Wiesbaden – A guest in Hesse’s capital

Wiesbaden is not only the state capital of the state of Hesse, but also one of the most important spas in all of Europe. The city is part of the Rhine-Main metropolitan region, along with Frankfurt, Darmstadt and Mainz . Almost 300,000 inhabitants live in the second largest town in Hesse. Every year, 11.5 million tourists visit the city.

Goldgasse, Landtag and Millionaire’s Hill – explore the sights of the city

Discover the exciting history of Wiesbaden, roam through extensive parks such as the Kurpark and let yourself be pampered with culinary delights. Numerous city tours bring you closer to Wiesbaden and in very different ways: How about a tour together with the Wiesbaden minstrel and his lantern or rather a trip to the city’s millionaire’s hill? Walk through the streets around Wiesbaden’s Kurpark and collect interesting details about the magnificent villas and their former inhabitants. On the other hand, you can learn more about the origins of Wiesbaden’s traditional shops on a stroll through the city centre called: “Hip since 1847”. At that time, well-known merchants opened their traditional shops, which were very popular with residents and spa guests thanks to the spa business. Even today, some of the shops are privately owned.

Wiesbaden does not necessarily have to be visited on foot! Great tours can also be planned on your own. E-bikes and Segways are available at the tourist information office. There is also the “Self Guided Tour App”. Experience Wiesbaden’s rise to become a world spa city on a modern city tour on your own smartphone. By the way, the well-known German sparkling wine producer Henkell & Co also has its headquarters in Wiesbaden. Visitors can take a look behind the scenes of the company, which was founded in 1832, on a guided tour.

The Neroberg and its quirky landmark

The Neroberg is one of the most popular excursion destinations in Hesse and is also the most romantic landmark in Wiesbaden. The summit of Wiesbaden’s local mountain towers 245 meters high above the city’s buildings and gives visitors a wonderful panoramic view of the city and the Main-Taunus region. If you don’t want to reach the summit of the Neroberg on foot, take the train! The Nerobergbahn is one of the oldest water-powered cable cars in Europe and Wiesbaden’s weirdest landmark. The historic means of transport transports new passengers from the city centre to the summit every 15 minutes and has been doing so since Kaiser Wilhelm’s time. The yellow and blue wagons of the cable car reach the mountain station after only 3.5 minutes, despite the 25% gradient. The technology of the railway still inspires many passengers. The technology of the mountain railway has worked as follows since 1888: The wagon going downhill is filled with thousands of litres of water at the mountain station and thus pulls the car uphill from the valley station on a steel cable. When the downhill wagon arrives at the bottom, the 7,000 liters of water are pumped directly back up the mountain. In addition to the magnificent view, there is a lot to experience on the Neroberg! Visit the Lion’s Terrace, the Temple of Neroberg, the Opal Bath, and the Russian Church. Families with children love staying in the local climbing forest and explore the nearby forest adventure trail. In the late afternoon, you can end the day comfortably in the beer garden with a delicious snack.

Around Wiesbaden – Explore Hesse

Explore the sights around Wiesbaden as well! Along the Rheinsteig, for example, a journey into the Middle Ages is a good idea. Visit the magnificent castles and palaces of the Middle Rhine. Or travel along the Rheingau Riesling Route from Flörsheim to Lorchhausen. They pass the southern city of Wiesbaden and can make a stopover. In addition, the Bäderstraße begins in Wiesbaden as well as numerous long-distance cycle paths. Particularly popular are the Main Cycle Path and the Hessian Long-Distance Cycle Route “R3”, which takes you from Rüdesheim to Tann in the Rhön. In summer, there is another highlight to explore the area around Wiesbaden, because then the Nassau Tourist Railway transports tourists from Wiesbaden via the Aartalweg to Bad Schwalbach. And if all that is not enough, the German Half-Timbered House Route runs through the west of Wiesbaden and leads visitors on a round trip through Hesse to Limburg.

Final tips for a short trip to Wiesbaden

Are you travelling to Wiesbaden and would like to experience a special evening? Then discover the city’s programme of events! In the Hessian State Theatre and Kurhaus, great performances for every taste take place all year round. Don’t miss out on tasting Hessian specialties either: Green sauce, Strammer Max, Handkäs with music, Frankfurter Kranz and apple wine are emblematic of the cuisine in Hesse and are prepared in many restaurants from regional products. Would you like to feel like an emperor or duke once in your life? Then you should spend the night at the Nassauer Hof on Kaiser-Friedrich-Platz or the Hotel Königshof in Schottstraße.

The 7 most important sights in Wiesbaden

Wiesbaden, the capital of the state of Hesse, is known for its elegant baths, impressive architecture and green parks.
The city offers a mix of historical flair and modern lifestyle and is an attractive destination for culture lovers and those seeking relaxation.
Here are the seven must-see sights on your visit to Wiesbaden.

1. Kurhaus Wiesbaden

The Kurhaus Wiesbaden is a magnificent neoclassical building that is considered a landmark of the city.
It is home to the famous casino and is often used for events and concerts.
The surrounding spa gardens invite you to take relaxing walks.

2. Nerobergbahn and Neroberg

The Nerobergbahn is a historic funicular that takes visitors to the Neroberg, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view over Wiesbaden and the Rhine Valley.
There is also an Opel swimming pool and the Russian Orthodox church on the Neroberg.

3. Biebrich Castle

Schloss Biebrich, located on the banks of the Rhine, is a baroque castle that once served as the residence of the Dukes of Nassau.
The extensive castle complex with its magnificent park is a wonderful place for a walk.

4. Market Church Wiesbaden

The Marktkirche is the largest church in Wiesbaden and an impressive example of neo-Gothic architecture.
The imposing towers of the church are visible from afar and characterize the cityscape.

5. Spa Gardens and Aukamm Valley

The Kurpark in Wiesbaden is a green oasis in the heart of the city, which invites you to relax and take a walk.
The Aukamm Valley, another nature reserve, also offers numerous hiking trails and a thermal spa that invites you to relax.

6. Museum Wiesbaden

The Museum Wiesbaden is the state museum of Hesse and houses extensive collections on art, nature and cultural history.
The Art Nouveau works of art and the natural science collections are particularly worth seeing.

7. Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden

The Hessian State Theatre is one of the most important theatres in Germany and offers a varied programme of operas, ballets, plays and concerts.
The historic building itself is also a highlight.

The 3 most important museums in Wiesbaden

1. Museum Wiesbaden

The Museum Wiesbaden is the central state museum of Hesse and displays impressive collections of art, nature and cultural history.
The Art Nouveau collection and the natural science exhibits are particularly worth seeing. Address: Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 2, 65185 Wiesbaden, Germany Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Thursday until 8:00 pm Admission: 6 EUR for adults, reduced 3 EUR

2. Roman Open-Air Museum

The Roman Open-Air Museum in Wiesbaden offers an exciting journey into Roman times.
The exhibition shows original finds and reconstructions from the Roman era of the city. Address: Heidenmauer 1, 65183 Wiesbaden, Germany Opening hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (free admission)

3. Harlequinaeum

The Harlequinaeum is a unique and curious museum in Wiesbaden.
It is dedicated to the science of the absurd and offers a collection of whimsical and humorous objects. Address: Harlequinaeum, 65201 Wiesbaden, Germany Opening hours: Viewing by appointment Admission: Donation base

Accommodation tips in Wiesbaden

Luxury hotel: Nassauer Hof

The Nassauer Hof is a luxurious 5-star hotel in the heart of Wiesbaden.
It offers elegant rooms, an exclusive spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Address: Kaiser-Friedrich-Platz 3-4, 65183 Wiesbaden, Germany

4-star hotel: Radisson Blu Schwarzer Bock Hotel

The Radisson Blu Schwarzer Bock Hotel is one of the oldest grand hotels in Germany and offers modern comfort in a historic ambience. Address: Kranzplatz 12, 65183 Wiesbaden, Germany

3-star hotel: Town Hotel Wiesbaden

The Town Hotel offers comfortable rooms in a central location and is ideal for travellers who want to explore the city on foot. Address: Spiegelgasse 5, 65183 Wiesbaden, Germany

Budget hotel: ibis Wiesbaden City

The ibis Wiesbaden City offers simple but clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices and is centrally located near the main attractions. Address: Georg-August-Zinn-Straße 2, 65183 Wiesbaden, Germany

Popular Restaurants in Wiesbaden

1. Duck

The Ente at the Hotel Nassauer Hof is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers creative and sophisticated dishes in an elegant setting. Address: Kaiser-Friedrich-Platz 3-4, 65183 Wiesbaden, Germany

2. Weihenstephaner

The Weihenstephaner offers Bavarian cuisine and beers in a cosy, traditional ambience.
It is a popular place for a relaxed dinner. Address: Langgasse 5, 65183 Wiesbaden, Germany

3. Ristorante Comeback

The Comeback is a popular Italian restaurant in Wiesbaden, known for its excellent pasta dishes and pizzas in a modern, friendly setting.
Address: Goldgasse 13, 65183 Wiesbaden, Germany

4. Sushileecious

Sushileecious is a trendy sushi restaurant that offers a wide range of fresh sushi and sashimi dishes, as well as creative fusion cuisine.’
Address: Wilhelmstraße 36, 65183 Wiesbaden, Germany

Bibliography

• Information about sights and museums: Wiesbaden Tourism
• Google Maps
• Individual hotel and restaurant websites