The German state of Hesse has at its pearl Darmstadt, a city that wonderfully combines history, culture and innovation. Magnificent monuments, wonderful architectural masterpieces, green parks and an energetic art scene. One of the most characteristic places in the city is the Mathildenhöhe hill, a complex of Art Nouveau architecture designed by famous artists and architects. There is the Wedding Tower, a symbol of love and unity, and the Exhibition Hall, which presents various exhibitions of contemporary art.
As you stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, you can admire the intricate details of the buildings that showcase Darmstadt’s artistic past. The Hessisches Landesmuseum is also worth visiting. This museum has a rich collection of artifacts, ranging from ancient relics to works of modern art.
Darmstädter Künstlerkolonie -Darmstädter Künstlerkolonie Mathildenhöhe (Museum Künstlerkolonie)
As an art house with three divisions, the Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt Institute includes, in addition to the impressive exhibition building with its wedding tower, the Artists’ Colony Museum and the Darmstadt Municipal Art Collection with works from 1800 to the present. With a permanent presentation of the pioneering achievements of the Darmstadt Artists’ Colony (1899–1914) and several special exhibitions annually, the Institute Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt is particularly committed to the study, presentation and communication of art and culture from around 1900 to contemporary art.
Frankenstein Castle
Frankenstein Castle (Burg Frankenstein) is located 5 km south of Darmstadt. Situated on the Rhine, the castle sits on top of a hill and provides a fascinating view. The castle itself has a long history, which began in the 10th century. The first historical mention of the existence of the castle comes from 1252.
The old walls were partially expanded over the years and collapsed again due to neglect. Also rumors of hidden treasures and destructive treasure hunts. Walls were demolished and basements destroyed. Today, the legendary castle is a popular tourist destination, it has been restored and expanded with a panoramic restaurant. Musical events and private parties are organized here.
Waldspirale
Waldspirale is a large spiral housing complex with 105 apartments in the Bürgerpark district of Darmstadt. The official opening took place in 2000, and its construction dates back to the 1990s. The building stands out from others with a unique facade without a regular pattern and windows that give the impression of “dancing outside the line”. On the roof, covered with grass, shrubs, flowers and trees, there is a unique garden that spirals upwards, reaching 12 stories at its highest point. The complex also has an underground garage.
Hessian State Museum Darmstadt (Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt)
This museum has a rich collection of artifacts, ranging from ancient relics to works of modern art. By visiting rooms filled with archaeological treasures, you can delve into the world of natural history and admire works of art created by local artists. The museum also offers interactive museums, which means that even teenagers can learn about history without getting bored. The city is home to many galleries and art studios, showcasing the work of both established and emerging artists. Visiting Kunstforum, a contemporary art space that hosts rotating exhibitions.
MUSEUM Jagdschloss Kranichstein
The Jagdschloss Kranichstein MUSEUM presents court life in a hunting lodge and objects that enliven the noble hunt. The building is a palace in the former Kranichstein. It was built as a Jagdschloss, a hunting lodge for George I, Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt. It also served as a summer residence. In 1917 it became a hunting museum.
Darmstadt-Kranichstein Railway Museum
The Railwaymuseum Darmstadt-Kranichstein is a Open-air Museum. In the former rail depot, the “Verein Museumbahn” presents over 200 railway vehicles from all stages of rail history. The programme consists of guided tours through the vehicle fleet, a collection of historical signals and points and a model of the Main-Neckar railway. Steam train rides also take place regularly.
Rosenhöhe
The park’s creation dates back to 1817. The centerpiece is the rosarium with the rose dome. More than 10,000 roses in over 200 species and varieties bloom from May to November. There are also modern perennial plantings, summer flowers and some exotic trees. Spacious meadows, well-developed paths and benches make the park an oasis of peace. Interesting buildings, such as the mausoleums of the royal family, the tea house and the gatehouse, are also worth a visit.
Vivarium Darmstadt
The Zoo offers the opportunity to learn a lot of interesting facts about the animals. In the extracurricular learning location “Zoo Vivarium Darmstadt”, the little guests experience biology lessons with all their senses – seeing, hearing, smelling and touching.
The monkeys, colourful birds, tropical fish and exotic reptiles are at home in natural enclosures, terrariums and aquariums. 2,000 exotic and native animals of 190 species live on 5 hectares. The walk-in kangaroo facility and the petting zoo with African pygmy goats offer close-up animal observation. Participation in numerous national and international breeding programs underlines the conservation work in Darmstadt’s zoo. Several important breeding groups of endangered reptile and mammal species live here.
