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Water FeaturesThe visitor magnet in Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe

A vibrant rainbow arches over a large fountain in a lush park, with a white gazebo and dense trees under a clear blue sky.

Powerful and romantic

A mighty watercourse that stretches from the Hercules Monument over the entire mountainside: That's how the Landgrave envisioned it. 300 years ago, Carl staged the Water Features in his mountain park. He wanted to showcase his rule and demonstrate how masterfully he could harness the primal power of water.

The fascinating spectacle and unique artwork still work today just like back then: more than 750,000 liters of water plunge into the depths - only through the utilization of physical laws and without a single pump.

Visitors to Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe can experience the Water Features every Wednesday, Sunday, and public holiday from May 1st to October 3rd starting at 2:30 pm. A magical highlight every year is the Illuminated Water Features.

The watercourse can only be followed on foot. In the process, almost 200 meters in altitude have to be overcome over 2.3 kilometers!

Course and times of the water games

The water originates below the Hercules monument and can be followed downstream to Wilhelmshöhe Palace for 2.3 km. Each water feature is staged one after the other. So, you always have enough time to hike to the next station.

2:30 pm start at the cascades, below the Hercules monument.
3:05 PM Steinhöfer Waterfall
3:20 PM Devil's Bridge
3.30 pm Aqueduct
3:45 pm Big Fountain (until about 4 pm)

Please note: Due to construction work, there may be restrictions.

Safety instructions

The water features can only be experienced on foot, descending over 200 meters in altitude. Surefootedness, sturdy footwear, and physical fitness are essential in the mountain park, as the paths are paved but only partially accessible. The stairs at the cascades do not have handrails, please avoid congestion.

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Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe

Over 800 years of history on around 240 hectares: The globally unique Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe shows how garden art developed in Europe - and how rulers used it to showcase their power. Nowhere else was a park of this size built on a steep slope. The water staging on the mountain is also remarkable: In a tremendous spectacle, it cascades from the Hercules Monument over artificial rock formations. Cascades and a Aqueduct Since 2013, the park with the historical water features has been counted among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The traces of the long park history from the small monastery to the monumental Baroquegarden  From the French baroque garden to the English landscape garden, many elements are visible in various places. Numerous parts of the park are still original. The variety of trees and plants is also unique, including some that are over 200 years old.

Visitor Information

The Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is freely accessible to visitors throughout the year.

What else you should know...

Safety notice

Park rules and regulations

Arrival

Recommended arrival to the water features by public transport.

About the water features with the line 23

Mountain Park Shuttle

Departure from the water features

TIP: Day trip

Guided tours to the water features are available at any time from May 1st to October 3rd.

Exclusive water games just for you!

Address

Contact

Visitor service
+49 (0)561 316 80-123
service@heritage-kassel.de

Hessen Kassel Heritage
Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe
Schlosspark 1
34131 Kassel
+49 (0)561 316 80-0
info@heritage-kassel.de

Accessibility

  • Service Dogs welcome
  • Dedicated parking bays for people with reduced mobility
  • Baby changing facilities
  • Accessible toilets
  • Not fully accessible

Learn more about the water features.

Historic water features in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe

Cartoon: Hercules and the Water Games

Baroque Water Theater

Interview with Dr. Siegfried Hoß, Head of Gardens and Garden Heritage Conservation

Visitor centers

Hercules visitor centre

Hercules visitor centre

Wilhelmshöhe visitor centre

Wilhelmshöhe visitor centre

Hercules visitor centre

Hercules visitor centre

Wilhelmshöhe visitor centre

Wilhelmshöhe visitor centre

Hercules visitor centre

Hercules visitor centre

Wilhelmshöhe visitor centre

Wilhelmshöhe visitor centre

Gastronomy in Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe

Café Jérôme

at Wilhelmshöhe Palace

Old Guardhouse

Restaurant-Café near Wilhelmshöhe Palace

Cascade economy Grischäfer

in the Wilhelmshöhe Mountain Park

Hercules Terraces

I am Hercules.

Café Jérôme

at Wilhelmshöhe Palace

Old Guardhouse

Restaurant-Café near Wilhelmshöhe Palace

Cascade economy Grischäfer

in the Wilhelmshöhe Mountain Park

Hercules Terraces

I am Hercules.

Café Jérôme

at Wilhelmshöhe Palace

Old Guardhouse

Restaurant-Café near Wilhelmshöhe Palace

Cascade economy Grischäfer

in the Wilhelmshöhe Mountain Park

Hercules Terraces

I am Hercules.

Explore the mountain park digitally

100 Masterpieces

100 Masterpieces

Mountain Park Mysteries

As an app or with a booklet

Mountain Park App

The app of the city of Kassel
100 Masterpieces

100 Masterpieces

Mountain Park Mysteries

As an app or with a booklet

Mountain Park App

The app of the city of Kassel
100 Masterpieces

100 Masterpieces

Mountain Park Mysteries

As an app or with a booklet

Mountain Park App

The app of the city of Kassel

Events

Culture under the chandelier

Concerts at the Ballroom
White Night
Flowers and trees in the flowerbed in front of Wilhelmshöhe Palace.

White Night
19.6.2027

Kassel Museum Night

Kassel Museum Night
5.9.2026

Culture under the chandelier

Concerts at the Ballroom
White Night
Flowers and trees in the flowerbed in front of Wilhelmshöhe Palace.

White Night
19.6.2027

Kassel Museum Night

Kassel Museum Night
5.9.2026

Culture under the chandelier

Concerts at the Ballroom
White Night
Flowers and trees in the flowerbed in front of Wilhelmshöhe Palace.

White Night
19.6.2027

Kassel Museum Night

Kassel Museum Night
5.9.2026

Bird's eye view of Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe in autumn with the Hercules monument in the foreground

Nationwide guest survey in Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe. Click here to participate.

There is at least one route in the free 100 Masterworks app related to this content.

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