Summary
The capital of Hesse, Wiesbaden is an elegant spa town that has utilized its mineral springs since Roman times. The city boasts exquisite architecture reminiscent of a 19th-century resort. Iconic structures include the glass-domed Kurhaus (Spa House), charming gardens, and historical infrastructure such as a funicular train from 1888 that still operates on a water ballast system to ascend and descend Neroberg hill.
Having been under the dominion of the House of Nassau for centuries, Wiesbaden served as a residence for dukes, whose legacies continue to enhance the urban landscape. The city’s reputation for wellness is not solely attributed to its waters; the climate in this south-facing location is notably milder than that of the surrounding Rhine Valley, conducive to the cultivation of Riesling wine.
Let us delve into the premier attractions in Wiesbaden:
1. Nerobergbahn
The funicular ascending the Neroberg hill just north of Wiesbaden is one of the rare railways still utilizing a water ballast system for propulsion.
Water is introduced into the upper train carriage to increase its weight, allowing the descending train to pull the ascent-bound car to the summit via a steel cable.
This unique method has been operational since the 440-meter line commenced in 1888. Within three and a half minutes, riders are elevated over 80 meters on slopes with gradients reaching 19.5%.
2. Neroberg
Your motivation for visiting this 245-meter hill will be instantly fulfilled as you are greeted by a remarkable view of the Rhine Valley stretching toward Mainz to the south.
In 1851, architect Philipp Hoffmann developed a picturesque mountain park at the summit, adorned with various monuments and facilities.
The highlight of the park is the Classical Monopteros temple, which offers an exceptional vantage point of Wiesbaden.
A hotel once situated at the top of the hill tragically burned down in 1989, leaving behind a solitary tower, now home to a restaurant.
The site also features a sleek Art Deco outdoor pool called Opelbad, a rope course with 80 obstacles nestled in the forest, and an amphitheater hosting summer events.
Furthermore, beneath a terrace created in remembrance of World War I, you will find a 4.1-hectare vineyard dedicated to Riesling grapes.
3. Kurhaus
The principal spa facility in Wiesbaden showcases a magnificent Neoclassical structure enhanced with Art Nouveau details, most notably in its metal and glass dome.
This venue serves multiple purposes, hosting prestigious events, the city’s high-stakes casino, and an upscale restaurant.
Typically, visitors can access the foyer to capture images of the dome, the stunning stained glass at its entrance, along with the sculptures and frescoes featuring Greek deities.
Moreover, a stroll around the beautifully landscaped grounds, including the Bowling Green and its fountains on the western side, is highly recommended.
4. Kurpark
Positioned on the eastern side of the Kurhaus, the English-style Kurpark was designed in 1852. Directly in front lies the Kurpark Weiher, an ornamental lake featuring a fountain that propels water six meters into the air.
Visitors have the opportunity to rent boats to traverse the lake, while the western shore is lined with benches, café terraces, and an outdoor performance stage.
During major football tournaments, a large screen is installed in the Kurpark, drawing thousands for notable events such as concerts by Sting and lectures from the Dalai Lama.
At Nizzaplätzen, remnants of the portico from the original Kurhaus, demolished over a century ago to accommodate the current structure, can also be observed.
5. St Elizabeth’s Church
Also located on Neroberg is a Russian Orthodox church completed in 1855. It was commissioned by Duke Adolf of Nassau as a tribute to his Russian spouse, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Mikhailovna, who tragically passed during childbirth.
Adolf constructed the church surrounding her tomb, engaging Philipp Hoffmann to develop its designs while emphasizing Orthodox architectural principles.
The church is dedicated to Elizabeth, the patron saint of his wife.
Externally, visitors can admire the gilded onion domes and should explore the cemetery, one of Western Europe’s oldest sites for Russian Orthodox burials.
Inside, one can view the iconostasis created by Estonian-German artist Carl Timoleon von Neff, alongside Elizabeth’s tomb.
6. Marktkirche
The prominent tower of this stunning Neo-Gothic church reaches nearly 100 meters above Wiesbaden’s central Schlossplatz.
Upon its completion in 1862, it was the largest structure constructed of brick within the Duchy of Nassau.
This design was necessitated by a twofold increase in population within the preceding two decades.
Within the chancel, five life-sized statues are impossible to overlook.
Donated by Duke Adolf, these depict Christ at the center, surrounded by the evangelists Mark, John, Matthew, and Luke.
Notably, the polygonal bronze and iron pulpit has an interesting background as it was initially envisioned as a temporary placeholder for a future marble design, yet it has remained in place since its installation in 1862.
7. Kochbrunnen
The most renowned and hottest spring in Wiesbaden is Kochbrunnen (Cooking Fountain), which emerges in its namesake square at a temperature of 66°C. Beneath a Neo-Baroque pavilion lies a drinking water fountain as well.
This spring was first documented in the 14th century, and the water is sourced from a depth of 2,000 meters, filtered through a processing plant before being channeled here.
Kochbrunnen flows at a rate of 370 liters per minute and emits a subtle sulfuric aroma.
Observing the fountain, you will notice that the water appears clear initially, yet after resting in the basin for an hour, it develops a yellowish tint.
8. Museum Wiesbaden
The three-winged structure housing Museum Wiesbaden was developed in the early 1910s, but its collections originate at least a century earlier from writer and diplomat Johann Isaak von Gerning, a contemporary of Goethe.
The three sections house an art museum celebrated for its 19th and 20th-century paintings, a collection of antiquities amassed by the House of Nassau, and a natural history wing rich in zoological specimens and fossils.
Art enthusiasts will find notable works by Adolph Menzel, Franz von Lenbach, Max Beckmann, and Bauhaus artists such as Walter Dexel and László Moholy-Nagy.
The fossil collection features thousands of specimens that will captivate natural historians, while Roman antiquities include monuments, tombs, and the enigmatic “Mithras Stone” altar.
9. Wiesbaden City Palace
To demonstrate his commitment to the citizens of Wiesbaden and establish a connection with his heritage, William, Duke of Nassau, relocated his residence to the city center at Marktplatz.
Construction of the city palace began in 1835, though William passed away before its completion in 1841. The Neoclassical edifice has experienced a tumultuous century, nearly being stormed during the revolutions of 1848, and subsequently becoming a secondary residence for the Prussian Kaisers following the annexation of the Duchy of Nassau by Prussia in 1866. As the seat of the Hessian State Parliament, this landmark is visually striking from the exterior, harmonizing with the cultivated ambiance of Marktplatz.
10. Biebrich Palace
One of the most exquisite estates adorning the banks of the Rhine, Biebrich Palace is a Baroque manor initiated in the early 18th century.
Commissioned by George August, Count of Nassau-Idstein, it later transferred to a different branch of the family, the Nassau-Ussingen dynasty, after his demise.
Presently, the palace serves as a venue for conferences and ceremonies hosted by the Hessian state government.
From the serene Schlosspark, which extends behind the palace, one can appreciate the grandeur of the rotunda.
This architectural feature is crowned with 16 statues of ancient deities arranged in pairs among two sets, representing Minerva and Mars, Venus and Mercury, Jupiter and Juno, and Apollo and Diana.
Every May, the International Horse Show, a significant annual event, is held in the park and is currently in its 82nd year.
11. Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden
Regardless of your preference for opera, ballet, musical theatre, or classical concerts, the Hessian State Theatre is a distinguished venue renowned for its sumptuous architecture and rich history.
Prominent figures such as Johannes Brahms and Clara Schumann have graced the theatre, with Richard Strauss also having served as a guest conductor.
The renowned architectural team of Fellner & Helmer designed the theatre in the 1890s, using their Neo-Baroque style to create an opulent environment both inside and out.
Each May, the Staatstheater serves as the focal point for the Internationale Maifestspiele Wiesbaden, an esteemed festival that began in 1896, showcasing international opera and theatre performances alongside smaller recitals, seminars, poetry readings, and art exhibitions.
12. Tier- und Pflanzenpark Fasanerie
Beyond the northwestern boundary of Wiesbaden lies a forest established by Charles, Prince of Nassau-Usingen, in the 18th century as a pheasant breeding ground for hunts.
The hunting lodge constructed in the 1740s still stands and currently houses a restaurant.
Post-World War II, the park was revitalized into an attraction showcasing local wildlife.
The premises host pheasants, alongside fallow deer, otters, wild boar, barn owls, peacocks, and lynxes.
A glance at the majestic trees reveals the forest’s storied past.
Furthermore, visitors can spot exotic specimens, including the thickest sequoia in Germany, ginkgo trees, Spanish fir, red oaks, and mature beech, oak, and horse chestnuts.
13. Taunusstraße
At a diagonal inclination ending just past Kochbrunnenplatz, Taunusstraße features a splendid array of 19th-century villas exemplifying the Historicist architectural style.
Unlike typical shopping districts, this street is adorned with stores that reflect its upscale character, including design shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and cafes.
Taunusstraße remains a hub for antiques, earning the moniker Antiquitättenmeile, or “Antiques Mile”. Each August, the street is closed to vehicular traffic, welcoming pedestrians with a red carpet for a festive occasion.
For a span of 300 meters, culinary vendors, live music, and children’s entertainment create a delightful atmosphere.
14. Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme
Being situated in one of Europe’s oldest spa towns, it is worthwhile to dedicate some time for relaxation at these luxurious baths.
In homage to Wiesbaden’s ancient origins, the Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme emulates Roman baths, featuring an indoor swimming pool, sudatorium (a vaulted steam room), tepidarium (a warm bath), sanarium (a sauna), Finnish sauna, and Russian steam bath.
Additionally, for a quick refresh or heat, a tropical shower provides frosty or steaming hot water on demand.
15. Rheingau Royal Riesling
The south-facing slopes of the Rheingau region surrounding Wiesbaden provide ideal conditions for cultivating Riesling grapes.
This is attributed to the Rhine River flowing from east to west, bathing the right banks in sunlight.
The legend suggests that Charlemagne inaugurated viticulture in Rheingau, where one of the oldest Riesling vineyards in existence can be found at Johannisberg.
Wine production in this area dates back to the arrival of the Cistercians in the 12th century.
This rich history makes Schloss Johannisberg an essential stop for wine enthusiasts seeking vineyard tours.
Notably, it is recognized as the birthplace of Spätlese (late-harvest wine), a process where exquisite wine is crafted from grapes harvested late in the season, after developing “noble rot”.
