Kassel cascades: what you should know about the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe trick fountains
A visit to the Kassel Wilhelmshöhe water games begins at the Hercules in Kassel. The water games begin at Hercules. From there you follow the water down the mountain.
The Hercules Kassel towers over the Kassel trick fountains
The statue of Hercules in Kassel towers over the trick fountains in Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe. It is the symbol of the city. From the viewing platform below the statue you have a magnificent view of the city of Kassel and the Kassel Bergpark.
Kassel Sights Waterfall and Kassel Bergpark
In Kassel we visit the Wilhelmshöhe and the Hercules. We are particularly impressed by the waterfall. It starts at the Hercules and ends in the lake. The water flows over cascades and grottos. The sight is an experience. The waterfall in Kassel offers nature as well as architecture. We enjoy the view and the sound of the water.
1. Station of the water games at Hercules
The first station of the water games is located below the octagon on which Hercules is enthroned. All around us there is murmuring, bubbling and splashing! In the midst of crowds of people we are just a few meters below the statue of Hercules stuck and can no longer move. Instead we are pushed. Down the stairs. And these are steep. 539 steps from the top of the Karlsberg along the Great Cascade and always squeezed between rock slabs that limit the path to the left and right. Driven forward by thousands of visitors who want the same thing as us. See the Kassel water features in the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe.
First of all, we are shocked! We do not see anything from the water that pours down the mountain from the pipes just centimeters away, nor from the view of the city of Kassel, which lies below us. Crowds in front of and next to us prevent this. And it doesn't look like that will change, because reversing is impossible.
Kassel water features at Herkules in the Bergpark Kassel
We have no choice but to let ourselves drift. Therefore, we descend in a group of visitors to the Neptune Plateau. This is where the stairs end. Their number and height shot me in the legs up to this intermediate station. My knees tremble when I stand in front of the baroque part of the water features with its faun and centaur. I hear the roar of the water from their horns. Here I see the water correctly for the first time.
Map of the Kassel trick fountains in the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe
Kassel Water Show - how does it work?
Have you ever wondered how the water features in Kassel work? It's really fascinating! Every spring through fall they come to life. Thanks to gravity! No pumps necessary. Water flows from the Hercules statue down to the cascades. Over 750 meters long. An impressive spectacle that you shouldn't miss.
The water, which is collected in reservoirs on the mountain, seeks the way down into the valley via steps. It is rainwater that is collected for this spectacle. Therefore, the water games only take place twice a week. Every Wednesday and Sunday and public holiday at 14.30:1 p.m. between May 3st and October XNUMXrd. In between, the water supply has to be replenished in order to start the Hercules water features on the way to Wilhelmshöhe Castle.
Baroque Water Park Hesse
Instead of a palace, as many of his prince colleagues had built during the absolutist era, Landgrave Carl had a water garden built on Karlsberg in Kassel Wilhelmshöhe. The architect Giovanni Francesco Guerniero from Italy created the upper part of the water park until 1714 and completed it with the erection of the statue of Hercules on the octagon at the top of the Karlsberg. A landscape axis opens below the Neptune plateau and extends into the city of Kassel. An outlook that is second to none! Then for a generation there was an end to the expansion of the water features. Only Carl's grandson Landgrave Friedrich II continued the work. Under his reign, the landscape garden was created, which adjoins below the plateau. It was Friedrich II who opened the central axis, which continues into Wilhelmshöher Allee into the city.
What you can do in Hesse
Visiting the water features is exhausting
We now follow the crowds of visitors a little more leisurely, because the paths are wider from here. We still have to hurry, because the water flows through each element of the water features in Kassel Wilhelmshöhe for only about ten minutes before it dries up again. We stop at the romantic water features and watch over the heads of the other visitors how the water slowly flows out of the artificially created rock and fills channels that carry it further down.
You need that for a visit
- Comfortable shoeswhere you can safely walk on stairs and forest floor.
- A water bottle, because it gets very hot on the road in summer and there is no possibility to buy something to drink.
- A backpack, in which you can store everything you need for two hours.
- picnic Accessories, because on the meadow below the waterfalls you can do well after the water games snack . make
The Kassel Devil's Bridge
This time we take the chance and line up in front of the majority of the visitors on our way to the Teufelsbrücke, which in its arch shape is reminiscent of a bridge in the Alps that bears the same name. Below that, the water masses plummet ten meters.
This section of the park is already a legacy of Landgrave Wilhelm IX, the son of Frederick II and later Elector Wilhelm I. The English Garden and Landscape Park in Kassel Wilhelmshöhe was created under him. The nature of the park is included in the design, and a second water supply is needed to operate this part of the water features.
Bergpark - the Dehio cascade
Finally, we find the Dehio cascade, which directs the water over steps and boulders into the valley, to be particularly beautiful because it seems natural. Surrounded by deciduous trees, it ripples down the mountain at this point as if through a stream. However, this vision of a stream is shortly afterwards interrupted by a torrent of water over the aqueduct break-off. The water falls thirty meters down here and offers a sight that takes your breath away.
The highlight of the Kassel water features is the fountain
All the water collects in the fountain pond behind the castle, where it then uses a complex system to bring about the climax of the water features in Kassel Wilhelmshöhe. This is the most powerful fountain in a garden in Europe, shooting up to 50 meters high without any technical assistance. The shouts of joy from the spectators gathered at the pond pay tribute to the garden architects from three centuries ago to this day for a masterpiece of baroque horticultural art. The tension that had built up over almost two hours burst into enthusiastic applause.
After two grueling hours of being propelled down the mountain by the water, we realize that you have to experience the water features to appreciate the masterwork of these architects. Even the landgraves and electors who had them built always opened them up to the common people. It should participate in these games. The fascination with it hasn't changed to this day.
The Cascade Restaurant in Kassel
The Kaskadenwirtschaft Grischäfer is located near the Neptungrotte in the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe. Incidentally, there are Hessian specialties in the rustic restaurant.
This is what you should know before you look at the Kassel fountains in Bad Wilhelmshöhe:
Opening hours and prices of the Kassel water games
From May to October, the Kassel water games take place every Wednesday, Sunday and on public holidays. The show starts at 14:30 p.m. and lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Admission to the mountain park is free. But if you want to experience the water features up close, we recommend a guided tour. Prices for guided tours start at 5 euros for adults and 3 euros for children. There are also family tickets starting at 12 euros.
You can get help here
- Who gets problems on the way (because exhausting is the whole thing), can turn to a park supervision. They have radio and can call for help if necessary. Mobile phones do not work in many places on the mountainside. During our visit, we heard several times the ambulance transporting people with fainting spells.
Plan ahead
- It's easy to get lost in the crowds. Therefore, you should definitely agree on a meeting point before the water games begin, where you will meet again if you should be separated on the way.
- There are also guided tours explaining the development of the landscape garden. These are chargeable. You can also watch the fountains on your own (free of charge) and simply follow the crowds. However, the individual attractions are not all in a straight line behind and below each other, but here you have to know where to go next.
- We had our car at the parking lot (fee) at the Herkules terraces and after the water games with the bus 23 (departure about 750 m footpath below the castle Kassel Wilhelmshöhe) drove back to pick it up. The bus ride is free with the My Card Plus.
Do you like to travel by motorhome?
- Do you want to rent a mobile home? Then you will find information and a selection of booking options here. Rent a motorhome or a camper near you here. Or would you prefer to stay overnight in a roof tent on the car? Also the overnight stay in camping tents is possible.
- Check our packing list for campers to see whether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour.
- Am Kassel camping and camper place* you can spend the night directly on the Fulda. But there are more Campsites in Kassel*. There you can after a day trip in a Dutch Oven or on the portable grill or maybe on a campfire . You can also find Dutch oven accessories you can also find here.
- Practical accessories for the mobile home you can also find here.
- Why is a folding e-bike useful when camping?
Your guide to the Hercules water features in Kassel
The Hercules water features in Kassel are a real experience. But how do you get there, where can you park and what do you have to consider? Here you will find all the important information.
How to reach us
You can reach Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe by car via the A44 and follow the signs. If you prefer to take public transport, tram line 1 is your best choice. Get off at the “Wilhelmshöhe Park” stop.
Barrier-free arrival
Tram line 1 is barrier-free, so wheelchair users and people with walking aids can get on and off easily. The “Wilhelmshöhe Park” stop is also designed to be barrier-free.
Parking
There are parking spaces directly at the mountain park. But be careful: on days when the water features are on, they fill up quickly. Therefore, you should arrive early or use one of the park and ride areas.
When visiting the Devil's Bridge in Kassel, you can easily park behind the Herkules. Another option is below Wilhelmshöhe Castle.
There are special parking spaces for people with reduced mobility. These are close to the entrances and well signposted. But remember to place your disability card in a clearly visible place in the car.
Accessibility and mobility at the Hercules water features in Kassel
Would you like to experience the Hercules water features in Kassel, but are concerned about accessibility? Don't worry, you'll find all the important information here.
Paths and viewpoints
The mountain park offers several barrier-free paths. There are also viewing points that are wheelchair accessible. There you can see the water feature clearly without having to push through the crowd.
Local transport
There is a shuttle service for people who cannot walk long distances. This takes you from the parking lots to the most important points of the park. This service is also barrier-free.
Stations on the route:
- Parking lot at the Wilhelmshöhe visitor center
- Wilhelmshöhe Castle plateau
- Aqueduct / Devil's Bridge
- Steinhöfer waterfall
- Lowenburg
- Large cascades / Neptune pools
- Aqueduct / Devil's Bridge
- Wilhelmshöhe Castle plateau
- Parking lot at the Wilhelmshöhe visitor center
Health and Safety
The paths can be slippery, especially if it has rained. So, wear sturdy shoes. Children should always be held by the hand as there are also steep sections. And remember sun protection, because shaded areas are rare.
Extra tip
The water features start at the Hercules Monument and flow to Wilhelmshöhe Castle. To avoid missing anything, it's best to position yourself in the middle of the route. This gives you a good view of the entire spectacle.
Before the water games start, you can take a lunch break in this restaurant. The view of Kassel alone is worth the visit. If you are planning this, you should book a table, because on the days of the fountains the restaurant is full to capacity. Alternatively, it is worthwhile to have one snack in the lunch box im backpack .
We stayed at the three star hotel
Wilhelmshoeher Allee 288
Bad Wilhelmshoehe
34131 Kassel
The hotel is conveniently located below the Bergpark Kassel Wilhelmshöhe on Wilhelmshöher Allee. It is a modern business hotel with large, pleasantly bright and functionally furnished rooms with WiFi, which could be a bit more powerful. A hotel car park is available (for a fee). Breakfast buffet is also offered. For the Dinner and breakfast we recommend a short walk to an old part of Kassel, where numerous half-timbered houses still stand.
In this hotel you can also get them
My Card Plus
This leisure card is a gift of the participating hotels and includes admission to all participating leisure facilities in the GrimmHeimat, as well as free travel on the buses and trains in the North Hessian transport network.
You can experience the illuminated water features Kassel 2024 from October 3rd to 6th, 2024. Then video and light art installations transform the waterfalls into a dreamlike landscape. You can also find further information via the link.
Travel Tips for Hesse
- Three tips for bon vivants in Bad Wildungen
- A culinary trip through Hessen
- Where to eat in Kassel?
- Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kassel
- Kellerwald Edersee Nature Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Questions and answers about the Kassel trick fountains at Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe
Where do the trick fountains take place in Kassel?
The water games take place in the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe in Kassel.
When do the water games take place?
The water games usually take place from May to September. You can find more exact dates on the official website of the mountain park.
How long do the water games last?
The water games last about 30 minutes. However, there are different time windows in which they take place. Please inform yourself in advance about the exact times.
Are there tickets for the water features?
No, visiting the trick fountains in Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is free. However, fees may apply for entry into certain areas of the park.
What are the highlights of the trick fountains?
The highlights of the water features include the “Great Cascade Waterfall” and the “Steinhöfer Waterfall”.
Can I take photos or film during the water features?
Yes, you can take photos and film during the water features. However, please note that the use of drones is not permitted in the park. Also make sure that other visitors are not disturbed and adhere to the park's rules.
Note:
Please note that information about the Kassel trick fountains is subject to change. It is always advisable to check the up-to-date information on the official Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe website before your visit.
Travel Arrangements:
Parking at the airport
You can book your parking space at the airport here.
Arrival by train or bus
Compare and book flights here*. Lufthansa and numerous other airlines fly to Frankfurt or Hanover. It is also possible to travel by train. In any case, the Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe ICE train station is conveniently located. information about local transport links here.
Car Rentals:
Cheap Car Hire - Book Fast and Easy! *
Hotels in Kassel:
Hotels in Kassel * you can, for example, book via our partner booking.com under this link.
Camping in Kassel:
The RV park Kassel* is located on the Fulda. A Rent a motorhome you can also here. With our Motorhome packing list Plus, you'll never forget anything again. Or do you sleep in one instead roof tent on the car?
Op Jück is also there Tips for a weekend in Kassel
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Slow Travel goals You can find it here, for example. Also discover cities in Germany.
Source: On-site research. We would like to thank Grimm Heimat Nordhessen for the invitation. However, our opinion remains our own.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TWO
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TWO
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TWO