Think of Kassel’s Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe. Here lies a serene pond called the Entenfang. It is northwest of the Löwenburg.
The Entenfang is more than just a body of water. It is a piece of Kassel’s history. The Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe itself became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. This honor recognizes the park’s unique blend of nature, architecture, and history.
Kassel has an important place in German history. The city boasts many attractions and sights. Culture, art, and history are omnipresent. They are behind museum doors and in the middle of Kassel’s central piazza. They are even next to streets. Joseph Beuys’ project “Tree and Basalt” has shaped Kassel’s alleys and pathways since the 1980s.
Every five years, the documenta takes place in Kassel. It is the largest exhibition of contemporary art. It attracts those interested in cultural events and modern art. The city’s official title is “documenta Stadt”. This underlines the importance of this big event. Unlike other cultural exhibitions, documenta does not exclusively take place in galleries and museums. Installations and projects can be found all over the city. Some ideas are tailored to public places. Even if one does not get to visit Kassel during documenta, artworks can be visited. Some remain even after the official end of the exhibition. They become an important part of the city’s landscape.
Kassel was where the Brothers Grimm collected fairy tales. They wrote down famous stories such as Snow White and Cinderella. They attempted to write the first dictionary of the German language. With ‘Grimmwelt’ (Grimm’s world), Kassel has a new museum. It focuses on the life and work of the brothers. It also focuses on the stories and characters of the fairy tales. It has won several awards. It has received international praise. This is due to its innovative equipment and the exclusive insight into the world of the men behind the famous fairy tales.
Kassel’s pride is ‘Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe’. It became a UNESCO world heritage site in 2013. The park itself is already an attraction. It is the biggest hillside park in Europe. The ‘Herkules’ (Hercules monument) is the statue visible throughout most of the city and beyond. This is where the water features begin. The mechanisms are still the same as in the 18th century. No electricity whatsoever is used. On Sundays and public holidays, waterfalls run throughout the park. They pass an aqueduct and resume in a giant fountain.
Another sight in the Bergpark is the ‘Löwenburg’ (Lion’s fortress). It was built in the 18th century as an artificial castle ruin. It was inspired by a Scottish castle. It is considered significant for German architectural history. Today it contains an exhibition of armoury for interested visitors. The most dominant feature of the Mountain Park is Schloss Wilhelmshöhe. It is a neoclassical castle. It was originally a summer residence for the Landgraves of Hesse.
Kassel has one of the greenest city centres in Europe. Karlsaue is a 150-hectare big baroque park. It is now a prominent feature of the city centre. Whether during summer or winter, a walk or a break in the Aue for a breath of fresh air is an everyday luxury for Kassel’s inhabitants. It’s spacious enough for joggers, boule players, and dog walkers.
As you stand by the Entenfang, remember Kassel’s commitment to preserving its history. The Entenfang invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of this special place.