12 Best Things To Do In Wiesbaden, Germany

1. Kurhaus

Built on the remains of the original Kurhaus from the 19th century, the current structure was completed in 1907. The building boasts several decorative rooms, such as the Red Pavilion designed after the rooms of Louis XVI, the yellow-marbled Wine Parlor, the Bacchus room is complete with a gilded ceiling. Although extensively modernized, the Kurhaus still retains its original charm. The site now hosts a variety of conventions, banquets and other large events. The former Wine Parlor is now home to the Casino Wiesbaden. The neoclassical design is complete with an impressive crystal chandelier, which provides guests with a elegant atmosphere while they enjoy roulette, art exhibits, lectures and other cultural attractions. Next to the Kurhaus Colonnades, the “Petty Gamble” houses 130 slot machines for guests to try their luck. Guest can also enjoy a meal from the Kafer’s Kurhaus-Gastronomy where diners can watch the chef cook their personalized meal in front of them. Admission is 2.50 EUR (2.77 USD).

Kurhaus

Address: Kurhausplatz 1, 65189 Wiesbaden

Website: Kurhaus

2. Kurpark

Behind Kurhaus is the expansive Kurpark. Designed in 1852 after an English garden, guests are invited to stroll among the foliage, which features magnolias, azaleas, rhododendrons and cypresses. Guests can sail around the pond in boats and view the towering 19-foot (6 meter) fountain. In the Nizza Platzchen next to Kurpark, guests can view the ruins of the original Kurhaus. The site is host to a variety of concerts and was also where 10,000 visitors greeted the Dalai Lama in 2005.

Kurpark

Address: 65189 Wiesbaden, Germany

Website: Kurpark

3. Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden (Hessian State Theater)

Completed in 1894, the Hessisches Staatstheater houses a number of plays, operas, ballets and musicals throughout the year. The theater is home to its own orchestra, Hessian State Orchestra, and performs several symphonies and concerts each year. Every May, the theater hosts the International May Festival, an opera festival with a program packed with popular performances. Performances include Das Rheingold and Die Walkure by Richard Wagner and The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart. Tickets vary depending on the performance, but generally run between 7 EUR (7.76 USD) to 113 EUR (125.25 USD).

Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden (Hessian State Theater)

Address: Christian-Zais-Straße 3, 65189 Wiesbaden

Website: Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden (Hessian State Theater)

4. St. Elizabeth's Church (Russian Church)

Completed in 1855, St. Elizabeth’s Church is the only Russian Orthodox Church in Wiesbaden and contains the largest Russian Orthodox cemetery in Europe. This impressive structure is decorated with golden domes with spires topped with Orthodox crosses reminiscent of traditional Russian churches. Funded by Duke Adolf of Nassau as a memorial to his deceased wife, the church is modeled after the Cathedral of Christ the Savior from Moscow. Known to locals as the “Greek Church” or “Russian Church,” guests are invited to marvel at the angelic murals towering from above, view the marble tomb of German sculptor Emil Hopfgarten and visit the cemetery where many prominent Russian aristocrats are buried. From November to April, the church is open on weekends and holidays from noon to 4 p.m. From May to October, it is open on weekends and holidays from 10 a.m to 5 p.m.

St. Elizabeth's Church

Address: Christian-Spielmann-Weg 1, 65193 Wiesbaden

Website: St. Elizabeth’s Church

5. Marktkirche (Market Church)

The tallest building in Wiesbaden, this neo-Gothic structure was completed in 1862. The church was damaged significantly during WWII but has undergone several restoration projects. From the refurbished architecture to the pale red paint, the current structure remains true to the original design. The most prominent features include the Statues of Christ and the four Evangelists by Emil Hopfgarten, which was donated by Duke Adolf of Nassau. Guests can view the multicolored stained glass added in the 1962 that depicts Jesus’s Birth, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. The church also is home to a 6,200 pipe organ and a tower which houses 49 hand rung bells. The site is open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m to noon. On weekends, the site is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Marktkirche

Address: Schloßpl. 4, 65183 Wiesbaden

Website: Marktkirche

6. Nerobergbahn (Neroberg Mountain Railway)

This charming water-powered cable car takes guests on a journey up the Neroberg hill to get a spectacular view overlooking the rooftops of Wiesbaden. Aside from the excellent views, guests can also visit the St. Elizabeth’s Church (Russian Church) and wander through various nature trails. Since 1888, this attraction has been a favorite in the city not only for the ride itself but also the technology used to carry passengers up and down the hill. Working together, the downhill carriage’s tank is filed with 7,000 liters (1,849 gallons) of water and sends the opposite carriage up the hill on its descent. The carriages move 7.3 kilometers (4.5 miles) per hour and take about 3.5 minutes to reach each station. The cars carry passengers every 15 minutes from April 1st through November 1st. One-way tickets are 2.60 EUR.

Nerobergbahn (Neroberg Mountain Railway)

Address: Wilhelminenstraße 51 65193 Wiesbaden

Website: Nerobergbahn

7. Wiesbaden City Palace

Built in 1840, this structure was constructed as a family home for Duke Wilhelm von Nassau, who died shortly before moving in. The residence was then passed on to his son, Duke Adolf of Nassau, who would prove to be the only resident of the palace. When Duke Adolf was exiled in 1866, the palace was used as a visiting residence for Wilhelm I and Wilhelm II. The structure now serves as the Hessian Parliament House.

Wiesbaden City Palace

Address: Schloßpl. 1-3, 65183 Wiesbaden

Website: Wiesbaden City Palace

8. Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme

If you are looking to relax after a day of sightseeing, you can visit the Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme. Having undergone several restoration projects, the Irish-Roman bath has retained its beautiful, original details. Besides the historical Irish-Roman baths, guests can also choose among the Finnish sauna, Russian steam bath and selection of massages and wellness treatments. When you are ready to cool off, the site offers a few Rest Zones with comfortable lounge chairs, a cold water pool with temperatures between 21 and 23 C (69 and 73 F) and the Lavacrum complete with Kneipp showers. Guests can enjoy healthy snacks, drinks and coffee from the Spring Bar while experiencing a view of the Wiesbaden sky from beneath a glass ceiling. From May 1st to August 31st, hourly prices are 5 EUR (5.57 USD). From September 1st to April 30th, hourly prices are 6.50 EUR (7.24 USD). Visitors can also use the chip system, similar to a prepaid card, and load money onto the card to be used throughout the spa. When using the chip system, a slight bonus percentage will be added to your balance and will increase the more money you add to the card. The site is open daily between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. with extended hours in during the winter season.

Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme

Address: Langgasse 38-40, 65183 Wiesbaden

Website: Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme

9. Tier- und Pflanzenpark Fasanerie

A great site for families and children, this zoo offers guests glimpses at bears, wolves, tigers and plenty of farm animals. The acres of land include plenty of nature trails to explore. For 1 EUR (1.11 USD), guests can also purchase animal feed to feed sheep, goats and reindeer and experience a unique encounter with the animals. The site also offers a play area for children and guests can purchase ice cream, drinks and food from a small kiosk inside the park. Admission is free.

Tier- und Pflanzenpark Fasanerie

Address: Wilfried-Ries-Str. 22, 65195 Wiesbaden

Website: Tier- und Pflanzenpark Fasanerie

10. Museum Wiesbaden

Art lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to Museum Wiesbaden, which houses an impressive collection of art and natural exhibitions. The most prominent exhibit is the collection of more than 100 works by Alexej von Jawlensky, a famous Russian artist. The museum also houses a collection of works ranging between the 12th and 17th centuries, which encompasses Italian religious artwork, work depicting Greek myths and works by the famous Dutch artist Jan Vermeer van Delft. In the Natural History Collection, guests can view the expansive zoological, botanical and paleontological collections which house a number of natural and plant specimens. This site also operates as a research center and boasts a library of over 40,000 volumes. Admission to special exhibits is 10 EUR (11.14 USD) and children 18 and under are free when accompanied by a parent. Regular admission is 6 EUR (6.68 USD) and is free for children 17 and under. The museum is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Museum Wiesbaden

Address: Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 2, 65185 Wiesbaden

Website: Museum Wiesbaden

11. Casino Gesellschaft Wiesbaden

The Casino Gesellschaft Wiesbaden is very ornate and old-fashioned in terms of architecture. Old and beautiful, the building lends a different atmosphere, especially in the machine room. Inside, there’s lovely stained glass high up. The rotunda area has attractive mosaics and statues. The casino is worth a step inside even if you don’t enjoy gambling. If you go around the rear you’ll find a park where you can stroll along paths that wind past a fountain and a pond.

The underground parking facility is useful if you want to explore the city. If you play at the casino you will find two buildings, one that houses the machines and the other houses the table games. It’s a classy place, so dress appropriately or you won’t be allowed in.

Casino Gesellschaft Wiesbaden

Address: Friedrichstr. 22, 65185 Wiesbaden, Hesse, Germany

Website: Casino Gesellschaft Wiesbaden

12. Nerotal-anlagen

This park is not as busy as the Kurpark and is a real haven from the noise of the city. It is located conveniently near the Nerobergbahn. Birds and small animals, beautiful trees and flowers grow here and it’s all well-maintained. Just stroll around and admire the fresh green lawns, the ponds, and the animals. Ducks and the squirrels abound there. Of course, you could take a jog through the park if you want to keep fit. Benches are provided where you can sit and relax.

Take along a picnic and make a morning of it. On hot summer days, people sit along the edge of the small brook that runs through it. Even in winter, the sun shining through the trees will brighten things up. Take along a camera for some pretty photographs any time of the year. If you need some refreshments, there’s a drinking fountain and a little cafe sits near the Tanusstrasse.

Nerotal-anlagen

Address: Wiesbaden, Hesse, Germany

Experience Wiesbaden this travel season

Wiesbaden offers visitors a wide range of activities. Whether you are taking a solo trip or traveling with a family, this charming city offers plenty of attractions for all ages. Visit Wiesbaden this upcoming travel season.