City break in Kassel. Active leisure ideas for Kassel - attractions, recreation and nightlife

If you ask about landmarks to see in Kassel, then anyone – a local or a tourist who has ever visited this German city at least once – will give the same answer: Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe. Everyone will certainly advise seeing an incredible water show that is held in this park. Gorgeous cascades of water fall 500 meters down on rocks and grottoes and flow into a magnificent fountain. Indeed, it is better to see this incredible landmark with own eyes at least once than hear about it or see pictures. However, the water show also has a schedule. Visitors can see it on Wednesdays and Sundays at 2:30 pm local time. On the days when the fountain is working, a tourist bus takes visitors to the park. However, it is possible to reach the top of the powerful waterfall by foot, and this will take no more than 2 hours.

Not far from the park, tourists can visit a place that is perfect for restoring the peace of both body and mind. This is Kurhessen Therme in Wilhelmshöher Allee. This is a large complex with swimming pools filled with thermal spring water. The temperature of the water ranges from 31° to 37°C. Kurhessen Therme also features eight thematic saunas, hammam, a salt therapy room, infrared rooms, steam sauna, and many other spa treatments. Visitors will never feel thirsty or hungry because the complex has a restaurant and a beer garden. Kurhessen Therme is also an excellent destination for vacationers with children. There are water attractions with various slides that are ideal for kids who want to have fun. Visitors can spend several hours in this paradise or buy a full day ticket. Depending on the choice, the entrance ticket can cost from 16 to 28.5 euro per person.

If you plan to visit Kassel with children, you can be sure that they will never feel bored here. Consider visiting Kletterwald or “rock-climbing forest” in Hohes Gras, Habichtswald. This forest has trees connected with ropes that form trails of different complexity levels. Beginners and experienced climbers will easily find a suitable trail and enjoy their time spent in this outdoor center. Children can participate in special rock climbing master classes and learn the basics of the popular activity. Good weather is the only condition necessary to visit this park. Kletterwald is closed in winter. There is one more interesting place for fans of alpinism in Kassel - Wertical World alpinism center that specializes in bouldering, a type of indoor rock climbing without the use of ropes and harnesses. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Vacationers with children will also find it interesting to visit Zoo am Rammelsberg to see owls of different types, storcks, flamingoes, giant snakes, and even white monkeys. Tourists may also find it interesting to visit the local planetarium, which is, by the way, the largest in Hesse. Local karting center will let everyone feel like true racers. Children below 14 must undergo a special two-hour-long master class and learn how to drive a kart. Families may also find it interesting to attend cruises on the Fulda River. The city looks different from this angle, so it is a perfect time to take memorable photographs, look at the seven bridges of Kassel, and learn more about its history. If you prefer to ride a boat yourself, you can always rent a boat, motorboat or a canoe.

Fans of theatrical art simply cannot fail to visit the main theater in the city, Staatstheater Kassel. Three different troupes work in this theater, namely, opera, drama, and ballet ones. The total number of performers reaches 500 people. The theater also has several halls – the main hall for 953 viewers, the drama hall for 540 viewers, and the small hall for up to 99 guests. Every year, the theater makes roughly 30 new premieres. There is a play or a concert almost every day in this theater.

For tourists, Kassel looks like a peaceful and calm city that isn’t very vibrant and that goes to sleep quite early. This is the truth: Kassel is a paradise for family travelers and people over 60. There are many charming cafes in all neighborhoods of the city and local elderly people enjoy relaxing in them. There are also many places that are suitable for the whole family. Cozy and home-like – these are the main characteristics of Kassel. However, the city has a young heart that doesn’t stop beating at night. Small pubs and clubs work until sunrise and have many interesting people among their visitors.

Lolita Bar, which is located on Werner-Hilpert Straße 22, is a popular place to visit in the evening. It is possible to hear different music styles in this bar, from disco to punk rock. Sometimes, the establishment pampers its visitors with live music. Visitors come to have a drink or two, listen to music, and dance. If you come with friends and you want to eat, you can always take vegetables and meat with you and cook them on a grill in the backyard of the two-story building. As the pub is quite small but popular, it is usually very crowded. Dancing on the tables is not rare here.

There are roughly 20 pubs in total in Kassel. When visiting them, visitors can expect to find a good wine list and various appetizers. If you are hungry, some pubs can offer you to order food that will be delivered from another restaurant. This means that it may take time to get your food served. If eating well is your primary goal and dancing goes second, it is better to visit a restaurant. For example, Bolero on Schöne Aussicht 1A is a popular choice. During the daytime, this is a restaurant with a panoramic terrace, freshly cooked food, and cocktails. Starting from 12 noon and until 3 pm, the restaurant offers affordably priced lunches. In the evening, Bolero turns into a loud bar with various entertainment programs.

It is safe to say that it is possible to eat virtually at every step in Kassel. If count all dining establishments of the city starting from fast food cafes and up to fine dining restaurants, it turns out that there are more than 350 of them. Besides traditional German cuisine, it is possible to try Greek and Italian cuisines, sushi, and pizza. Many local restaurants have beer gardens where visitors can enjoy the traditional German drink in the open air. There is also a group of cafes and restaurants located on the banks of the Fulda River (for example, an establishment with a simple name Boot, which is, actually, a boat transformed into a restaurant). Here, it is possible to not only eat well but also to relax and enjoy the view of the riverside.

Gambling is legalized in Germany. In the central part of Kassel, there is a casino that shares its name with the city. Poker, American roulette, and countless slot machines – these are 1,200 square meters of Las Vegas in a small German city. Only people aged 18 and older are allowed to enter the casino, so make sure to take an ID because it will be checked at the entrance. On gentleman days, the age restriction is 21+. The casino also has days for ladies. As always, the casino has a dress code. Evening dress and suite with a tie are not mandatory, so just make sure to dress properly. The entrance fee is 5 euro.