About Hessen
The federal state of Hessen, known in English as Hesse, is situated in west-central Germany. It may be Germany’s most heavily forested state, but the landscapes here vary hugely. Explore the volcanic Vogelsberg region, the mountainous Rhön, the metropolitan Rhine-Main, or the peaceful Lahn Valley. To the north are the unspoilt landscapes that inspired the fairy tales collected by the Brothers Grimm; to the centre and south, you’ll find romantic rolling vineyards and seemingly endless orchards.
Come to Hessen for a museum-filled weekend in the city or bracing outdoor adventures, a weekend of festivals and partying, relaxation and wellness, or a fun-packed family holiday. Explore Hessen’s extraordinary natural scenery, its vibrant cities, pretty spa towns and historic villages. Enjoy our art and culture, castles and palaces, stunning architecture and magnificent landscapes and inner-city green spaces. We can’t wait to welcome you here - there’s something here for everyone!
Hessen at a Glance
Capital city: the elegant spa town of Wiesbaden, home to the seat of the federal government, the Hessen State Theatre, and 27 natural thermal springs
Other major cities: Frankfurt am Main, Kassel and Darmstadt
Neighbouring states: Lower Saxony to the north, Thuringia to the east, Bavaria to the southeast, Baden-Württemberg to the south, Rhineland-Palatinate to the west, and North Rhine-Westphalia to the northwest
UNESCO World Heritage: two World Natural Heritage Sites, four World Cultural Heritage Sites and five documents in the Memory of the World Register
Forests: 42% of Hessen is covered in forest
Highest Mountain: the Wasserkuppe in the Rhön region (950m/3100ft)
History: An overview of Hessen's history is available in English on the official Hessen state website.