The town of the rich and beautiful. According to the statistics one in every 270 inhabitants is a millionaire. Wealth and prosperity are reflected in the town’s appearance: exclusive villas, wide roads, extensive parks, stylish shops and a magnificent casino – for those who still want to get rich. The composer Richard Wagner and Russian writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky both tried their luck here. The beautiful people soak up the warmth of the thermal springs in this German spa town. The seat of Hesse’s state government is located in the former palace of the Princes of Nassau.
The baroque town. Baroque style is visible at every corner of the narrow winding streets. But Fulda is also the town of the bishops. As a result streets and squares bear such names as Nonnengasse (Nuns Lane) or Jesuitenplatz (Jesuit Square). Even the beer is called Hochstift-Bier (monastic brew) and is very popular – understandably so, as Fulda’s restaurant density is second only to that of Berlin. An excursion into the neighbouring Rhön region is also well worthwhile. This barren area with its high moorlands and over 1,000 hilltops was recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve.
This medieval town is the number one attraction for excursions in the Odenwald of south Hesse. In the town centre stands one of Germany’s most beautiful and highly original town halls. The centrepiece of the marketplace fountain depicts the archangel Michael, the town’s patron saint.
The student town in central Hesse. As the saying goes: “Other towns have a university – Marburg is a university.” Every fourth inhabitant is registered at the Philipps University. Nestled among the bizarre half-timbered houses in the upper town, there is a great variety of pubs and restaurants.
The wine town. Rüdesheim is located at the heart of the Rheingau, Germany’s best-known wine-growing area. In Drosselgasse with its cobblestones, half-timbered buildings and wine bars, locals and visitors meet up for a glass of Riesling. At the end of Drosselgasse the cable car ascends to the Niederwalddenkmal memorial. From here there is a stunning panoramic view of the Rhine valley. The Rheingau Riesling wine is world-famous. Its excellent quality is due to the special climatic conditions. The Rheingau hills in the north block off the fresh winds, while the southern slopes soak up the sun. The light is gently filtered by thin veils of mist from the Rhine, resulting in the wines’ unique quality. The world-famous Eberbach Monastery lies close by Rüdesheim.
The “documenta” town. Every five years Kassel invites art lovers to the leading international exhibition of contemporary art. The next “documenta” is scheduled for 2007. This world event has left its mark on Kassel, for instance, you can view the landscape through an enormous metal picture frame. There are also wonderful views of north Hesse from the imposing Wilhelmshöhe with its castle, park and Hercules statue.
The town of the arts and sciences. The height of Jugendstil is documented by the Hochzeitsturm (Wedding Tower) atop the Mathildenhöhe. The Technical University, the College of Technology and numerous research institutes make Darmstadt a first-rate focus of the arts and sciences. The European Space Agency (ESA) is also based here.
