About
Kassel is a city in central Germany, set in the north of Hesse. Its name is closely tied to documenta, the contemporary art exhibition held every five years, which gives the city a lively, experimental character that visitors notice as soon as they arrive. Exhibitions, public works and discussions spread through the streets and buildings, so a visit can feel like wandering through an open-air art show.
The Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe
The city's most striking landmark is the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, a hillside park listed by UNESCO. Its centrepiece is the imposing Hercules monument, which crowns the slope and anchors views across the city. Water is the park's signature: features cascade down the hillside, and a walk up through the grounds rewards you with changing vistas at each level. Set aside a good part of a day if you want to take the climb at an easy pace.
Art and fairy tales
- Documenta, held every five years, brings international contemporary art to the city.
- The Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe combines landscape design, sculpture and water in one large setting.
- Kassel has fairy-tale connections, which many visitors enjoy exploring alongside the art and gardens.
Because the art and the park sit close together, a trip to Kassel suits travellers who like to mix culture with the outdoors. Plan your visit around the documenta years if contemporary art is your main interest, and allow time for the park whatever the year you go.
