Water gamesThe visitor magnet in Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe

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.