Kassel
Where nature meets urban vibes in the heart of Germany

Kassel was rebuilt in the 1950s after the war and today’s townscape is characterised very much by the typical charm of 1950s architecture. Still numerous baroque and Renaissance buildings exist, especially in the western part of the city or within the park areas.

The City is clearly influenced by art and famous for hosting „documenta“, the world’s most important exhibition of modern and contemporary art. Every five years famous artists display their work throughout the town over a period of 100 days. Therefore, the documenta is also called „Museum der 100 Tage“ (“Museum of 100 Days”). The exhibition attracts almost a million visitors to Kassel. Some former exhibits have become permanent features here, most notably Joseph Beuys‘ 7,000 Oaks which were planted all over the city in 1982 on the occasion of „documenta 7“.

Fairytales play an important role in Kassel because this is where the brothers Grimm studied. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were the authors of such fairytales as „Hansel and Gretel“ and „The Valiant Little Tailor“. This is why the Deutsche Märchenstrasse, or Street of Fairytales, passes through Kassel.

600 kilometres long, it goes from Hanau, near , to . Apart from the hiking trail, Kassel also hosts the in which you can find out about the lives of the two brothers. Several of their stories were penned in Kassel, including „Snow White and the Seven Dwarves“. Thanks to their studies of the German language, the Brothers Grimm are considered to be the founding fathers of German studies.

Around Christmas time, Kassel is home to a Fairytale Christmas Market, where the lively atmosphere of the “Weihnachtsmarkt” intertwines with the world-renowned tales of the Brothers Grimm.

After a hard day’s work, you can get some exercise in one of the sports courses offered at the higher education institutions. All kinds of sport are offered, from gymnastics to canoeing. Courses are soon full so sign up quickly!

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