Darmstadt
Darmstadt, Germany
Counting architectural wonders, a medieval castle, and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological site among its eclectic attractions, Darmstadt appeals to those willing to wander off the beaten track. Just a short hop from Frankfurt, the city is best known for its impressively preserved Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) architecture.
The Basics
A walking tour of Darmstadt’s architectural highlights includes the Jugendstil-style Wedding Tower and villas designed by the city’s legendary Mathildenhöhe artistic colony, and the Waldspirale (‘Forest Spiral’), the eccentric masterpiece of Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Afterwards, head to the Museum Künstlerkolonie in the Ernst-Ludwig-Haus to learn more about the Mathildenhöhe; visit the 13th-century hilltop Castle Frankenstein, named after its former owner, Barons von Frankenstein, rather than Mary Shelley’s famous character; and stop by the Hessian State Museum, home to the world's largest collection of works by painter and sculptor, Joseph Beuys.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Darmstadt is easy to visit on a half- or full-day trip from nearby Frankfurt.
- History buffs should couple a visit to Darmstadt with a visit to the nearby Messel Pit Fossil Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with finds dating back to the Eocene period.
- Although the center of Darmstadt is easy to explore on foot (and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers), attractions are spaced out and it might be worth taking a tour if you don’t have your own transport.
How to Get There
Darmstadt is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Frankfurt or an about 35-minute drive. Regular S-Bahn trains run from Frankfurt to Darmstadt and take about 20 minutes.
When to Get There
Darmstadt’s colorful architecture is most impressive on a clear, sunny day, and an early morning or late afternoon visit offers the best light for photos. An atmospheric time to visit is during the annual Heinerfest, a week-long festival held in late-June or early July.
Day Trips from Frankfurt
Frankfurt offers plenty of options for day-trippers. After admiring the architecture in Darmstadt, head to Hanau, the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm, for a trip up Germany’s Fairy-Tale Road; or visit medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber along the Romantic Road. The spa towns and woodland walks of the Black Forest are ideal for those looking to escape city life, or else, head into the Rhine Valley to enjoy wine tasting and a boat cruise the Rhine River. Heidelberg, with its hilltop castle, and the French city of Strasbourg are also within day-trip distance.
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