8 Must-See Tourist Attractions in Kassel, Germany – The Fairytale Route City Where the Brothers Grimm Lived

Located nearly at the center of the Fairytale Route on the map, Kassel is often referred to as the capital of the route and is a popular destination for tourists. The city has two main stations—Kassel Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) and Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe Station—making it a convenient base for exploring both the city and surrounding areas along the Fairytale Route. Kassel is also famous as the city where the Brothers Grimm spent most of their lives. Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm published the first volume of Children’s and Household Tales (known as Grimm’s Fairy Tales) here in Kassel about 200 years ago.
This time, we’ll introduce 8 recommended tourist spots in Kassel. Be sure to use this guide when visiting famous landmarks in the city!

1. Schloss Wilhelmshöhe

Entering Wilhelmshöher Allee from within Kassel city, you can see the towering statue of Hercules atop the hill of Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe. Just before it stands the grand Schloss Wilhelmshöhe, offering a stunning view of the castle amid greenery and water features.
This castle was built in the 18th century by Wilhelm I as a summer residence. Its exterior is divided into three wings. The central wing houses the Antiquities Collection and the Old Masters Gallery, which features masterpieces of Flemish and Dutch Baroque art by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Rubens, and others, along with old German, Italian, and Spanish paintings.
One wing, known as the Weißenstein Wing, is open for interior tours. The other, called the Kirch Wing, houses the graphic collection, a specialized library, and administrative offices.

2. Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe

Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is a signature landmark of Kassel, Germany. It is a mountainous park spread across the hilly terrain visible from Wilhelmshöher Allee in the city. The harmonious blend of German nature and architectural structures leaves a strong impression on visitors. The park is crowned with a statue of Hercules at 527 meters above sea level and spans an area five times the size of Tokyo Disneyland.
A cascade (tiered waterfall) stretches from the base of the Hercules statue down to Schloss Wilhelmshöhe, which arches gracefully as if embracing the gardens. It appears to be overseeing the water spectacle that unfolds within the grounds.
In 2013, it was designated a World Heritage Site. This is the main attraction you should visit first when exploring Kassel.

3. Herkules-Statue

The Herkules statue is one of the symbolic structures of Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe in Kassel.
The bronze statue of Hercules is 83 meters tall, standing on a 70-meter pedestal. Situated at an elevation of 572 meters, it is designed to be visible from anywhere in Kassel. The statue was built with the intention that “the virtues of a just and wise ruler can be seen even from afar.”
Souvenir shops sell postcards and miniature replicas of the Hercules statue—perfect mementos from your Kassel trip.

4. Wasserspiele (Water Features, Wilhelmshöhe Park)

Construction of Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe began in the late 17th century. Its iconic water features were designed by Italian architect Giovanni Francesco Guerniero, with the Hercules statue added at the end.
A popular event among visitors, “Kunst-Wasser” (Art of Water), takes place in the park. It runs every Wednesday and Sunday, as well as on public holidays, from May 1 to October 30. Special light-up nights are also held on the first Saturday from June to September.
Over 750,000 cubic meters of water begin to flow from beneath the base of the Hercules statue. The water gently cascades down the 350-meter steps over 30 minutes, reaching the Steinhofer Waterfall, then continues under the Devil's Bridge for 15 minutes. At the Roman-style aqueduct, visitors can enjoy a 28-meter drop, and after flowing a total of 23 kilometers in about 90 minutes, the grand finale is a 52-meter high fountain.
If you’re confident in your physical strength, definitely try following the water flow from the Hercules statue to fully experience this grand water spectacle.

5. Löwenburg Castle

Located within Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe in Kassel, Germany, Löwenburg Castle is a Neo-Gothic structure built by Wilhelm I as a retreat for himself and his lover. It was modeled after Scottish medieval castles, with parts intentionally designed to look like ruins.
Though its exterior gives off a romantic atmosphere, the interior houses a collection of historical weapons and armor, making it a site of significant historical value. Germany is known for its many castles, and this one ranks among the most popular.

6. Grimmwelt Kassel

Kassel is also famous as the city where the Brothers Grimm lived and completed much of their writing. It holds a central place along Germany’s Fairytale Route and is a must-visit destination for those touring the country.
Grimmwelt Kassel is a renovated version of the former Grimm Museum located in Palais Bellevue, reopened in 2015. It was newly built in a lush green area in the center of Kassel.
The Brothers Grimm are renowned for collecting folk tales from the region and publishing them as Grimm’s Fairy Tales, but they also contributed to German linguistics, paving the way for the development of the German dictionary.
The museum showcases the brothers’ extensive works divided into 26 themes from A to Z. In addition to the first editions of the fairy tales, you can also view the German dictionary completed by scholars who followed in the Grimms’ footsteps.
Completed in 2015, the modern three-story square building blends seamlessly into the green belt of the city center. From the rooftop, accessible via an outdoor staircase, you can enjoy beautiful views of Kassel.

7. Orangerie

Located in the heart of Kassel, Orangerie Castle was built in 1701 by Baron Carl of the time. The castle, along with its vast gardens and Baroque-style landscaping, functions as a park and connects directly to Karlsaue State Park.
Damaged during World War II, Orangerie Castle has since been restored and now stands in its former beauty. Its extensive gardens often serve as part of the venue for Documenta, the contemporary art exhibition associated with the next tourist spot, Fridericianum, making it a key player in modern art, with the castle as a scenic backdrop.

8. Fridericianum

Fridericianum, built in 1789, is Europe’s oldest museum. Its construction took 10 years, and it is also known as the model for the British Museum in London.
This museum hosts a major art festival every five years—Documenta, one of the world’s most significant contemporary art exhibitions. Each edition is based on a specific theme and features works from around 100 artists.
If you're a fan of contemporary art, consider timing your visit to Kassel to coincide with Documenta at Fridericianum.

◎Summary

The city where the Brothers Grimm, creators of Grimm’s Fairy Tales, once lived is packed with tourist appeal! From the World Heritage-listed Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe with its spectacular water features to the charming castles, Kassel is full of enchanting spots. It’s a city that captivates tourists of all ages, from children to adults.
Be sure to visit Kassel, and consider using it as a base to explore neighboring towns. A spontaneous trip, guided by a map and your curiosity, is also a great way to enjoy the area.

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8 Must-See Tourist Attractions in Kassel, Germany – The Fairytale Route City Where the Brothers Grimm Lived