Bad Wilhelmshöhe is one of Kassel’s most scenic districts, with great swaths of parkland dotted with historic structures. Streams, lakes and the Steinhöfer Waterfall add to the varied terrain, while the palaces provide a window into the region’s glamorous past. Consider visiting Bad Wilhelmshöhe over a couple of days so you can fully explore its sites, including the natural and architectural attractions in the vast Wilhelmshöhe Park.

The park takes up the western half of the district as it moves away from the city center of Kassel. Climb up twisting paths to the hilly peaks of the park for excellent views of the pastoral surroundings. Consider the extensive history of the land, which was made into a baroque park in the late 17th century.

Among the park’s highlights is the 18th-century Löwenburg Castle that remains open to visitors. Join a tour of the armory and chapel, taking time to note the mock medieval design. Make your way to the nearby neoclassical behemoth of Schloss Wilhelmshöhe that was used as a summer residence by Emperor Wilhelm II. Today, it contains the art exhibits of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister gallery.

Crowning the grassy mountain of the park is the Hercules monument. Climb the many steps to reach the octagonal structure. Look up to see a pyramid with the sculpture of the Greek demigod. Admire the artificial set of cascades made up of water running down steps from the monument.

The district runs west from the center of Kassel in the middle of Germany. Travel by bus to the Kassel Wilhelmshöhe station or ride a tram to one of the many stops scattered across the area. Visit some of the landmarks just outside of the district, such as the Dönche Nature Reserve, the Goetheanlage park and the Kongress Palais Kassel.

Water stairs, a mock medieval castle and a neogothic palace are among the extraordinary features of the mountain park in Bad Wilhelmshöhe.