Wiesbaden Holidays

Wiesbaden at a Glance

Situated in southwest Germany, the capital of the state of Hesse, Wiesbaden is one of the oldest spa towns in Europe, along with Bath in the UK. The town dates back to the Roman era, around 6 A.D. when the settlement was famous for its thermal springs, but current-day Wiesbaden can actually be dated back all the way to the Neolithic era.

You’ll love Wiesbaden if …

• You crave some rest and relaxation from the stresses of life back home.
• You love a town with mixed architecture to view, from the Neo-Gothic to the Neo-Classic.
• You like towns which have a rich and alive culture scene that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Attractions on a Wiesbaden Holiday

Wiesbaden boasts fifteen hot springs remaining of its original twenty-seven, which is how it got its name, which translates into to “meadow bath”. As well as the famous spas on offer, Wiesbaden offers a wealth of wonderful attractions:

• The Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden is the State Theatre of Hesse, is where the annual International May Festival is hosted and was, in the past, substantially supported by German emperor William I, who regularly visited the town’s famous spa. Built in Baroque-revival style, it is a gorgeous and grand example of architecture. Right next-door, there are the similarly awe-inspiring Kurhaus (spa house), the Kurhaus Kolonnade and the Theater Kolonnade, all built in stunning Neo-Classical style. These buildings can’t be missed; they’re almost wonders of the world.
• Built in remembrance of his wife, who died during childbirth, Duke Adolf of Nassau commissioned Philipp Hoffmann to build St Elizabeth’s Church, an amazing example of Russian-style architecture and the only Russian Orthodox Church in the town.
• Of course, the places you really need to visit in Wiesbaden are the spas. Still viewed today as they were in ancient Rome, the healing spas of Wiesbaden recommended are the Art Nouveu-styled Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme; and the ultra-modern Thermalbad Aukammtal. Both offer excellent packages so you can experience the historic spas without great expense.

Cultural Events on a Wiesbaden Holiday

2012 is the year to holiday in Wiesbaden, with many exciting cultural events coming up in the town which are great for the whole family.

• If you’re visiting in the winter season, you’re in for a real treat; the Twinkling Star Christmas Market might sound tacky, but it’s anything but. Held in the stunning Schlossplatz, you can enter the glittering Winter Wonderland through star-studded gates, to find a fairytale Christmas market that would rival any back home.
• From summer through to autumn (June 23rd – September 1st), you can catch the epic Rheingau Music Festival. Showcasing world-class soloists and orchestras from the world of classical music, this buzzing festival attracts on average 120,000 enthusiasts from around the world. Additionally, the events take place at over 40 beautiful, historic venues, so you can enjoy the beauty of Wiesbaden while enjoying the beauty of the music.
• Earlier in the year, there is an event which will please the younger crowd; the carnival parade on February 19th. You have to stay up a bit later to catch it, but it’s definitely worth it; over 200 brightly decorated floats, 40 bands from both Germany and Switzerland and a variety of traditional outfits which are assured to stun, this parade is one of the most fun things you can do in the country. The Germans agree; people travel from all over just to see it.