Neroberg offers a view over Wiesbaden (A. Emson - stock.adobe.com)
Welcome to the capital of Hessen, Germany’s most forested state. With the big transit hub of Frankfurt nearby, Hessen is a popular tourist destination full of cute half-timbered villages and castles, vineyards along the Rhine and Main Rivers, palatial history, and is home to Germany’s most famous Grimm fairy tales. Here are some highlights to get you started!
Taunus Wunderland in Schlangenbad is an amusement park featuring rides, shows, animals and a petting zoo. Hours and holiday themes vary by season. The park is typically open from mid-March to mid-January.
The Amerikanische Spielplatz Aukman (American Playground) is on-installation at the Wiesbaden base and is for children ages 1–14. It features climbing equipment and bars, slides, swings and a “fall-proof” rubber ground all over the playground.
You don’t have to travel to Munich for an Oktoberfest experience. Make your way to the Frankfurt Oktoberfest where you can drink beer, enjoy live music and eat delicious German food. Be sure to wear your traditional German clothes and book tickets ahead of time for a seat in this massive tent.
Hanau is the home the annual Brothers Grimm Festival. It takes place every summer and features theatrical performances taken straight from the brother’s famous fairy tales. Hanau is also the starting point of the Deutsch Märchenstrasse (German Fairy Tale Road) as the birthplace of the Grimm brothers.
The picturesque location of Eltz Castle is a favorite among hikers. For beginners, there is an easy 800-meter stroll. For those looking for more of a challenge, there is a 12.6-kilometer hike that provides a fantastic panoramic view of the castle. Eltz Castle is open from April through October. There are tours every 10 to 15 minutes, lasting approximately 40 minutes.
Rheinstein Castle lies near the town of Trechtingshausen. The castle is known for its iron cage dangling dangerously over the river. This castle is one of the oldest and possesses a working drawbridge, beautiful garden and the impressive knights’ hall with its antique stained glass windows.
