Hesse

Named after the goshawk falcon, the Habichtswald Nature Park couldn’t be more diverse with its secluded woodlands, bizarre rock formations, juniper heathlands and gigantic trees.

The Meißner Wildlife Park and Germerode Abbey are located in the beautiful Frau Holle Land Geo-Nature Park. In the large park you will encounter free-roaming stags, deer and mouflon sheep.

The fairy-tale land of Dorothea Viehmann was brought to everyone’s awareness by the famous Brothers Grimm. The innkeeper’s daughter was one of the most important sources for 40 of their 200-plus children’s and household tales.

Although this is the youngest of the nature parks in Hesse, there’s no reason for it to hide behind its more established counterparts. Surrounded by the rivers Dill and Lahn, the romantic low-mountain scenery is perfect for slowing the pace of life down.

The lakes, rivers and wooded hills make the Hesse Highlands a wonderful destination. Visit the modern cosmopolitan city of Kassel, enjoy an active break or embark on a fairy-tale journey to enchanting castles and palaces.

Nestled between the rolling hills and green woodlands of the Spessart low mountain range is the 13th-century Ronneburg Castle, one of only a few hilltop castles in Hesse still in its original state.

The lovingly restored old town of Lich is a hive of activity and a popular place to meet. Particularly striking is the Textorhaus from the 16th century with its wonderful carvings and inscriptions.

The magnificent Arolsen Castle is the town’s famous landmark and is known as the Versailles of the Waldeck region. The name is certainly justified as the castle was modelled on French designs.

In Germany, the name Selters is a synonym for excellent drinking water all thanks to the Niederselters mineral spring. An insight into this famous mineral water can be gained by visiting the Selters Water Museum.

King Frederick I, Barbarossa, founded the town of Gelnhausen in 1170. The imperial palace was also built at this time. Today it is considered as the best-preserved palace of the Staufer dynasty in Germany. Visitors can expect romantic ruins in the medieval town.

Historical. Fabulous. Lively! Take a trip to the town of fairytales and half-timbered houses with the world-famous Alsfeld town hall.

Picturesque old town alleys, colorful timber-frame houses, cultural life and nature activities – all this and much more awaits you in the former Nassau Residence Town of Idstein.

From its steep hilltop location, Spangenberg Castle can look back on more than 800 years of fascinating history. The former castle, fortress and hunting lodge has over the years also been a prison and a forestry school, and is now a hotel.

The wine and rose town of Eltville is idyllically located between woods, vines and the Rhine. In summer, around 22,000 rose bushes come into flower on the romantic river promenade and around the castle, the town’s historic landmark.

Bad Soden-Salmünster has been renowned for its salt springs for centuries. It’s the perfect place for a wellness break and for relaxing and recharging your batteries.