The most beautiful half-timbered towns in Hesse: Off to Melsungen
Excursion to the historic town of Bartenwetzer
Romantic half-timbered houses as far as the eye can see – that’s Melsungen in northern Hesse. In total, there are more than 400 elaborately restored half-timbered houses in Melsungen’s old town. One of the most famous is certainly Melsungen Town Hall, which is centrally located on the market square. You can visit the town’s landmark as part of a guided tour – highly recommended.
Every day at 12:00 and 18:00, the famous Bartenwetzer makes his appearance. The historical figure emerges from the upper central tower above the town hall clock and sharpens his beard. You will also encounter the Bartenwetzer at another of Melsungen’s numerous sights: the famous Bartenwetzer Bridge. Here you will also find two Bartenwetzer statues. These were erected in the 16th century in honour of the town’s forest workers on the stone bridge.
Extra tip: The digital travel guide for Melsungen provides comprehensive information on all the highlights of the picturesque old town. You can experience the nature around the town by cycling, canoeing or hiking. Some of the most beautiful hiking trails lead around the ruins of Heiligenberg Castle, which are well worth seeing. As you climb ‘Hesse’s Crown’, you can enjoy the unique view of the North Hesse region. The Burghotel Heiligenberg at the foot of the mountain is the perfect place to take a break.
Grimm's homeland in North Hesse: the spa town of Bad Wildungen
UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
Spa town meets fairy tale road – that’s how a visit to Bad Wildungen in northern Hesse can be summed up in a nutshell. On a tour of Bad Wildungen’s old town, you can admire the numerous half-timbered buildings. You can also follow in the footsteps of the Brothers Grimm. It is not without reason that Bad Wildungen is also called ‘Snow White Village’. In the Snow White House, you can learn more about the famous fairy tale ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ in a lovingly furnished world of adventure. You will get an impression of what life was like for the dwarfs in typical one-room houses. A perfect destination for families with children!
As you stroll along Brunnenallee, you will discover sights such as the town church, Roter Hahn and the town wall. And as the name of the promenade suggests, there are also numerous fountains along the way. The Kurschattenbrunnen fountain is particularly worth seeing. Passing impressive Art Nouveau houses, you will then reach the market square with its classicist town hall and historic half-timbered houses. From the old town, you also have a good view of Friedrichstein Castle. It stands outside the town on a hill. Where a castle once stood in the Middle Ages, a Baroque-style palace was built in the 17th century. Today, you can visit various exhibitions here, e.g. on Hessian military and empire history.
If you’re looking for a bit of relaxation in nature after all that sightseeing, Lake Eder is the place to go. As one of the largest reservoirs in Europe, Lake Eder in Kellerwald National Park offers a wide range of experiences. Whether hiking, water sports, swimming or cycling – a holiday at Lake Eder offers numerous opportunities to get active.
The well-known Bad Wildungen spa gardens are no less idyllic. The extensive grounds connect Bad Wildungen with neighbouring Reinhardshausen. In addition to spa guests, there are always a few walkers and joggers on the numerous running and terrain trails. The spa gardens delight visitors with their many healing springs, special tree species, exhibitions and cultural events. A great tip for the cultural summer in North Hesse!
Historical sightseeing in Frankenberg (Eder)
Nature and lots of culture in North Hesse
Are you looking for beautiful old towns in Germany? The idyllic Frankenberg an der Eder is definitely one of them. You should start your tour of the old town at one of the two central squares, the Obermarkt and Untermarkt. In the middle between these two places is the impressive Gothic town hall with its 10 towers. A very special detail are the two ‘piggyback figures’ – wooden statues that can be found at the entrance to the town hall.
If you want to discover more of Frankenberg Eder’s sights, take a free guided tour of the town in German. You will learn more about the town there. These tours take place every Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
Another highlight near Frankenberg is St. Georgenberg Monastery. The former Cistercian convent from the 13th century was used by various authorities and is still used today by the local district administration. The museum and the extensive herb garden, which are also located there, are well worth a visit.
If you are travelling with children, you should definitely visit Frankenberg Wildlife Park. Most of the animals roam freely here and enjoy being petted by visitors. A highlight of the year is the traditional wildlife park festival, which takes place every year at the beginning of September.
Hiking enthusiasts can access the wildlife park via the ‘Ederhöhenpfad’ and ‘Frankenberger Blickwinkel’ hiking trails. Hiking tip for families with children: the Wald-Wichtel-Paradies circular trail in neighbouring Rengershausen.
Experience history on a tour of Fritzlar
Welcome to one of the most beautiful cities in Hesse
The picturesque half-timbered buildings are also ubiquitous in Fritzlar. Some of the lovingly preserved buildings even date back to the Middle Ages. A very special photo opportunity can be found in the middle of Fritzlar’s old town: the famous lace cottage. Where there used to be a grocery store, the tourist information office now provides information about the numerous sights in Fritzlar. The crooked little house from the 15th century is definitely one of them!
The Old Town Hall opposite the cathedral is also well worth seeing. As the city administration has been based here since 1109, the town hall is officially considered the oldest administrative building in Germany. A detour to St. Peter’s Cathedral is also worthwhile. The ‘Basilica minor’ was formerly a monastery church and was built in the Romanesque style.
On your way through Fritzlar’s pedestrian zone, don’t miss the old city wall with its defensive towers. Here you can visit an exciting exhibition on the subject of ‘Medieval Witch Hunts’.
Secret destinations in Hesse: Homberg (Efze)
Small half-timbered town with a wide range of tourist attractions
Northern Hesse – which towns are a must-see? The small but charming town of Homberg (Efze) should definitely be on your list. Picturesquely situated in a volcanic landscape, you can admire the numerous well-preserved half-timbered buildings in the old town. Around the market square, an impressive half-timbered backdrop bears witness to the once flourishing salt, wool and cloth trade.
On a city or half-timbered house tour, you can learn more about the most popular sights in Homberg Efze. These include the city wall with its defensive towers and a visit to the tower apartment of the Reformation Church of St. Mary. The Hohenburg castle ruins are also worth a visit and should not be missed on your tour. You can explore the ruins in more detail as part of an adventure tour. Children’s tours are also offered especially for families.
Another highlight for young and old alike is the Knüll Wildlife Park. Here you will find around 450 animals that can be discovered along the Lochbachpfad fairy tale trail. The 8 km long trail offers spectacular views of the gorge with its numerous bridges – including a unique view.
For this article, we have planned an exciting route through North Hesse for you.
Here you can find our route: North Hesse Fairy Tale Road
Are you excited about our tips on the gems of the old town in picturesque North Hesse?
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