A mountain park with a 700-metre water cascade and a Hercules statue at the summit. Kassel is the least-known city in the SkyAlps network — and the most surprising.
Direct flight from Bolzano to Kassel (1h 20min) + hotel + 35-minute transfer. The Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013, and every five years the city hosts the documenta contemporary art exhibition.
- Direct flight from Bolzano
- Best price guarantee
- EU-protected package holiday
- Just 35 minutes' transfer on arrival
Why a city break in Kassel?
Kassel has the UNESCO World Heritage Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe and every five years hosts the documenta contemporary art exhibition.
Kassel lies in northern Hesse on the Fulda river and was the residence of the Landgraves of Hesse. The inner city was heavily destroyed in the Second World War and rebuilt in modern form — the charm of the city lies less in the old town than on its edges. Two things make Kassel unusual: the largest mountain park in Europe, and one of the world's most important contemporary art exhibitions.
The Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013 and is the largest mountain park in Europe. From the Hercules statue at the summit, a stepped water cascade tumbles down — at fixed times in summer the water games are switched on, and the water then runs the entire route down to the palace, purely by gravity. The Wilhelmshöhe Palace at the base houses one of Germany's most important collections of Old Masters — including Rembrandt, Rubens and Frans Hals.
Every five years, Kassel becomes the centre of contemporary art: the documenta is considered one of the most important exhibitions worldwide and takes over the whole city for around a hundred days. Permanent works from earlier editions remain in the cityscape — the Fridericianum on Friedrichsplatz, and installations by Joseph Beuys, Claes Oldenburg and others in public space. In non-documenta years, Kassel remains a rewarding stop, particularly for architecture and contemporary art enthusiasts.
What is there to do in Kassel?
Kassel's sights are not in the centre but on the slope above it. The Bergpark with Hercules, cascades and Wilhelmshöhe Palace easily fills a day. In the city itself, the Grimmwelt — the museum devoted to the Brothers Grimm and their fairy tales — is worthwhile, along with the traces of earlier documenta exhibitions. On the second day, add the Museum for Sepulchral Culture — one of the most unusual museums in Europe — and the Karlsaue Park on the Fulda.
Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe
Water games run in summer purely by gravity
Inner city and Grimmwelt
Works from earlier documenta editions permanently in the cityscape
Which flights are available from Bolzano to Kassel?
SkyAlps flies direct from Bolzano to Kassel — flight time 1h 20min. All prices are per person and include return flights plus nights at the booked hotel.
When is the best time to visit Kassel?
The travel season is set by the water games: they run from about May to early October on fixed days and at fixed times, usually Wednesdays, Sundays and public holidays in the afternoon. Without them, the Bergpark loses its highlight. In summer the days are long and warm, in autumn the park glows in its colours. In documenta years (next in 2027), the season extends into September, and the city is significantly busier than usual. Winter is quiet and grey — but the museums, palace and Grimmwelt remain open year-round.
Frequently asked questions
The water games run in the summer season, usually Wednesdays, Sundays and public holidays in the afternoon.
The water starts at the top by Hercules and runs down the cascades, accompanied by spectators walking along — for the full route allow around 90 minutes. It works purely by gravity, without pumps. Access is free, but parking at the top is limited — go by bus or park down at the palace and walk up. On busy days you should be at the summit half an hour before the start.
Ready for your Kassel city break?
Direct flight from Bolzano to Kassel, a hotel in the city and the transfer – all in one booking. Book online now, securely, flexibly and at the best price.