Experience the Weltkurstadt-Bliss
Come with us on a journey back in time to the 19th century! Seven ideas.
Idea 1: A visit to the Hessian State Theater in Wiesbaden (opens in a new tab)
The Hessian State Theater in Wiesbaden is not only one of the most successful stages in the German-speaking theater world—it is also a real gem. Emperor Wilhelm II initiated the (re)construction of the theater in neo-baroque style, which was ceremoniously opened in his presence in 1894. The annual highlight is the International May Festival (opens in a new tab) with fantastic performances and guest performances. Fun fact: the State Theater took only two years to build!
Insider tip: Do you have theater tickets? Here (opens in a new tab) you can reserve champagne and appetizers in the prestigious foyer and enjoy an intermission just like in the days of the Kaiser.
Idea 2: Attend a concert at the Kurhaus
The Kurhaus, designed with the charm of Wilhelmine architecture, is the landmark of Wiesbaden. It was built on the initiative of Emperor Wilhelm II and ceremoniously opened in 1907. The foyer alone, which is freely accessible, is a real eye-catcher with its 21-meter-high dome and antique deities – especially during the Christmas season, when the impressive tree made of 2,000 red poinsettias stands here. Concerts (opens in a new tab), balls, and conferences take place in the twelve magnificent halls, each with a different design. The Friedrich von Thiersch Hall, named after the architect of the Kurhaus, is particularly beautiful.
Idea 3: Stroll through the spa gardens & go rowing
Without it, Wiesbaden might not have become known as the "Nice of the North." After all, the city earned this nickname because it successfully promoted its mild climate in the 19th century and rose to become a world-renowned spa town. To provide guests with sufficient space to stroll, the spa gardens were laid out in 1852 in the style of an English landscape garden. It stretches over three kilometers to the Sonnenberg district, lined with stately villas. There is a beautiful circular trail (opens in a new tab) that starts at the concert shell. In the summer months, you can enjoy a romantic rowboat ride (opens in a new tab)rowboat ride (opens in a new tab) on the spa park pond.
Idea 4: Place your bets at the Wiesbaden Casino
The Wiesbaden Casino (opens in a new tab) is one of the oldest in Germany—and one of the most beautiful. Crowned heads, musicians, and writers have tried their luck in the wood-paneled hall with its magnificent chandeliers. Foremost among them was Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky, who gambled away his shirt here in 1865. You can try your hand at roulette, poker, and blackjack—or simply watch the colorful hustle and bustle. Don't forget to wear appropriate clothing and bring your ID!
Idea 5: Relax at the Kaiser Friedrich Thermal Baths
None other than Emperor Wilhelm II – a regular visitor to the city's spas – once complained that Wiesbaden had "the most beautiful spa house in the world" but no public baths befitting its status. So architect August O. Pauly created a bathing palace, which opened in 1913 and draws on the Roman bathing tradition. In fact, the foundations of a Roman sweat bath were found exactly where the thermal baths stand today. The foyer, decorated with stucco, reliefs, and mosaics, gives you an idea of how stylish relaxation can look! The Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme (opens in a new tab) is still fed by the Adlerquelle spring today. Attention, no clothes allowed! ;-)
Idea 6: Day spa & bar visit at the Hotel Schwarzer Bock
White, engraved double doors, bronze taps, steaming thermal water, and the historic Schwarzer Bock fountain: in the carefully restored, listed bathhouse of the Hotel Schwarzer Bock—Germany's oldest grand hotel—you can immerse yourself in the 500-year-old thermal bath tradition in the most beautiful way possible. There is a thermal pool, sauna, steam bath, and massage, beauty, and health treatments. The highlight: the Kochbrunnen bath (opens in a new tab)!
High ceilings, comfortable armchairs, a marble counter, mirrors, and dimmed lighting—another highlight of the hotel is Bar 1486 (opens in a new tab). Be sure to try the signature drink, the Rheingau Sling!
Idea 7: Breakfast at Café Maldaner
Café Maldaner (opens in a new tab) was opened in 1859 by master baker Adam Maldaner. The traditional café began as a small coffee house and has developed over time into one of the most famous Viennese coffee houses in Germany. One moment you are in the pedestrian zone in Wiesbaden, the next you pass through the wooden revolving door and find yourself in the 19th century. Everything is simply wonderful—the wooden counter with delicacies from the in-house patisserie, the chandeliers, figurines, and waiters and waitresses in livery. Be sure to make a reservation, especially if you want to have breakfast there!