Kassel: The Complete Guide

Kessel

Kassel is a city in northern Hesse, Germany, located on the Fulda River. It is the third-largest city in Hesse, with a population of approximately 200,000 people. The city has a rich cultural heritage, and it is known for its museums, parks, and historic landmarks. One of the most famous attractions in Kassel is the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features the impressive Hercules monument and the Wilhelmshöhe Palace. The Bergpark is also home to the largest man-made cascading fountain in the world, the spectacular water features are turned on regularly during the summer months.

Another famous attraction in Kassel is the Documenta, an international contemporary art exhibition that takes place every five years. Documenta attracts art enthusiasts from around the world, and it is one of the most important contemporary art events in the world. Kassel is also home to several other museums, including the Fridericianum, which is one of the oldest public museums in Europe, and the Brothers Grimm Museum, which celebrates the lives and works of the famous Grimm Brothers who collected and published many fairy tales.

The city has a vibrant cultural scene, and it hosts several annual events, including the Kassel Documentary Film and Video Festival, the Kassel Literature Festival, and the Kassel Jazz Festival. The city also has a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes, and it is known for its regional cuisine, including schnitzel, bratwurst, and apple wine.

Kassel has a strong industrial and economic base, with a focus on automotive manufacturing and engineering. The city is home to several universities and research institutions, which contribute to its innovative and forward-thinking culture.

History of Kassel

Kassel’s Early Foundations (8th–11th Centuries)

Kassel began as a small Frankish settlement around a royal court first mentioned in the late 8th century. Its name likely derives from “Chasella,” referring to a fortified place by a stream. By the 10th century the site had grown into a modest market center, with wooden fortifications and a nascent parish church serving local farmers and craftspeople.

Kassel in the Landgraviate of Hesse (12th–16th Centuries)

In 1180, Kassel became the principal residence of the Landgraves of Thuringia, later evolving into the capital of the newly formed Landgraviate of Hesse. Under Landgrave Henry I, the town’s earthen walls were replaced with stone ramparts, and its market privileges were expanded. Medieval guilds flourished here, trading in wool, wine, and metalwork. A charter granted in 1365 further formalized Kassel’s self-governance and legal autonomy.

Kassel in the Reformation and Thirty Years’ War (16th–17th Centuries)

The Reformation took hold in Kassel under Landgrave Philip I “the Magnanimous,” who officially embraced Protestantism in the 1520s. Kassel’s university, established in 1527, became an important center for Lutheran scholarship. During the Thirty Years’ War, the city endured sieges and occupation by imperial forces, leading to population decline and economic hardship—yet its fortifications held firm, and civic life gradually revived after the 1648 Peace of Westphalia.

Kassel in the Age of Enlightenment and Napoleonic Era (18th–Early 19th Centuries)

The 18th century ushered in a period of cultural flowering under the patronage of Landgraves William VIII and Frederick II. The Brothers Grimm collected folktales here, and Kassel’s museums and libraries expanded. Napoleonic upheavals at the turn of the 19th century saw the Electorate of Hesse dissolved and Kassel incorporated into the Kingdom of Westphalia under Jérôme Bonaparte, leading to administrative reforms and urban beautification projects inspired by Paris.

Kassel’s Industrial Growth and Wilhelminian Era (Mid–Late 19th Century)

After the Congress of Vienna restored the Electorate, Kassel capitalized on railway links established in the 1840s to become an industrial hub for machinery, textiles, and metal goods. Grand boulevards and Gründerzeit apartment blocks sprouted beyond the old walls. Public parks, such as the Karlsaue, were redesigned in landscaped style, reflecting the era’s optimism and economic expansion.

Kassel through the World Wars (20th Century)

In World War I, Kassel’s factories and military hospitals played key roles in Germany’s war effort. The interwar period saw both cultural experimentation—hosting avant-garde art exhibitions—and rising political tensions. During World War II, Kassel suffered extensive aerial bombardment, with over half of its buildings destroyed in 1943–1945. The iconic Landgrave’s Palace lay in ruins but became a symbol of postwar resolve.

Kassel’s Postwar Reconstruction and Modernization (Mid–Late 20th Century)

Reconstruction efforts in the 1950s and ’60s balanced modern architecture with careful restoration of surviving historic structures. New residential districts addressed housing shortages, and the restored downtown featured pedestrian zones and open plazas. Kassel’s reputation as an art capital was reborn with the launch of the first documenta exhibition in 1955, establishing a recurring international contemporary art showcase.

Kassel in the Contemporary Era (21st Century)

Today, Kassel integrates its layered past with forward-looking urban development. The city hosts documenta every five years, drawing global attention to its modern gallery spaces and renovated parks. Sustainable transport initiatives, riverside revitalization, and university-led research projects continue to shape Kassel’s identity as a vibrant cultural and scientific center.

Visiting Kassel for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Kassel on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

This website uses affiliate links which earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Powered by GetYourGuide

9 Best places to See in Kassel

This complete guide to Kassel not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Kassel and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Hessian State Museum

Hessian State Museum
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dontworry
The Hessisches Landesmuseum, also known as the Hessian State Museum, is a museum in Kassel that displays a variety of artworks and artifacts related to the cultural and natural history of Hesse. The museum's collections are spread across three locations in Kassel, including the main museum building at the Brüder-Grimm-Platz, the Museum Fridericianum, and the Neue Galerie. The museum's collections…
Location: Hessian State Museum, Kassel, Brüder-Grimm-Platz, Kassel, Germany | Hours: Tue–Sun and public holidays 10 am–5 pm | Price: Adults: 6 € | Website | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Hessian State Museum

We recommend to rent a car in Germany through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

Museum for Sepulchral Culture

Museum For Sepulchral Culture
The Museum for Sepulchral Culture (Museum für Sepulkralkultur in German) is a museum in Kassel, Germany, that focuses on burial customs and funeral rites from various cultures and time periods. It was founded in 1992 and is housed in a former church building, the Wehlheider Church, which was built in 1900. The museum's exhibits cover a wide range of topics…
Location: Museum für Sepulkralkultur, Weinbergstraße, Kassel, Germany | Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m | Price: Adult €8.00 | Website | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Museum for Sepulchral Culture

Here are all your hotel options in Kassel.

Grimm World

Grimmwelt Kassel Eingang
CC BY-SA 1.0 / XenonX3
Grimmwelt or Grimm World is a museum dedicated to the life and work of the Brothers Grimm, who are famous for their collection of German fairy tales such as Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Snow White. The museum is located in Kassel and showcases the history of the Grimm Brothers and their works. It features interactive exhibits, multimedia installations, and original manuscripts,…
Location: GRIMMWELT Kassel gGmbH, Weinbergstraße, Kassel, Germany | Hours: 10am-6pm Tue-Sun, to 8pm Fri | Price: adult/concession €8/6 | Website | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Grimm World

Click here to read our blog about Exploring Germany's Fairy Tale Route

New Gallery (Neue Galerie), Kassel

Neue Galerie Kassel
Copyleft / A.Savin
The New Gallery, or Neue Galerie, is a museum of modern and contemporary art located in Kassel, Germany. The building was designed by architect Alfred Roth and opened in 1877 as a museum of fine art, showcasing works from the 16th to the 19th century. In 1976, the New Gallery was repurposed as a museum of modern art, housing the…
Location: New Gallery, Schöne Aussicht, Kassel, Germany | Hours: Tue–Sun and public holidays 10 am–5 pm | Price: Admission: 6 € Reduced rate 4 € Children and young people under 18 free admission | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting New Gallery (Neue Galerie), Kassel

Museum of Natural History Ottoneum

Ottoneum
Copyleft / A.Savin
The Museum of Natural History Ottoneum is a natural history museum located in Kassel, Germany. It was founded in 1603 by Landgrave Moritz of Hesse-Kassel and is the oldest museum in the world that is still in its original building. The museum features a large collection of fossils, minerals, and other natural history specimens, including exhibits on dinosaurs, meteorites, and…
Location: Natural History Museum, Steinweg, Kassel, Germany | Hours: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Museum of Natural History Ottoneum

Karlsaue Park

Karlsaue Park
Karlsaue Park is a large public park located in the city of Kassel, Germany. It was established in the 16th century as a garden for the nearby Kassel Castle, and was later transformed into a public park during the 18th century. The park covers an area of 1.5 square kilometers and is home to numerous walking and biking paths, lakes,…
Location: Karlsaue, Auedamm, Kassel, Germany | Distance: 1.4km
Visiting Karlsaue Park

Schloss Wilhelmshöhe

Schloss Wilhelmshohe
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tsungam
Schloss Wilhelmshöhe is a palace located within the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe in Kassel, Germany. The palace was built between 1786 and 1798 for Landgrave Wilhelm IX of Hesse-Kassel, who later became Elector Wilhelm I. The building was designed by the architect Simon Louis du Ry in the neoclassical style, and it served as a summer residence for the Elector and his…
Location: Schloss Wilhelmshöhe, Weißensteinflügel, Schlosspark, Kassel, Germany | Hours: 10am-5pm Tue-Sun, to 8pm Wed | Price: adult/concession €6/4, Weissenstein wing incl tour €4/3, audioguide €3 | Distance: 4.5km
Visiting Schloss Wilhelmshöhe

Löwenburg Castle

Lowenburg Bergpark Kassel
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Jens Haines
The Löwenburg Castle is located within the beautiful Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, the is a mock-ruin constructed between 1793 and 1801, designed in an ornately romantic "medieval" style that borders on the comical. Visitors can explore the Museum of Armaments and the Museum of Chivalry during tours. While the castle is currently undergoing a lengthy restoration process, with plans to recreate the…
Location: Löwenburg, Schloßpark, Kassel, Germany | Price: adult/concession €4/3 | Distance: 4.9km
Visiting Löwenburg Castle

Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe

Bergpark Wilhelmshohe
CC BY-SA 3.0 / https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kaskaden1.JPG
Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is a baroque park located in Kassel, Germany. It is one of the largest and most unique hillside parks in Europe, covering an area of 2.4 square miles (6.2 square kilometers). The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. The centrepiece of Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is the impressive Hercules monument, which is situated on top of…
Location: Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, Kassel, Germany | Hours: 9am-sunset, visitor centre 10am-5pm May-Sep, to 4pm Sat & Sun Oct-Apr | Website | Distance: 5.2km
Visiting Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe

Best Day Trips from Kassel

A day trip from Kassel offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Kassel provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Schloss Wilhelmsthal

Schloss Wilhelmsthal
Public Domain / Dorado
Wilhelmsthal Palace is a baroque-style palace located in the Wilhelmsthal Park, approximately 10 kilometers north of the city of Kassel in Germany. The palace was commissioned by Landgrave Wilhelm VIII of Hesse-Kassel in the mid-18th century and was completed in 1761. It was designed by the French architect François de Cuvilliés in the style of the French Rococo. The palace…
Location: Schloss Wilhelmsthal, Calden, Germany | Hours: 1 April–31 October Tue–Sun and public holidays 10 am–5 pm last tour at 4 pm1 November–31 March Fri–Sun and public holidays 10 am–4 pm last tour at 3 pm| Price: 4 € Adults, Children and young people under 18 free admission | Website | Distance: 10.0km
Visiting Schloss Wilhelmsthal

Hannoversch Münden

Hannoversch Munden
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Dirk Schmidt
Hannoversch Münden is a charming town located at the confluence of the Werra and Fulda rivers, where they merge to form the Weser River in Breman and Lower Saxony in Central Germany. The town is known for its well-preserved medieval and half-timbered buildings, many of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, and is often referred to as…
Visiting Hannoversch Münden

Hessisch Lichtenau

Burg Ludwigstein
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Hessisches Landesarchiv
Hessisch Lichtenau is a small town located in the northern part of the state of Hesse, Germany. It is situated on the edge of the vast forested area known as the Kaufunger Wald, and is surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful countryside. Hessian Lichtenau, the gateway to Frau Holle-Land at the foot of the Hoher Meißner and on the German…
Visiting Hessisch Lichtenau

Hofgeismar

Hofgeismar
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Bodo Kubrak
Hofgeismar is a small town located in the north of the state of Hesse, Germany. It is situated on the banks of the river Diemel and is known for its timber-framed buildings and historic market square. The town has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, and was an important center of trade and commerce in the region. Today,…
Visiting Hofgeismar

Castle Sababurg

Castle Sababurg
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Bytfisch
Castle Sababurg, also known as the Sleeping Beauty Castle, is a medieval castle located in the Reinhardswald forest, near the town of Hofgeismar in northern Hesse, Germany. It is believed to have been built in the 13th century and was originally used as a hunting lodge by the Landgraves of Hesse. The castle was abandoned and left to decay for…
Location: Sleeping Beauty Castle Sababurg, Hofgeismar, Germany | Hours: April to the end of October, Fridays to Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 18:00 | Price: Outdoors free | Distance: 26.0km
Visiting Castle Sababurg

Trendelburg

Trendelburg Castle
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Presse03
Trendelburg is a small town in the district of Kassel, in the northern part of Hesse, Germany. It is located in the picturesque region of the Weserbergland hills, surrounded by forests, meadows, and rolling hills. One of the main landmarks in Trendelburg is the castle of Trendelburg, which is perched on a hill overlooking the town. The castle dates back…
Visiting Trendelburg

Bad Wildungen

Bad Wildungen
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Flodur63
Bad Wildungen is a small town located in the northern part of the state of Hesse, Germany. It is known for its picturesque setting, charming old town, and natural hot springs. The town has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Stone Age. In the Middle Ages, Bad Wildungen was an important centre for salt…
Visiting Bad Wildungen

Göttingen

Goettingen
CC BY-SA 2.5 / Daniel Schwen
Göttingen is a city located in Lower Saxony, Germany, and it is also a stop on the Fairy Tale Route. The city is known for its historical and cultural landmarks, including the Göttingen Old Town, which is home to several half-timbered buildings and the St. Johannis Church, a Gothic-style church built in the 14th century. In terms of the Fairy…
Visiting Göttingen
Powered by GetYourGuide

Fürstenberg

Museum Schloss Furstenberg
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Museum Schloss Fürstenberg
Fürstenberg is a small town located in the district of Holzminden in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is situated on the banks of the Weser River, surrounded by beautiful forests and rolling hills. The town is well-known for its porcelain production, and visitors can learn more about this craft at the Fürstenberg Porcelain Museum. The museum houses a collection of porcelain…
Visiting Fürstenberg

Alsfeld

Alsfeld Town Hall And Southern Side Of The Marketplace
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Mylius
Alsfeld is a town located in the Vogelsbergkreis district of the state of Hesse, Germany. It has a population of approximately 17,000 people and covers an area of 76.84 square kilometers. Alsfeld has a long and rich history, dating back to the early Middle Ages. The town was first mentioned in historical records in the year 1069, and has since…
Visiting Alsfeld

Eisenach

Wartburg Castle Eisenach
Eisenach, located in the region of Thuringia, is a charming city surrounded by hills, forests, and cultural landmarks. It's best known for its impressive Wartburg Castle, perched high above the town and offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The compact city center is easy to explore on foot and features a mix of historic architecture, inviting cafés, and small…
Visiting Eisenach
Powered by GetYourGuide

Bodenwerder

Bodenwerder
Public Domain / Rabanus Flavus
Bodenwerder is a small town in the Breman and Lower Saxony region of Germany, located on the banks of the Weser River. The town is best known as the birthplace of Baron Münchhausen, a fictional character based on the real-life nobleman Hieronymus Karl Friedrich von Münchhausen who was famous for telling tall tales and exaggerated stories. In honor of the…
Visiting Bodenwerder

Where to Stay in Kassel

Kassel’s compact city centre (Mitte) is the perfect base for first-time visitors. Here you’ll find pedestrianized streets lined with shops, cafés, and traditional half-timbered façades. Staying in this area means you’re a short stroll from the Königsplatz square, the Fridericianum museum, and the shopping arcades along Wilhelmshöher Allee. A comfortable option is Park Hotel Kassel, which blends modern rooms with a historic façade just off the main square.

Just west of the city centre lies the magnificent Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its cascading fountains and hilltop palace. Accommodations here offer tranquil, leafy surroundings and easy access to walking trails through ancient beech forests. For a touch of elegance, consider Schlosshotel Bad Wilhelmshöhe, housed in a former spa villa with park views and refined dining.

The area around Kassel Hauptbahnhof combines convenience with budget-friendly options. You’ll be steps from regional and long-distance trains, tram connections, and a variety of casual eateries. Night owls will appreciate late-night cafés and bars near the station forecourt. A reliable pick is A&O Kassel Hauptbahnhof, offering clean, no-frills rooms and dorms in a lively, well-connected spot.

For those drawn to Kassel’s artistic and academic side, the University quarter and Nordstadt district are ideal. This leafy neighbourhood hosts student cafés, galleries, and the German Academy of Fine Arts, along with frequent cultural events. It’s perfect if you enjoy a quieter, more local vibe in the evenings. A solid mid-range choice here is B&B Hotel Kassel, which offers simple, comfortable rooms just a tram ride from the heart of town.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Kassel. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Kassel Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Kassel

Kassel, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful parks in Germany, offers different experiences throughout the year, depending on what you’re looking for in your visit. Each season has its unique attractions:

Spring (March to May)

Spring is a delightful time to visit Kassel as the city begins to bloom, especially in the famous Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, one of Europe’s largest hillside parks. The weather is gradually warming up, making it pleasant for exploring outdoor attractions. The tourist crowds are still sparse, allowing for a more relaxed visit to popular sites like the Hercules monument and water features, which usually start operating in April.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the peak season for tourism in Kassel, primarily because of the documenta, one of the world’s most significant exhibitions of contemporary art, which takes place every five years. The next documenta is scheduled for 2027. During the summer months, the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the numerous parks and outdoor activities. The city buzzes with energy, and there are various cultural events and festivals to enjoy.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is another excellent time to visit Kassel, as the crowds diminish and the city’s parks turn into stunning hues of orange and yellow. The temperature cools down, creating ideal conditions for enjoying long walks in Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe or along the Fulda River. Additionally, autumn cultural events and fewer tourists make it a good time to explore museums and historical sites more thoroughly.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Kassel is cold, with occasional snow, which adds a picturesque quality to the city’s landscapes. The Christmas market in Kassel is a particular highlight, offering traditional crafts, festive foods, and warm drinks. The cold weather is perfect for enjoying indoor cultural offerings like the Brothers Grimm Museum, where you can delve into the lives and works of the famous storytellers who once lived in Kassel.

Best Times to Visit

The best time to visit Kassel really depends on your interests:

  • For outdoor activities and cultural festivals: Summer is ideal, especially if you’re interested in attending major art events like documenta (every five years).
  • For pleasant weather and natural beauty without the crowds: Late spring and early autumn are fantastic, offering mild weather and the opportunity to see the city’s parks in bloom or in fall colors.
  • For a festive atmosphere: Winter is wonderful, particularly in December when the Christmas market creates a magical holiday spirit.

Each season in Kassel offers something special, so choose the time that aligns best with your interests and the experiences you wish to have.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 3°C
  • February 7°C
  • March 11°C
  • April 16°C
  • May 19°C
  • June 22°C
  • July 25°C
  • August 25°C
  • September 22°C
  • October 15°C
  • November 8°C
  • December 6°C

How to get to Kassel

Getting to Kassel by air

Major International Airports

The nearest major airport is Frankfurt Airport (FRA), approximately 150 km southwest of Kassel. Other viable options include Hannover Airport (HAJ) and Dortmund Airport (DTM), both within a two-hour drive.

Airport Transfer Options

From Frankfurt Airport, you can catch a regional train (RE) via the Fernbahnhof to Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe with one change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Shuttle bus services and private transfers also run directly between the terminals and Kassel city center.

Getting to Kassel by train

Main Rail Operators

Typical Connections

  • From Frankfurt: Hourly RE services from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe in about 1 h 45 min.
  • From Berlin: ICE trains run several times daily to Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe, journey time around 3 h 30 min.
  • From Cologne/Düsseldorf: IC or ICE to Frankfurt, then change for the direct RE onward to Kassel.

Getting to Kassel by Car

Motorways and Routes

Kassel lies at the junction of the A7 (Hamburg–Kassel–Würzburg) and A44 (Dortmund–Kassel). Exit at “Kassel-Nord” or “Kassel-Mitte” and follow local signage into town.

Parking in Kassel

Park & Ride facilities around the city edge connect via tram and bus to the center. Central garages include Marktgarage and Königsplatz-Parkhaus.

If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Travelling around Kassel

Kassel’s compact core is best explored on foot, especially around Königsplatz and the Karlsaue park. The tram and bus network (KVG) covers all districts, with frequent services linking the Hauptbahnhof, university area, and Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe. The historic “Train of the Monuments” (Museumstraße) heritage tram is also a charming way to see key sights.

Similar Blogs