The inner-city spa district is not only a state-recognised thermal brine and Kneipp spa, but also a popular residential area and Kassel's most wooded district: Three quarters of the area belongs to the central hawk forest, on whose slopes also nestles the mountain park with its famous water features. Whether wellness, hiking or world heritage: there is a lot to discover in Bad Wilhelmshöhe!
The Water Features
Every year, from May to October, you can experience a lively spectacle in the Bergpark, which was once reserved for the illustrious guests of the Landgraves: from the Neptune basin, the bubbling water pours over the cascades, the Steinhöfer waterfall, the Devil's Bridge and the aqueduct into the valley and then rises to the roaring applause of the spectators to a fountain over 50 metres high. At least as astonishing as the fountains themselves is the fact that the historical facility is operated only by the natural power of water. By the way, 750,000 litres of water are needed for a run of the water games. They are collected in large basins above the Bergpark which are fed exclusively by rain and natural inflow.
The Landgraves of Kassel were enthusiastic collectors and have brought many important art treasures to Northern Hesse over the centuries. An impressive example of this is the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister in Schloss Wilhelmshöhe, which is considered one of the most important collections of its kind. Over 500 paintings by the most famous European artists of their time await you on three floors – from Rubens and Dürer to Titian and Jordaens. The collection of works by Rembrandt is one of the largest in the world. A visit to the collection of antiquities is also worthwhile: around 800 objects offer a fascinating insight into millennia-old cultures from the Mediterranean – from the Bronze Age to Greek antiquity and the Roman Empire. Salve, Caesar!
Things to know about Bad Wilhelmshöhe
Underneath the Hercules are the impressive cascades, lined with 535 steps on one side and 539 steps on the other.
In the district of Bad Wilhelmshöhe there are 4 Kneipp facilities that are accessible for you at any time.
The landmark of the city of Kassel, the Hercules, sits in the mountain park and measures 8. 30 metres from head to foot.
The painting gallery at Wilhelmshöhe Palace houses around 500 paintings by famous artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Frans Hals, Van Dyck and Jordaens.
With 560 hectares, the UNESCO World Heritage Bergpark is the largest of its kind in Europe.
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