The university town of Giessen (German: Gießen), with a population of more than 80,000 people, belongs to the district of Giessen and is located in the state of Hesse. It is the seventh largest city in Hesse. It covers an area of 72.56 km².
The city is home to the oldest Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen University, the Mittelhessen Higher Technical School (Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen), the Giessen Higher School of Theology (Freie Theologische Hochschule Gießen), and the Higher School of Management and Economics.
Giessen is located on the Lahn River (German: Lahn). Neighboring cities to Giessen are Wetzlar (12 km to the west) and Marburg (30 km to the north), which are also located on the Lahn River, as well as Fulda (80 km to east), Butzbach (German: Butzbach) (18 km south) and Frankfurt am Main (70 km south).
In 1152, Wilhelm von Gleiberg built a fortress surrounded by a moat called Giessen and moved his headquarters there from Gleiberg Castle. Thus the first stone was laid for the subsequent foundation of the city of Giessen. Gleybergh Castle, located approximately 8 km northwest of modern city, was erected by the Conradiners around the 10th century and passed at the end of the 10th century to the Luxemburgs, who established the County of Gleiberg on the middle Lahn.
The first documented mention of the name "Giezzen" dates back to 1197, and in 1248 Giessen was first attested as a city. In 1264, Giessen passed to the Landgraviate of Hesse (German: Hessen), which founded the castle around 1300 (currently the Old Castle in the city - Obergessen Museum). Founded around 1325 new town. The Old Town Hall on the market square (destroyed in 1944) was built around 1450 as a symbol of bourgeois power. The city church was built before 1484. In 1442, Giessen received so-called market privileges - the right to free trade.
Around 1535, Landgrave Philipp the Magnanimous (German: Philipp der Großmütige) ordered the city to be fortified. In the same decade, the old cemetery and the New Castle appeared. On May 27, 1560, a great fire destroyed northern part cities. With the division of the Landgraviate in 1567, Giessen passed to the Landgraviate of Hesse-Marburg (German: Hessen-Marburg), and in 1604 to the Landgraviate of Hesse-Darmstadt (German: Hessen-Darmstadt).
In 1605, the Gymnasium Ludovicianum was founded in Giessen by Landgrave Ludwig V as a Latin school. On May 19, 1607, the privilege of Kaiser Rudolf II (German: Rudolf II) made it possible to found a university in Giessen as a counterpart to the university in Marburg. Two years later, a botanical garden opened in Giessen, one of the oldest in Germany. In 1634-1635 As a result of a severe plague epidemic, the city's population was greatly reduced. In the 18th century, this region was repeatedly devastated by wars and the city was occupied by foreign troops.
After World War II, Giessen was home to US Army troops.
Among the attractions of Giessen are museums (including the mathematics museum "Mathematicum" (German: Mathematikum), the Obergessen Museum in the Old Castle building), buildings of the former Schiffenberg monastery, the city theater, gardens and parks, fortresses and castles, various architectural structures.
Official website of the city of Giessen: www.giessen.de
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The state of Hesse, located in the heart of Germany, is fraught with a lot of interesting things. Here is Frankfurt am Main - one of the main financial centers of the world with skyscrapers, contemporary art galleries and exhibition complexes. Nearby - Wiesbaden, historical resort with magnificent thermal baths and elegant architecture. Marburg is known as the city of the first Protestant university in Germany, where Lomonosov and Pasternak studied at one time. In Kassel, the homeland of the Brothers Grimm, there is a museum dedicated to their fairy tales, as well as the luxurious Wilhelmshöhe park. In Rüsselsheim you can visit the Opel factory, in Fulda you can stroll through the Baroque quarter, and in the Rheingau region you can taste top-quality German wines.
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The state of Hesse in Germany is divided into 3 administrative districts, which include 21 districts and 5 free cities. Over ten rivers flow through the region, the largest of which are the Rhine, Main and Neckar.
Springs and healing
The state of Hesse in Germany has several spa resorts with renowned wellness centers and clinics.
In the capital of the region, Wiesbaden, the Kaiser Friedrich Baths, the Aukammtal thermal complex, the Opelbad water complex on the Neroberg hill and many hotels with their own wellness centers are open to visitors.
In Bad Homburg, where representatives of the Russian royal family and the intelligentsia once loved to relax, there is the famous Kurhaus and the Taunus multidisciplinary clinic, which is considered one of the best in the region.
There are also springs and spa hotels in Bad Vilbel and Bad Nauheim.
Entertainment and active recreation
The state of Hesse is home to a huge number of attractions and excursion routes: the reconstructed Roman fortress of Saalburg in Bad Homburg, the Roman gate in Wiesbaden, the ancient impregnable castle in Runkel, the skyscraper district in Frankfurt and much more. There are many museums here (the Goethe House Museum in Frankfurt, the Wiesbaden Museum, the Brothers Grimm Museum in Kassel, the Mathematicum in Giessen and others), beautiful and well-kept parks, the most famous of which is the Wilhelmshöhe cascade park in Kassel, children's entertainment centers etc.
As elsewhere in Germany, Hesse has excellent conditions for active leisure: at the disposal of those who wish is a developed network of bicycle paths and walking routes, golf courses, water sports centers where you can rent a kayak or boat.
During the day you can also stroll through shops and shopping centers, check out one of the exhibitions, and in the evening go to a beer garden, night club, bowling or casino. Night entertainment is most abundant in the major cities of Hesse, primarily in Frankfurt.
Local cuisine and wines
One of the most characteristic dishes of Hessian cuisine is a green sauce made from several types of herbs and served with meat, fish and jacket potatoes. Other Hessian habits include a love of soft Handkese cheese in onion marinade, ribs with sauerkraut called Scheufellchen, onion pies, smoked Frankfurt sausages and apple wine. In general, they drink wine here more often than beer - and not only drink it, but generously add it to soups and other dishes. And white from Rheingau is considered the best in Germany.
Where to stay
The choice of hotel largely depends on the purpose of the trip. Thus, business travelers, as well as those who are passing through Hesse, stay in Frankfurt, which has a huge selection of hotels. Wiesbaden is famous for its spa hotels, which allow you to combine relaxation with wellness programs. Calm and green, Kassel has comfortable hotels where you can relax from the bustle of big cities. And in the student cities of Marburg and Darmstadt there are many budget hotels and youth hostels.
However, the largest locality here it is, the region itself has the fifth largest territory in Germany. Hesse is popular among lovers of green tourism, 40% of the territory is occupied by forest land, there is balneological resorts, thermal springs, a land famous for its wine-making traditions.
Climate and weather in Hesse
Maritime or continental climate with moderate temperatures. In summer, during the day, the air temperature remains at 23 degrees, in winter around 0. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year. Best time to visit the cities of Hesse - this is July and August.
How to get to Hesse
Most tourists fly to, which is the largest not only in Germany, but throughout Europe. From the airport you can get to the city center or go to any city in a few minutes. Frankfurt am Main, like other cities in Hesse, is connected by trains long distance With nearby countries, it is convenient to simply rent a car, for example at numerous rental points at the airport itself.
Excursions and attractions in Hesse
Frankfurt am Main
The largest city in Hesse, most likely this is where tourists will begin their journey through central Germany, here is the busiest airport and train station in Europe, the busiest road junction Frankfurter Kreuz in Europe, and Frankfurt am Main is the only German city in the so-called 20 alpha cities of the world. But it is worth noting some disadvantages that may be characteristic of a modern metropolis, and this is the annual title of the most dangerous and crime city Germany. Traditionally, as in some other successful German cities, in Frankfurt am Main the Germans will soon remain in the minority against the backdrop of a huge community from Turkey and Eastern Europe.
The architectural dominant of Frankfurt am Main is the business part of the city with skyscrapers and lonely standing cathedral St. Bartholomew's, a fine example of Gothic. It is worth mentioning St Paul's Church where the first Parliament was held in 1848. The beautiful building of the Old Opera and the quaint building of the Guardhouse deserve attention. Tourists can take a walk with benefit and pleasure along the main shopping street Zeil, besides, it has its own record, it is the most crowded street in Germany, at the ends of which there are the largest shopping centers Konstablerwache and Hauptwache. Yes, it is the Zeil in Frankfurt am Main that represents the main market square, and this is where the Christmas market takes place. On Römerberg Square you can see a complex of historical government buildings. Frankfurt am Main is the first and only city of skyscrapers in Germany, the so-called Chicago am Main.
If Berlin has a museum island, then Frankfurt am Main has its own analogue, the Museum Embankment. Cultural events and festivals Frankfurt am Main is primarily represented by the Museumsuferfest festival; according to some sources, this is the largest cultural event in Germany with an attendance of more than 3 million people a year, which takes place in the last days of the last month of summer. 20 museums are open almost around the clock; temporary towns with entertainment and drinks are being built for the needs of the army of tourists.
The small town was ranked second most popular in Hesse. The secret of the city lies in the stunningly beautiful views that open from the hill with the princely residence of Wilhelmshöhe Palace over the city of Kassel. The palace houses an old masters art gallery with Flemish Baroque paintings and includes Rubens, Rembrandt, as well as an antique collection and a graphic cabinet.
Wiesbaden is practically Frankfurt am Main; the name of the city is translated into Russian as “meadow baths”. On the palace square you will find the Duke's Palace and the new town hall, nearby is the old town hall, which is the oldest building in the city.
The state of Hesse is located in the very center of Germany. The land that holds the treasures of the nation, showing its heritage to the world. Here are collected hundreds of majestic monuments and statues, amazing and beautiful castles, architectural wonders, stunningly beautiful religious sites, educational museums, as well as unforgettable scenic areas.
All this can be seen in the federal state of Hesse. It is important to note that it takes a long time to explore not even all, but only the main attractions.
Braunfels Castle was first mentioned in a document dated January 3, 1246. On the site of today's castle there was originally only a tower, built in a prominent place on the basis of basalt rocks. Then it was expanded, two more towers were added, and they were surrounded by a wall. After which a defensive tower, a Knight's Hall and an old castle appeared.
Visitors are invited to stroll through the courtyard and explore the most beautiful rooms of the castle. You can go on a tour of the armory hall, or a tour of sacred art.
The adventure tour includes a costume show of the castle and a story about its history. Children will especially enjoy a walk around the castle; a lot of new impressions await them here.
Almost everyone knows the exciting story about the scientist Frankenstein and the monster he created. There are many historical facts, which indicate that the world-famous novel written by Mary Shelley actually originates in Frankenstein's castle. It is located southeast of Darmstadt.
The exact date of construction remains uncertain, but it is known that the castle was first mentioned in 1252. Frankenstein's Castle has survived many eras, which is reflected in its architectural styles. The very first to be built was the Southern main castle, with residential buildings and a narrow courtyard. Then the thick outer walls of the castle were added. And for the best protection, a circular wall was built, a moat was dug in front of the tower gate, and there was a drawbridge with a long entrance to the castle.
There was also a defensive tower on the southern side. Around the 16th century, the castle's space was expanded, after which Frankenstein Castle reached its final form. Now the castle is a popular destination for visitors. It hosts Germany's largest annual Halloween festival, major events, weddings, and the castle is open to tourists and offers a variety of tours.
Location: Parkplatz Burg Frankenstein, 64367 - Mühltal.
Greifenstein Castle is a national monument. The unique silhouette of the castle is the most recognizable symbol of the region. From the height of the hill on which the castle stands, a picturesque landscape opens up.
It houses the most important collection of bells in Germany. And here awaits a fascinating tour through the history of thousands of bells from around the world. The castle itself is unique both in architecture and in the historical events that took place during its life. Here, each of its stones can tell its own story.
Location: Talstraße - 19.
In 1908, a dam was built near Lake Eder, which is located in the federal state of Hesse. At an altitude of 200 m above lake level, the beautiful Waldeck Castle rises. It was built in the 12th century.
The castle terrace offers fantastic views of the lake and the forested mountains of the national park. You can take a walk around the castle grounds on your own. Or you can use the services of a guide who will show you and give an interesting story about the history of the medieval castle.
Location: Schloßstraße - 1.
In the city of Fulda, administrative district of Kassel in the German state of Hesse, there is one of the oldest and largest Protestant churches. It stands in the middle of the city, halfway between the central railway station and the City Palace.
The Protestant Church - the Church of Christ is of great importance for the religious community, is the venue for church music concerts, and is also one of the most interesting attractions for tourists.
The first stone of the building's foundation was laid on July 24, 1894. Today, the well-designed interior of the church allows visitors to spend their time here in reflection and prayer. The floors are covered with sandstone slabs, the ceiling is painted a bright blue to symbolize divinity, a central corridor leads to the font and altar, and benches are placed on the sides.
Location: Lindenstraße - 1.
In Wiesbaden, in the city center is the Boniface Church. A beautiful and majestic cathedral, with two spiers towering over the city. Its doors are always open to parishioners. Inside the large hall, visitors walk towards the center, where the altar is installed.
There are countless prayer candles in the hall. The sun's rays play in the large stained glass windows. From such light, both daylight and the light from candles, a special aura is felt in the cathedral, an aura of mystery and tranquility.
Location: Luisenstraße - 33.
How nice it is for travelers to see pieces of their own Motherland in other countries. They get a feeling of closeness to home when they look at the Russian Church. This is a beautiful and valuable building for the city of Wiesbaden, it is visible and stands out from afar.
In architecture, it resembles the Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Savior; it was built according to its model. The church serves the Russian community as a parish church.
Location: Christian-Spielmann-Weg - 1.
More than one generation has grown up on the fairy tales of the world-famous Brothers Grimm. A monument to them was erected on the market square of the city of Hanau in Hesse.
The total height of the monument is 6.45 meters. The sculpture of one of the brothers - Wilhelm Grimm - in a sitting position, next to him the second brother Jacob Grimm - standing. There is an open book on Wilhelm's lap and both brothers are reading it.
The famous poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe was born in German city Frankfurt am Main. Streets and government institutions, such as Goethe University, are named after him in Germany.
In 1844, a monument was erected in his hometown. It represents a high bronze pedestal and a sculpture of the poet, also made of bronze. The poet looks into the distance with a thoughtful look, in his hand is a scroll with poems. On the pedestal you can see reliefs in the form of characters from works - allegorical figures of Goethe's lyrical poetry.
The German monument is located in the Niederwald National Park. The author of the project is Johannes Schiller. The monument is impressive with its enormous size; from the base to the top its height is 38.18 meters.
The composition, installed on a pedestal, is about 12.5 meters high, and at its base is engraved an inscription that commemorates the German-Prussian war and the unification of the empire in 1870-1871. There are many bas-reliefs on the monument; in total, 133 people are depicted here.
First of all, these are generals and princes who played an important role in history. Among them is a Prussian guard with a flag and next to him a Saxon infantryman carrying a drum. All 133 figures are life-size. On either side of the main bas-reliefs are two other characters, symbolizing war and peace. On the left side there is a scene of farewell to the soldiers, and on the right side their return is shown.
The Lorsch Monastery is one of the main attractions of the state of Hesse. Its history goes back a long way; it was founded in 764. An amazing engraving by Matthaus Merian from 1615 has survived to this day, depicting the monastery with all its buildings.
Until the 90s of the 20th century, everything possible was done to find out about the most important architectural components of the monastery ensemble; archaeological excavations, ancient manuscripts were studied. From an important medieval monastery, the “Royal Hall”, part of the church and the monastery wall have survived. And in 2008/2009, as part of the program for the preservation of historical and cultural heritage sites, funds were allocated for the restoration of the monastery. Now the monastery owns a garden of medicinal plants, a monastery wall, a Carolingian estate, and a large museum center.
Location: Nibelungenstraße.
Archaeological Park – Saalburg in Hesse
The main gate of the Archaeological Park and Museum under open air paving the way for all guests to follow in the footsteps of the Romans. At the end of the first century, a Roman frontier camp was built in the Taunus Mountains. The Saalburg area developed rapidly, with up to 2,000 soldiers and civilians living in this military settlement.
There were paved roads, shops, bars, the infrastructure of the settlement was well developed, but it was attacked by Germanic tribes and Saalburg was completely abandoned. In the mid-19th century, the first archaeological excavations were carried out in these places. Then they reconstructed the Saalburg fortress. And in 2005 Saalburg was included in the list of objects world heritage UNESCO.
In the territory archaeological park There is a castle, a museum, an archaeological collection, costume performances are held for park guests, which show the life of Roman troops. You can also go on a tour demonstrating various crafts.
Not far from the commune of Messel there is an interesting quarry, the Messel quarry. Fossilized remains of early animals have been discovered at this site. Extensive paleontological excavations are still underway here. Tourists come here to look at it and even take part in such excavations. Special tours are offered and screenings are held. Built on the edge of a quarry Observation deck, from where you can look inside, even without participating in a tour.
The information center at the quarry offers a journey into the world of the quarry, simulating a descent underground to a depth of 433 meters with the discovery of fossil finds. This quarry is an important witness to the evolution of animals, and a visit to it will be very educational and interesting.
Wilhelmshöhe - Mountain Park
In the Administrative District of Kassel, Hesse, there is a unique park - Mountain Park Wilhelmshöhe.
Among the special places in the park are the Medieval Löwenburg Castle, Wilhelmshöhe Palace with a flower greenhouse and an adjacent castle for celebrations, baroque and romantic fountains, waterfalls, small buildings - the Socrates Hall and the Temple of Mercury. And the main building - the Karl Landgrave Building of Hesse-Kassel - is a real miracle of architecture, it was built in the Baroque style, right in a cave and symbolizes the triumph of art over nature. The monumental hydraulic structures of the park have attracted curious travelers from all over the world for many centuries.
Five forest sites in Germany are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. They represent the most valuable remaining large intact beech forests. When traveling through Hesse, you should definitely visit National Park Kellerwald Edersee. This area is hilly, there are many stones and steep slopes. Apparently due to this, the use of forestry was difficult, and the forest was not cut down.
The territory of this forest was made a nature reserve due to the diversity of plant and animal species that lived here. Walk through national park will give happy moments, create a feeling of calm and serenity. Rocky hillocks, tall trees, sometimes with bizarre and even slightly fabulous shapes, a huge number of streams and clean water sources - all this is the Kellerwald Edersee National Park. Among the animals you can see here are the black stork, eagle owl, kite, woodpeckers, bats, and many rare beetles.
Traveling in Germany through the land of Hesse on warm days, starting here in early May and lasting until October, my extensive excursion program and inspection of many magnificent palaces and museums with a huge collection of interesting exhibits, you can diversify with trips to wonderful natural parks and gardens.
One such garden is the Dahlia Garden in Fulda. Walking here is especially tempting at the end of summer, when more than 30 varieties of dahlias bloom here. The garden is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. By the garden beautiful view, from here you can see the city's Cathedral Square.
Even traveling around Europe, you can meet the inhabitants of Africa. The Frankfurt Zoo, founded in 1858, offers lions and crocodiles, monkeys and rhinoceroses. It is interesting to observe the impressive wildlife of Africa and other continents.
Lives here more than 4500 animals 500 represented various types. Especially for little visitors there is a children's petting zoo, and on weekends you can ride a pony.
Location: Bernhard-Grzimek-Allee - 1.
The region of Hesse (German: Hessen) was created on September 19, 1945 according to a special decree of the US military occupation administration. Before this, its territory was part of the principalities of Hesse-Kassel and Hesse-Darmstadt. It borders the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Thuringia, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate.
Geographical heart of Germany
Hesse, the fifth largest federal state by area, is located in the very center of Germany. A point is designated on its territory, the distance from which to different parts of the country is equidistant. Germany's geographical heart is rich natural resources. In addition to oil and gas, brown coal and potassium salt are mined here. The capital of the state is Wiesbaden. It is also known for its casinos and is popular as a resort town. The region as a whole is famous for its unique nature: wooded hills rise here, and many calm rivers flow.
Historical evidence about Hesse
The name of the land comes from one of the ancient Germanic tribes - the Hutts (not to be confused with the fantastic race from " Star Wars", which has the same name). As a result of the Prussian-Austrian War of 1866, most of Hesse came into the possession of Prussia - with the exception of the Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt. Nowadays it is one of the most actively developing areas on the European continent.
One of the centers of economic life
Hesse is one of the world's recognized financial centers. The German Federal Bank operates on its territory, not to mention the presence of branches of other German and a number of foreign banks (there are more than four hundred of them). Production has been developed. Brand new locomotives and cars of such brands as Volkswagen, Opel, Thyssen-Henschel and others roll off the assembly lines of the local factories.
Cities and attractions of Hesse
Getting to know Frankfurt am Main, largest city region, starts with its international airport. It is the largest in Germany and the second largest in Europe (after London Heathrow).
Hesse is the geographical center and the fifth largest state of Germany
Its location in the very center of the old continent makes this air harbor an important link in global air travel. Up to 40 million passengers use its services annually.
Frankfurt am Main is also famous for its famous library, which the Germans call the “bookcase” of all Germany. Popular book exhibitions are frequent in the city. And during the times of the Empire (1870-1918), it was here that the German Kaisers were crowned.
For tourists, especially fans fine arts, it is also worth turning your attention to the city of Kassel. Here you can visit the museum of famous storytellers the Brothers Grimm, visit the largest exhibition of contemporary art “Documenta” and visit a mountain park famous for its amazing fountains.
You can talk for a long time about the land of Hesse, its nature and cities, and the many attractions concentrated in this area. But it is hardly possible to list all the advantages of the region. Isn't it better to come here at least once and see everything with your own eyes?
