Kassel

About

Regarded as a major achievement of European Landscape gardening, this eighteenth-century park spreads across 240 hectares and contains over 500 species of trees. Described by one twentieth-century art historian as “possibly the most grandiose combination of landscape and architecture that Baroque dared anywhere", the park contains seemingly endless waterfalls while the spectacular views from above and below offer amazing panoramic views. There are many parts of the park to stroll and relax in, with surprises waiting around almost every corner. The hillside boasts the impressive Wilhelmshohe Palace, packed with historical artifacts and well worth spending a little time in. There is also the botanical atrium, the temple to Mercury, the fountain to Poseidon, a pyramid, an aqueduct, a museum of antiquities, waterfalls, lakes and a three-story bronze statue of Hercules. It is not difficult to see why the rumor that this hillside inspired Wagner’s ring cycle may actually have some substance to it.