Kassel, 4 hotely(ů)

Kassel’s symbol, a statue of Hercules, sits on his throne 530 metres above the city, at the summit of the Karlsberg mountain. Karlsberg’s cascading waterfalls are 1.5km long. At one end, there is a magnificent octagonal viewing platform, with magnificent views over the city and surrounding area. A pyramid has been erected over the viewing platform, with a statue of Hercules on its peak. Italian architect Giovanni Guerniero was commissioned by Count Karl to build the construction in 1701. In 1717, the goldsmith Johann Jakob Anthoni finally finished the copper work on the structure, and with it, the work of art was complete.

The Wilhelmshöhe Palace Park - the Löwenburg - is another of Kassel’s main attractions. This pleasure palace was built between 1793 and 1801 by the master builder Heinrich Christoph Jussow. Wilhelm I the Elector commissioned a complete work of art to be built here. The magnificent grounds also include a castle garden and meadow, a vineyard, and a fruit and vegetable garden. Of course, these are shown to their best advantage in fine weather. Visitors will also be enchanted by the interiors. Priceless historic furniture and art works complete the picture. There are regular tours available, taking in highlights such as the armory and the castle chapel.

The history of the Natural History Museum in Ottoneum can be traced back to the year 1568. At this time, the Count Wilhelm IV established his art collection with artworks and natural treasures. More than 450 years later, the modern-day museum can be proud of its extensive collection. The permanent exhibition highlights the history of the museum and the development of the North Hesse natural landscape. The museum also displays many interesting temporary exhibitions, offers tours and workshops and organises various events. These include excursions, presentations and theatrical performances.

The Staatspark Karlsaue is the perfect place to spend some time relaxing, to let your thoughts wander during a leisurely stroll, or to simply make the most of the sunshine. This extensive park is located close to the centre of Kassel. Large lawns are interspersed with little streams and ponds, baroque statues punctuate the paths and park benches invite you to take a seat and rest awhile. At the southern end of the park you will find the Siebenbergen Island. Its magnificent botany has led to this island being dubbed ‘Flower Island’. In addition to rare trees, there are various sorts of hibiscuses, fuschias, rhododendrons, azalias and many more.

The water games on Wilhelmshöhe Bergpark are among the city’s best-loved attractions. You can admire the water games every Wednesday, Sunday and Friday afternoon at 2:30, from the 1st of May until the 3rd of October. The water flows from the Octagon and over the cascades, down to the Steinhöfer waterfall, beneath the Teufelsbrücke, over the aquaduct and down to the castle pond. The entire spectacle ends at around 4pm with a stunning 50m high fountain. On the first Saturday of the month from June to September, illuminated water games take place. More than a hundred spotlights bring the water to life. The water games are set to a classical music accompaniment.

When the previous Rathaus became too small in 1901, the city of Kassel launched an architectural competition to design a replacement. A proposal by architect Karl Roth was declared the winner, and the building was realised on Oberen Königsstraße. In 1909, the building with its main section and two side wings was finally completed. A broad flight of stairs, flanked by two gilded lions, leads up to the entrance. During the Second World War, the Rathaus was completely destroyed, and it was rebuilt in 1950. The inner courtyard was a later addition. The Aschrottbrunnen fountain in front of the Rathaus is an inverted model of the original, and serves as a memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

The Wilhelmshöhe Castle was commissioned by Elector Wilhelm I, who hoped to bring a new lustre to the park. Inspired by the landscaping of English country estates, the first part of the castle to be built was the Weißensteinflügel. The church wing and the central part of the castle were built later under the direction of architect Heinrich Christoph Jussow. Sadly, the castle was badly damaged during the Second World War and hat to be partially rebuilt. Today it is used as an art gallery. Visitors can admire works by Rembrandt, a collection of Old Masters and an antiques collection.

“Less Oil More Courage” - this quote from Thai artist Rirkrit Tiravanija greets visitors and reflects the fundamental ethos of the gallery. Artistic freedom, courage to create humanistic art and to experiment are given the space to develop freely here. The former museum was originally commissioned by the Landgrave Friedrich II, and was opened in 1779, later reopening in the 1980’s as an art gallery. It was inaugurated with an exhibition titled, ‘Sleep of reason’ by Veit Loers. Today the art gallery offers young international artists an opportunity to display their work.