Enjoy Hessen

Alte Oper Frankfurt

Nearly half a million visitors attend more than 460 events each year, including classical music and entertainment performances, programs for children, teens, and families, as well as conferences and other events. The Alte Oper is the place in Frankfurt where international classical music stars regularly perform.

Its name says it all: The Alte Oper Frankfurt is a venue steeped in history. And that history begins in the late 19th century, when Frankfurt got its own opera house, built according to the plans of Berlin architect Richard Lucae. The opening on October 20, 1880, was a major event for the city and for the 2,000 guests, including Emperor Wilhelm I.

Celtic Treasures in the Wetterau

The discovery of the life-size “Celtic Prince of Glauberg” some 27 years ago made headlines around the world—such was the spectacular nature of the find. Today, the stone figure with its striking, ear-shaped headdress is housed in a museum that’s a very popular spot for photos. See for yourself!

The museum sits atop the reconstructed burial mound like a stranded UFO. A large panoramic window and the terrace offer a magnificent view of the picturesque cultural landscape. Inside, the approximately 2,500-year-old “Celtic Prince” is displayed alongside valuable weapons and magnificent jewelry in a modern and interactive exhibition. In the Celtic World at Glauberg, the Celts—about whom no written records have survived—are presented as master craftsmen and artists. Numerous activities invite you to immerse yourself in their culture—and the world of archaeology, as a modern scientific adventure, also unfolds its magic here.

The Romans at Saalburg

The Saalburg Pass in the Taunus Mountains was an important crossing point even in ancient times. At the beginning of the 2nd century, Roman troops built a fort here to secure the route. The Limes, the border of the Roman Empire, was initially established as a monitored corridor and later fortified with a palisade.

Around 135 AD, approximately 600 soldiers were stationed at the Saalburg. A camp village developed, complete with bathhouses, temples, and other buildings, where families, merchants, and craftsmen also lived.

In the 3rd century, the Romans withdrew due to attacks by the Alemanni. The fort and village fell into ruin and were used as a quarry in the Middle Ages. Archaeological investigations did not begin until the 19th century. Starting in 1894, Louis Jacobi led the excavation and reconstruction.

Between 1897 and 1907, the fort was reconstructed on its ancient foundations. Today, it provides a vivid picture of a Roman fort and houses a museum. The Saalburg has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. Extensive restorations and expansions were completed in 2014.

Frankfurt provides cosmopolitan flair with a great variety of internationally renowned cultural highlights: around 40 museums and exhibition centers, as well as over 60 theatres and independent theatre groups, shape the diverse cultural offering to be found here. 

This metropolis by the river Main is home to international events, great night-life and outstanding shops.

Watch the world’s largest ski jump! 

Every year, the “Mühlenkopfschanze” in Willingen is the venue for a highly exciting ski-jumping championship event. It is one of the major sports events in Hessen.

UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the Hercules Monument and Water Features

Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, home to the Hercules Monument and the water features, is one of Kassel’s most famous attractions and is internationally recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a spontaneous exploration—unforgettable experiences await you here. It is the largest mountain park in Europe and is famous for its unique variety of trees and plants, its museums and attractions, and, of course, the Hercules statue and the water features.

Frankfurt in Hessen is the most eco-friendly city to work in - second only to London and outperfoming other major financial centers such as Amsterdam, New York, Toronto and Singapore as a study by British Business Energy revealed. 

With more than 20 per cent of Frankfurt’s surface area being covered by trees, the city secured a top position in this category. Widely known as the „green lung“, the largest inner city forest in Germany can be found here. It covers almost 6,000 hectares in total, with a majority of 3,866 hectares within the inner city itself. 

No wonder, more than 30 per cent of the commuters walk or cycle to work in „the city of short distances“ giving Frankfurt a place on the podium in this category as well. And good to know: During lunch break and after work, you can choose between almost 300 vegan and vegetarian restaurants.

The numerous castles, forts and palaces in Hessen are definitely worth a visit.

These buildings, some of which have a history of over 1,000 years, were the setting of historical events, domains of famous personalities and are still imposing buildings to this day.