Wiesbaden
Gateway to the Rheingau
Wiesbaden is variously described as the "Nice of the North", the gateway to the Rheingau, or the city of villas. The city has an illustrious history as a health resort due to its hot springs. The glorious architecture of the Wilhelminian era, lush parks and gardens and a wide choice of cultural events are the prominent features of this elegant city on the Rhine.
Places of interest
Wiesbaden's focal point and main landmarks are the spa assembly rooms and elegant casino, built in 1907 under the aegis of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Other highlights are the Hessian State Theatre, the historical old quarter with the palace, the old and the new town hall and the neo-Gothic Market Church, as well as baroque Biebrich Palace on the banks of the Rhine and Neroberg hill with its Russian Church.
Wiesbaden spa assembly rooms and park
 Wiesbaden spa assembly rooms, an imposing building with a massive portico of Ionic columns, is a venue for national and international congresses, conferences, exhibitions and cultural events. The casino is located in the former wine hall with its neo-classical interior. Next to it, the spa colonnade (1827), 130 meters in length, is regarded as the longest columned hall in Europe. The English-style spa gardens extend behind the spa assembly rooms.
Historical old quarter
Narrow winding streets lined with 18th and 19th century buildings run through Wiesbaden's old quarter. Bäckerbrunnen fountain on Grabenstrasse is now a popular meeting place. The oldest structure in Wiesbaden is the Heidensmauer, or Heathens' Wall, which is close to the Roman gate. 15 different springs flow into the Kochbrunnen drinking fountain and in the 19th century it was the main location in Wiesbaden for taking the waters.
Market Church
The Protestant Market Church was built in 1852-1862 by Karl Boos in the form of a neo-Gothic, triple-naved basilica. The west tower is 92 meters high, making it the highest building in the city. The church was the first all-brick building in the Duchy of Nassau. In front of the church, a statue commemorates William of Orange ("The Silent", 1533-1584).
Suggested excursions
Neroberg hill in Wiesbaden is an ideal starting point for walks through the town forest and is itself an extensive recreation area. With around 50 animal species and many rare plants, Fasanerie Zoo and Gardens is a popular day out for families. Tours of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, leave daily from the Wiesbaden-Biebrich jetty.
 Platte Hunting Lodge
The ruins of the former royal hunting lodge lie high above Wiesbaden. The 54-room palace was built in the style of an Italian villa for Duke William of Nassau. Close by are a minigolf course, an adventure playground and a restaurant, as well as a toboggan run and a cross-country ski trail which are very popular in winter.
Fasanerie Zoo and Gardens
Fasanerie Zoo and Gardens are a popular destination for family days out close to Wiesbaden. The 23-hectare site is home to around 50 different species of animal and a rare plant habitat.
Boat tour of the Rheingau
Boats leave the Wiesbaden-Biebrich jetty daily for all-day tours of the romantic Middle Rhine Valley whose remarkable profusion of cultural monuments has gained it a place on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.
Strasbourg. Stuttgart, Heidelberg, Freiburg and Europa-Park Rust also make excellent day trips. |
