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Home > A City in Central Germany
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| A City in Central Germany
By: Douglas Scott
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Wiesbaden, a city in central Germany, is the capital of the state of Hesse since 1946. The city suffered relatively little destruction in the Second World War. Only one third of the city was destroyed. The city offers an attractive ambience as the Gateway to the Rhine Valley and as a link to the romantic Rhine landscape.
The Altstadt the Old Town of Wiesbaden, used to be encircled by a city wall, sprawls between Webergasse, Langgasse and Kirchgasse, Friedrichstrasse and Wilhelmstrasse. Narrow, twisting alleys are lined with houses dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
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The Nerobergbahn is a funicular railway in the city From the top of this hill it is possible to view a panorama of the city. The line opened in 1888, and is one of the few remaining funiculars to retain water propulsion. The railway route is up the mountain which is 440m long and takes 25 percent climb in its stride.
Wiesbaden is also a major cultural centre. Every spring it plays host to the International May Festival of music, dance, and drama. The beauty at night, is when the water reflects the lights of the spa and the huge fountains are lit.
Wiesbaden is famous for its thermal springs and spa. Kochbrunnen is a hot 66c fountain that gushes out of the ground. The spring bathing business became important for Wiesbaden near the end of the Middle Ages. There are two main bath locations in Wiesbaden. You can also find this thermal water springing up from the ground and see locals that come everyday to drink.
Wiesbaden is home to some antique shops. There is an antiques quarter. Wilhelmstrasse is in the heart of the town and it is here you find upmarket shopping.
Palace Square is a traditional market which is held on a Wednesdays and Saturdays and you can pick up local produce and household items.
There are thousands of possible choices of places to go out to and enjoy yourself whether it is a specialist restaurant, a pub on the scene or bar, a disco or wine bar, there is some thing going on every where.
The casino was opened in 1771 by the Earl of Nassau-Usingen. This casino is very elegant and would be the proper setting for any James Bond film. Today the main room of the Casino is one of its most beautiful filigree woodcarvings, golden friezes, precious woods and crystal chandeliers.
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