Visit the elegant state capital of Wiesbaden with its wide, tree-lined boulevards and thermal spas, or head to the vibrant metropolis of Frankfurt am Main for Michelin-starred dining and traditional cider taverns. There's contemporary art and culture in Kassel and unique science museums to explore in Giessen. Admire the half-timbered houses and fairytale cobbled streets in Wetzlar and Marburg, Art Nouveau architecture in Darmstadt and richly decorated Baroque buildings in Fulda. Visit royal palaces, stroll through city vineyards and gorgeous parks and gardens, enjoy some leisurely shopping or make the most of the wonderful local hospitality by sampling the delicious regional food and drink. History and culture are abundant everywhere you go here, and there's a huge range of events to attend throughout the year. Time your visit with internationally-acclaimed art exhibitions and music galas, or experience Hessen's annual wine and cider festivals and its atmospheric Christmas markets, large and small.

Getting to and around Hessen

Getting to Hessen couldn't be easier: the city of Frankfurt is home to continental Europe's largest airport (Frankfurt am Main), one of Germany's busiest train stations (Frankfurt (Main)) and the country's most heavily-used motorway interchange (the Frankfurter Kreuz).

Thanks to the high speed Deutsche Bahn rail links that cross three of the Hessen's biggest cities, the state's well-maintained roads, and unhurried river connections by boat, travelling between cities is a cinch. And with walkable pedestrianised zones, efficient local public transport and inexpensive bike and e-scooter rentals, Hessen's urban areas couldn't be easier to explore. The hardest part of your holiday in Hessen will be deciding where you want to go!