showcase the more recent past.
Hessian traditions remain strong, with local festivals celebrating a range of cultural heritage, including apple wine and folklore.
Statue of justice in Frankfurt am Main
Hesse boasts several impressive urban centres, with Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, and Kassel standing out as must-visit destinations.
The state's natural beauty is equally captivating, featuring stunning landscapes like the rolling hills of the Taunus region and the pristine forests of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling to get out and explore the countryside.
Find out more about how to get to and around Hesse on our Hesse travel page...
View of the river and skyscrapers in Frankfurt
Frankfurt am Main, often simply called Frankfurt, is a city that blends the old and the new. It is Germany's financial hub, which has earned it the nickname "Mainhattan." The city's modern facade is punctuated by sleek skyscrapers housing major banks and financial institutions.
Despite its contemporary image, Frankfurt boasts a rich history. The Römerberg, the city's old town center, features beautifully restored medieval buildings and the iconic Römer, Frankfurt's city hall for over 600 years. Nearby, the Kaiserdom ('Imperial Cathedral') stands as a testament to the city's imperial past.
Culture enthusiasts will appreciate Frankfurt's museum district along the Main River, known as the Museumsufer. Here, you'll find world-class institutions like the Städel Museum, housing an impressive collection of European art spanning seven centuries.
Frankfurt's culinary scene is equally diverse, offering everything from traditional Apfelwein (apple wine) taverns serving hearty local specialties to cutting-edge restaurants pushing culinary boundaries. The city's famous green sauce, a herb-based condiment, is a must-try local delicacy.
The city serves as an international gateway to Germany and beyond, with its efficient public transport system and Frankfurt Airport, one of Europe's busiest.
A view of the Kurhaus in Wiesbaden
Wiesbaden is the capital of Hesse and one of the oldest spa towns in Europe, with a population of approximately 290,000 inhabitants.
The Kurhaus, or Spa House, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Built in the early 20th century, it showcases a stunning blend of Neo-Classical and Art Nouveau architectural styles, serving as a cultural and social center for the city.
The city is renowned for its thermal springs and wellness culture. Wiesbaden is home to the Hessisches Staatstheater, one of the most prestigious theatres in Germany. It offers a programme of opera, ballet, and drama performances.
The Neroberg, a hill overlooking the city, features the beautiful Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Elizabeth, a testament to the city's diverse history.
Wiesbaden's connection to wellness is celebrated at the Museum Wiesbaden, which, along with its impressive art collections, houses exhibits on the city's spa history and natural sciences.
View from the Wilhelmshöhe down into Kassel
Kassel is a city in northern Hesse with a population of around 200,000 inhabitants. It's known for its cultural heritage and its significant role in the arts.
The Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Kassel's most prominent attractions. This sprawling hillside park features the iconic Hercules monument and a series of dramatic waterfalls and fountains, showcasing Baroque and Romantic landscape design.
The city is famous for hosting documenta, one of the world's most important exhibitions of contemporary art, which takes place every five years. This event transforms Kassel into a global art hub, attracting visitors from around the world.
Kassel has strong connections to the Brothers Grimm, who lived and worked in the city. The Grimmwelt Kassel, a modern museum, celebrates their legacy and the impact of their fairy tales on world literature.
Jugendstil buildings on the Mathildenhöhe in Darmstadt
Darmstadt is a city in south Hesse with a population of approximately 160,000 inhabitants. It's known for its rich scientific and cultural heritage, earning it the nickname "City of Science."
The Mathildenhöhe, an artists' colony established in the early 20th century, is one of Darmstadt's most significant landmarks. This area showcases stunning examples of Art Nouveau architecture, including the iconic Wedding Tower and the Russian Chapel, making it a center for art and design enthusiasts.
The city is home to the Technical University of Darmstadt, one of Germany's leading technical universities. This institution, along with numerous research centers, contributes to Darmstadt's reputation as a hub for science and technology.
Darmstadt has a strong connection to space exploration, housing the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC), the main mission control center for the European Space Agency.
The Hessisches Landesmuseum, one of the oldest public museums in Germany, offers a diverse collection ranging from natural history to art, reflecting Darmstadt's multifaceted cultural landscape.
Hesse offers a wide range of outdoor activities for all interests and skill levels. From hiking to cycling, the state provides plenty of options for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Lake Edersee in Hesse
The Kellerwald-Edersee National Park is situated in northern Hesse, about 40 kilometres southwest of Kassel.
The park is known for its ancient beech forests, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe". These forests are largely untouched by human intervention.
Lake Edersee is a large reservoir which was created by damming the Eder River. It's a popular spot for water activities and offers beautiful views.
Visitors can enjoy hiking and cycling on well-marked trails. The park offers guided tours, including nighttime walks to observe nocturnal animals.
The park has several information centres, including the main one at Vöhl-Herzhausen, which provides exhibits about the park's ecosystem and history.
The Taunus mountains in Hesse
The Taunus mountain range is located in southwestern Hesse, just north of Frankfurt. It stretches from the Rhine and Main rivers in the south to the Lahn River in the north.
The area is characterized by forested hills, meadows, and streams, and is protected as part of the Taunus Nature Park. It's a popular weekend destination for city dwellers seeking nature and outdoor activities
Hiking is the most popular activity, with a network of well-maintained trails. Mountain biking, paragliding, and skiing (in winter) are also common. The Taunus offers several ski resorts, though snow conditions can be variable.
Notable Sites
- Saalburg: A reconstructed Roman fort and archaeological park.
- Hessenpark: An open-air museum showcasing traditional Hessian architecture.
- Bad Homburg: A historic spa town at the foot of the Taunus, known for its thermal springs.
View from the Hoherodskopf peak in the Vogelsberg region
The Vogelsberg Nature Park is situated in central Hesse, about 60 kilometres northeast of Frankfurt. It covers an area of around 880 square kilometres.
The park is centred around the Vogelsberg, which is Europe's largest extinct volcano. It last erupted about 19 million years ago, forming the current landscape.
The region features rolling hills, dense forests, meadows, and basalt rock formations.
It's known for its beech forests, orchid meadows, and populations of rare birds like the black stork and red kite.
Numerous hiking trails cater for all levels, including the 260-kilometer Vulkanring Vogelsberg circular trail. There is also a network of well-maintained bike paths, including routes suitable for e-bikes. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available in winter when conditions allow.
The main information center is in Schotten, offering exhibits about the park's geology, ecology, and cultural history.
The Rheingau is situated along the Rhine river in western Hesse, stretching from Wiesbaden to Lorch. It's a relatively small wine region, covering about 3,200 hectares (7,900 acres). (Note that the Rheinhessen wine region is actually - and a little confusingly - located in neighbouring Rhineland-Palatinate.)
Vineyards near Rüdesheim on the Rhine river
The Rheingau is famous for its elegant, full-bodied Rieslings, often drier in style compared to other German regions. Riesling is the dominant grape, accounting for about 78% of the vineyard area. Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) is the main red variety, covering about 12% of the area.
The Rheingau has a long winemaking history dating back to Roman times and has been instrumental in developing German wine laws and quality standards.
This region, though smaller than some others in Germany, is highly respected for the quality of its wines. It's an important part of the cultural and economic landscape, and a significant draw for wine enthusiasts visiting the state.
Hesse boasts several UNESCO World Heritage sites, each offering unique insights into the region's history and natural beauty.
The Messel Pit Fossil Site, located near Darmstadt, was inscribed in 1995. This former shale quarry is one of the world's richest fossil deposits from the Eocene epoch, dating back about 47 million years. It provides valuable information about early mammalian evolution and ancient ecosystems.
Lorsch Abbey, added to the list in 1991, is situated in the town of Lorsch. This former Benedictine abbey was founded in the 8th century and is notable for its "King's Hall" (Königshalle), an exceptionally well-preserved example of Carolingian architecture.
The Entrance Gate at Lorsch Abbey
The Upper Middle Rhine Valley, inscribed in 2002, partly extends into Hesse. This 65km stretch of the Middle Rhine Valley is renowned for its picturesque landscape, historic towns, castles, and vineyards.
The Frontiers of the Roman Empire: Upper German-Raetian Limes, added to the list in 2005 and extended in 2021, includes various sites across Hesse. This transnational property features remnants of Roman frontier fortifications, including forts, watchtowers, and settlements. Notable sections in Hesse can be found near the Taunus mountains.
Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe in Kassel, inscribed in 2013, is a landscaped park featuring a monumental water theatre with Europe's largest hillside cascade. It's considered a masterpiece of Baroque and Romantic landscape design.
Lastly, part of the Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe is located in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park. Added to the list in 2011 and extended in 2017 and 2021, this transnational property includes undisturbed, complex temperate forests. The Kellerwald-Edersee component represents one of the largest remaining complexes of beech forests in Germany.
Hesse hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. The major ones include:
Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse)
Held annually in October, this is the world's largest trade fair for books. It attracts publishers, authors, and book enthusiasts from around the globe.
Rheingau Wine Festival (Rheingauer Weinwoche)
Taking place in Wiesbaden each August, this 10-day event celebrates the region's wine culture with tastings, music, and local cuisine.
Hessentag
This annual festival moves to a different Hessian town each year. It showcases regional culture, music, and food, and is typically held in June.
Museumsuferfest Frankfurt
A three-day cultural festival along Frankfurt's museum embankment, usually held in August, featuring art, music, and food.
Dippemess in Frankfurt
A traditional folk festival held twice a year (spring and autumn) with fairground rides, local crafts, and Hessian specialties.
Wäldchestag in Frankfurt
A traditional folk festival held in the city forest on the Tuesday after Whitsun. It features fairground rides, local food, and beer gardens.
Bad Hersfeld Festival
An annual summer theatre festival held in the ruins of Bad Hersfeld Abbey, featuring plays and musicals.
BergparkLeuchten
The Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe in Kassel puts on a spectacular water and light show in October.
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