Northern Hesse

Northern Hesse is a scenic region of undulating countryside adorned with quaint villages made up of half-timbered houses. It is a more tranquil and rural area than its southern counterpart and its castles and historic buildings create a fairy-tale setting. Visit the small hamlets and embrace the enchanting ambiance in the one-time home of the Brothers Grimm.

Get a sense of the region’s history and culture in its largest town, Kassel. It is known for its vast green spaces, with the mountainous Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe the crown jewel. Enter the park’s museums and photograph its castles and palaces, such as the Hercules monument and Löwenburg Castle. Wander through the charming town center to see the Town Hall Kassel and the University of Kassel.

Admire the works of art displayed in the Neue Galerie and look around the modern, glassy structure of the Documenta-Halle, which hosts the documenta art exhibition that takes place every five years. Learn about the region that gave birth to dark fairy tales at the Brothers Grimm Museum and explore the rural terrain that provided inspiration.

Head north to the city of Sababurg, famous for the so-called Sleeping Beauty Castle (Dornröschenschloß) that encapsulates the fairy-tale architecture of the region. Stay in the castle’s hotel and hike through the picturesque surrounding forests with your family. Embark on the fairy-tale route from Hanau to Hamelin.

Make your way southwest to the stunning lake of Edersee, where you’ll find Waldeck Castle and the Edersee Dam. Enjoy sailing or canoeing on the water.

The region is in the center of Germany, a little north of Frankfurt and south of Hanover. Fly to the Frankfurt Airport and drive north to reach the Northern Hesse territory. Get around the area via trains and long-haul buses.

Northern Hesse is a hilly terrain rich with castles. Visit to experience the spirit of the Brothers Grimm.