Around this time last year, we wrote a blog highlighting a couple of reasons why Kassel is worth visiting in the wintertime… and whilst they still hold up (there’s still time to squeeze in a visit this year by the way!) we thought we’d come back with a few more reasons, but this time focusing on why Kassel is worth a visit at ANY time of year…
The Ottoneum
Kassel's Natural History Museum, is historic in its own right, being the first ever theatre building built in Germany. Nowadays, it offers an intriguing dive into the world of natural science. From impressive dinosaur skeletons to perfectly preserved insects, as well as loads of other historical artifacts, there’s a wide range of exhibits that showcase the diversity of life on Earth in a way that's accessible and engaging. It’s open every day of the week apart from Mondays, and the cost of entry is really cheap, so in our opinion, it’s definitely worth a look.
Kolorcubes
Obviously, Kassel already has a reputation as an artistic city thanks to the world-renowned Documenta, but reinforcing that status is the large-scale KolorCubes graffiti project. Effectively a “Public Art Gallery”, around 30 large walls across the city have been reimagined as canvases with colourful and unique art plastered across them. KolorCubes offer regular guided tours, so you don’t need to miss out on any pieces, but what we think is really nice touch, is that if you head to their website, you can find preplanned routes (including German audio guides) allowing you to explore at your own pace. This is just generally a great way to discover Kassel.
Siebenbergen Island
Whilst Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is likely the city’s most famous park, we’ve got an alternative suggestion for when you want to find a little peace and serenity in nature when visiting Kassel. Siebenbergen Island sits tucked away within Karlsaue - a beautiful park on the River Fulda. Whilst the entire park is enjoyable, the island has to be considered the highlight. Designed as a botanical garden, there’s an impressive mix of native and exotic plants, as well a variety of birds including peacocks roaming about. Perfect for picnics or just a lazy afternoon in the sun.
Planetarium in the Orangery
Our last option is also in the Karlsaue, albeit at the other end of the park. The Orangery is an impressive castle, but it’s what’s inside it that we’re focusing on today. The Planetarium is the biggest of its kind in the state of Hessen and has recently been closed for refurbishment, only reopening in November 2024. With state-of-the-art technology, you can kick back in one of the comfy seats and marvel at the stars. If astrology or the scientific side of things isn’t really to your taste, maybe the music show by rock/prog icons Pink Floyd will be more to your liking…
As a city, Kassel perhaps flies under the radar a little, and we certainly think it’s underrated. There are plenty of cool things to see and do there, and there is at least one great place to stay… Book your stay at Pentahotel Kassel here.
