About Hesse
Hesse is Germany's vibrant heartland, where fairy-tale forests meet dynamic urban centers. The state's crown jewel is Frankfurt, a gleaming financial hub with a stunning skyline nicknamed 'Mainhattan' and a charmingly reconstructed medieval old town along the River Main. Beyond the city, Hesse unfolds into the enchanting landscapes of the Brothers Grimm. Wander through the ancient beech forests of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or follow the German Fairy Tale Route to towns like Hanau (the brothers' birthplace) and Schwalmstadt, home to the iconic Little Red Riding Hood. The state capital, Wiesbaden, offers elegant 19th-century spa architecture and a sophisticated atmosphere, while the university town of Marburg captivates with its hilltop castle and cobblestone lanes. Hesse is also a cultural powerhouse, hosting major trade fairs and events. From sipping Apfelwein (local cider) in a Frankfurt apple wine tavern to hiking in the mystical Rhön Mountains or exploring the grand baroque palace in Fulda, Hesse offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and modern German life.
Things to do in Hesse
Shared Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Tasting in Conesus Lake
From $20
5.0 (17)
Manchester Mission Scavenger Hunt
From $29
5.0 (3)
Axe Throwing in Rochester
From $36.99
5.0 (2)
Canandaigua Lake Brewery Tour
From $254.34
4.9 (10)
Haunted Oswego Tours
From $30
4.9 (14)
Canandaigua Wine Trail Experience
From $257.66
4.8 (107)
Corning Museum of Glass Admission Tickets
From $25
4.7 (574)
Genesee Country Village and Museum Admission Ticket
From $19
4.7 (9)
Luxury 2 Hour Sunset Tour Canandaigua Lake-Groups or Individuals
Zipline Canopy Activity Admission at Bristol Mountain
From $112
4.4 (7)
Oswego History Food & History Tour
From $80
4.0 (2)
Aerial Adventure Park Admission
From $61.5
3.6 (5)
Amazing Scavenger Hunt: Big Little Rochester
From $12.31
A Remarkable Bar Hunt: Rochester Rocks
From $12.31
Niagara Falls to DC Transfer with Corning Museum of Glass Tour
From $106
Places to visit in Hesse
Les Ânes
Les Ânes, Chemin de Sainte-Croix, 57810 Rhodes, France
Le Kiosque
Le Kiosque, Route Forestière de la Haute Chapelle, 57560 Saint-Quirin, France
Plan Incliné de Saint-Louis-Arzviller
Plan Incliné de Saint-Louis-Arzviller, Rue des Sources, 57820 Saint-Louis, France
Hôtel-Restaurant du Donon
Hôtel-Restaurant du Donon, Rue du Général Jordy, 57560 Abreschviller, France
Mei
Mei, 6 Rue des Halles, 57400 Sarrebourg, France
Gite communal
Gite communal, 11 Rue du Moulin, 57560 Abreschviller, France
Après le Concert
Après le Concert, Rue des Berrichons et Nivernais du 8e Corps d'Armée, 57400 Sarrebourg, France
La Luge Alpine du Plan Incliné
La Luge Alpine du Plan Incliné, Rue des Sources, 57820 Saint-Louis, France
Hôtel de France
Hôtel de France, Impasse des Marronniers, 57400 Sarrebourg, France
Hôtel Ibis Styles Sarrebourg
Hôtel Ibis Styles Sarrebourg, Chemin d'Imling, 57400 Sarrebourg, France
Chapelle-Haute
Chapelle-Haute, Chemin des Processions, 57560 Saint-Quirin, France
pierre à cupule
pierre à cupule, Route Forestière de la Haute Chapelle, 57560 Saint-Quirin, France
Geisterfelsen
Geisterfelsen, 57850 Dabo, France
Au grenier d'abondance
Au grenier d'abondance, 11 Rue des Vosges, 57565 Niderviller, France
Centre Aéré
Centre Aéré, D 96, 57870 Eigenthal, France
Travel Tips for Hesse
Getting Around
Hesse has an outstanding integrated public transport network (RMV/RNV). Trains (DB) connect cities efficiently; regional trains and buses serve smaller towns. The Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is a major international hub. Within cities, trams, U-Bahn (subway), and S-Bahn (commuter rail) are prevalent. Taxis are reliable but expensive; ride-hailing apps like FREE NOW operate. Car rentals are useful for exploring rural areas like the Rhön. Popular apps: DB Navigator for trains, RMV/RNV apps for local transit, and Google Maps.
Best Time To Visit
Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal. The weather is pleasant, crowds are smaller than in peak summer, and the forests are beautiful. Summer (July-August) is great for outdoor activities but can be warm and busy. The Christmas markets in December (especially in Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, and medieval towns) are magical. Avoid major trade fair periods in Frankfurt for lower hotel rates.
Local Customs
Punctuality is highly valued. A firm handshake is the standard greeting. When dining in traditional Apfelwein taverns, it's customary to share long tables with strangers. Tipping is common: round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service in restaurants. Casual dress is widely accepted, but smart-casual is appropriate for finer restaurants or the theater. Sunday is a quiet day (Ruhetag) with most shops closed.
Safety Information
Hesse is generally very safe. Standard precautions apply in cities: be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas like Frankfurt's Hauptbahnhof (main station) and on public transport, especially during trade fairs. The area immediately around Frankfurt's main station can be unsavory at night; it's advisable to stay in well-lit, populated areas. Common scams include fake petitions to distract tourists or overpriced drinks in some bars. Rural areas are extremely safe. Emergency services are highly responsive.
Health Information
Hesse has an excellent healthcare system with modern hospitals in all major cities (e.g., University Hospital Frankfurt). EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine ones. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in forested areas; vaccination is recommended for hikers/campers. Tap water is safe to drink. Pharmacies ('Apotheke') are widely available for minor ailments.
Languages Spoken
German
Quick Facts
Currency
Euro (EUR)
€
€
Timezone
Europe/Berlin +01:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+49
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
6.3 million
Area
21115 km²
Government
Parliamentary republic (Bundesland)
ISO Code
DE-05