HESSE & CENTRAL GERMANY
This region is the historic and geographic heart of Germany, blending the modern financial hub of Frankfurt with the tranquil, fairy-tale landscapes that inspired the Brothers Grimm. Explore ancient castles, therapeutic thermal spas, and the home of the world-famous Apfelwein.
Why Visit Hesse & Central Germany?
Fairy Tales and Forests: Discover the legendary places that inspired the Brothers Grimm, like the Reinhardswald and Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe (a UNESCO World Heritage site).
Wine and Spa Culture: Relax in historic spa towns like Wiesbaden and explore the picturesque vineyards of the Rheingau and Hessische Bergstraße wine regions.
Frankfurt: Germany’s Gateway: Experience a vibrant, cosmopolitan city known for its stunning skyline, world-class museums, and traditional Apfelwein pubs (cider houses).
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October): This is the ideal time for hiking the low mountain ranges and enjoying the wine harvest festivals in the Rheingau, with warm, pleasant weather.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): Visit in winter for charming Christmas markets in cities like Frankfurt and Wiesbaden, or enjoy skiing/sledding in the Rhön or Vogelsberg regions.
Peak Season (July-August): The weather is reliably warm and sunny, making it perfect for city breaks and outdoor activities. Book accommodations well in advance for Frankfurt.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Frankfurt Rhine-Main
This metropolitan area is the financial engine of Germany, yet it offers a rich cultural experience. Explore the Museum Embankment (Museumsufer), the historic Römerberg square, and the traditional Sachsenhausen district for its Apfelwein taverns.
Your Smart Tip: Don’t limit yourself to the skyscrapers. Use Frankfurt as a hub for day trips to the charming spa town of Wiesbaden or the wine villages of the Rheingau along the Rhine.
Northern Hesse & The Brothers Grimm Country
This is the land of fairy tales. Its main city, Kassel, is home to the stunning Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe and hosts the world-renowned documenta art exhibition every five years. Explore the vast forests of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park.
Your Smart Tip: To truly experience the fairy-tale atmosphere, drive or cycle along the German Fairy Tale Route (Deutsche Märchenstraße), which runs through many picturesque towns and villages in the region.
Central Hesse & Low Mountain Ranges
This region is defined by its natural beauty, including the extinct volcanic massif of the Vogelsberg and the gentle hills of the Rhön UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Historic university towns like Marburg and Giessen offer vibrant, youthful atmospheres.
Your Smart Tip: The Rhön region, known as the “Land of Endless Horizons,” is a popular destination for gliding and is perfect for clear, wide-ranging scenic views that contrast with the dense forests of the other ranges.
The Rheingau Wine Region
Located along the Rhine, this region is one of Germany’s most important wine-growing areas, famous for its Riesling and Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder). It’s dotted with beautiful monasteries, castles, and Straußenwirtschaften (seasonal wine taverns).
Your Smart Tip: For the best value on hotels and a more personal experience at the wineries, visit in the shoulder season. The autumn harvest is a particularly beautiful time.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
Hesse has a moderate continental climate. Summers (June-August) are warm with average highs of (). Winters (December-February) are cold, with average lows just below freezing. The mountain areas like the Rhön and Vogelsberg are generally cooler, with reliable snow for winter sports.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: German is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in Frankfurt and among younger people. Learning a few basic German phrases is always appreciated.
Punctuality: Germans are generally very punctual. If you are meeting someone or attending a tour, aim to arrive on time or a few minutes early.
Tipping: Tipping is customary in restaurants and for service staff. A simple way is to round up the bill or add 5-10% for good service.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($30–$60), mid-range hotels ($90–$150), luxury ($180+). Prices are significantly higher in Frankfurt during major trade fairs.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu (Mittagsmenü) ($15–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$50 per person), fine dining ($70+).
Transport: Car rental ($40/day), local public transport day ticket in Frankfurt ($8–$12).
Activities: Museum entry ($10–$20), Rheingau wine tasting tours ($20+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $80–$120 (hostels, small food stalls/supermarket, public transport).
- Mid-range: $140–$220 (hotels, mid-range restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $250+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Train: Germany’s high-speed and regional rail network (Deutsche Bahn) is excellent, efficiently connecting major cities like Frankfurt, Kassel, and Marburg.
By Car: A car is the best way to explore the rural areas, like the Vogelsberg or the Rheingau wine villages, but is unnecessary and expensive in city centers.
By Public Transport: Frankfurt has a well-developed subway/train system (S-Bahn/U-Bahn). Regional buses connect smaller towns to the rail hubs.
Must-Try Food
Frankfurter Grüne Soße (Green Sauce): A cold sauce made with seven fresh herbs, often served with boiled eggs and potatoes or with Frankfurter Schnitzel.
Handkäse mit Musik: A strong-smelling, marinated sour milk cheese served with onions and caraway seeds, typically accompanied by Apfelwein. The “music” refers to the digestive sounds.
Frankfurter Würstchen: The original small, boiled pork sausages that must be made in the Frankfurt area to carry the name.
Ahle Wurscht: A specialty of Northern Hesse, this is a slowly-matured, air-dried pork sausage with a unique, rustic flavor.
Frankfurter Rippchen: Cured, smoked pork cutlets that are gently braised, traditionally served with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.
Spundekäs: A creamy mixture of fresh cheese, quark, paprika, and onions, often served as a spread with pretzels or bread.
Frankfurter Kranz: A decadent, ring-shaped layer cake symbolizing a crown, typically made with a sponge base, buttercream, and garnished with brittle nuts (often Krokant).
Bethmännchen: Small, marzipan-based cookies from Frankfurt, decorated with three almond halves, traditionally a Christmas favorite.
Apfelkuchen (Apple Cake): A classic German dessert, usually a simple, moist cake topped with sliced apples and cinnamon.
Schneegestöber: A creamy spread made from camembert, butter, cream cheese, and spices, served with dark bread.
Must-Try Drinks
Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi): Hesse’s national drink—a tart, alcoholic apple cider. It is traditionally served in a stoneware pitcher (Bembel) and poured into a ribbed glass (Geripptes).
Riesling: The signature white wine of the Rheingau, ranging from dry (Trocken) to sweet dessert wines.
Sauergespritzter: A very popular local mixed drink, combining Apfelwein with sparkling water.
Süßgespritzter: Apfelwein mixed with lemonade (like Sprite), which is a sweeter option.
Rheingauer Spätburgunder: Pinot Noir from the Rheingau region, a high-quality red wine.
Kirschwasser: A clear, colorless fruit brandy made from double-distilled sour cherries, often served after a meal.
Bier (Beer): While Apfelwein is king, local beers like a light Pilsner or the regional Kölsch (from nearby Cologne) are widely available.
Apfelschorle: A non-alcoholic, refreshing mix of apple juice and sparkling water.
Traubensaft (Grape Juice): Fresh, local grape juice from the wine regions during harvest season.