Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe

Bad Wilhelmshöhe, Germany

Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is a unique landscape park in Kassel. The area of the park is 2.4 square kilometres, making it the largest European hillside park, and second largest park on a mountain slope in the world. Descending a long hill dominated by a giant statue of Hercules, the monumental water displays of Wilhelmshöhe were begun by Landgrave Carl of Hesse-Kassel in 1689 around an east-west axis and were developed further into the 19th century. Reservoirs and channels behind the Hercules Monument supply water to a complex system of hydro-pneumatic devices that supply the site’s large Baroque water theatre, grotto, fountains and 350-metre long Grand Cascade. Beyond this, channels and waterways wind across the axis, feeding a series of dramatic waterfalls and wild rapids, the geyser-like Grand Fountain which leaps 50m high, the lake and secluded ponds that enliven the Romantic garden created in the 18th century by Carl’s great-grandson, Elector Wilhelm I. The great size of the park and its waterworks along with the towering Hercules statue constitute an expression of the ideals of absolutist Monarchy while the ensemble is a remarkable testimony to the aesthetics of the Baroque and Romantic periods.

Schloss Wilhelmshöhe was damaged by Allied bombs in World War II. From 1968 to 1974, it was rebuilt as an art museum. It houses a wallpaper collection, a collection of Graeco-Roman antiques, and a gallery of Old Masters paintings. The collection focuses on the 16th and 17th century, containing masterpieces by German, Italian, French and Spanish painters. It comprises the second-largest collection of Rembrandts in Germany. Rembrandt's famous 'Saskia' and 'The Man with the Slouch Hat' by Frans Hals are among them.

On 23 June 2013 Wilhelmshöhe was proclaimed as a World Heritage Site during the UNESCO meeting in Phnom Penh.

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User Reviews

Pier RK (2 years ago)
What a beautiful park! You can find lots of tracks to follow at your own pace, beautiful buildings such as “old fashioned” castle and the Hercules statue. 520 more stairs to reach the top, if you can make it it will be memorable!
Mirjam Out (2 years ago)
Absolutely stunning park! It's like taking a walk back in time. The buildings and nature is truly beautiful. And the view after the climb to the top is totally worth the effort! Highly recommend when in the area
Chris K (2 years ago)
This is a very large park, basically a half to full day event with a wonderful castle, this amazing waterfall and Hercules construction, and more. Not a huge amount of parking so when the water falls are operating it may get very busy. All free, except the parking :)
Willow (2 years ago)
Stunning garden with incredible water features, aqueduct, ruins, lovely bridges and more. It's 1,5km hike up the hill but well worth it. There is no entry fee to the garden but there is a palace that functions as a museum and a small castle that you have pay an entry fee. There is a Cafe near the museum and on top of the hill. The one on top was closed on Mondays and Tuesdays when we visited.
A R (2 years ago)
Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is beautiful and it's something that should be on everyone's list. The place is huge so it's advisable to go early so you can spend time walking around the park. Some parts are under renovation as of now but not a show stopper.
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