Bad Hersfeld, a spa and festival city, lies amid wooded hills in a wide basin in the lower Fulda valley, which is joined here by the Haune, between the Rhön and the Knüll range. Its mineral waters (containing sulfates of sodium and magnesium) are recommended in the treatment of liver, gall bladder, intestinal and gastric conditions and disorders of the metabolism. The old town, still partly encircled by its walls, has numbers of fine old burghers' houses. The town's traditional industry is cloth-making.
This annual festival runs from June to early August and is held in the ruins of the 1,000-year-old Abbey ruins. Many famous German actors perform in the festival, making it a popular festival with Germans.
Address: Bad Hersfeld Tourist Office, Am Markt 1, D-36251 Bad Hersfeld, Germany
The annual six-week Bad Hersfeld festival runs from late June to mid-August and includes almost 20 different performances every year. The events are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and range from large symphonic performances to smaller chamber concerts and recitals. The venues also vary from the local abbey ruins to the Stadtkirche and the Parish House.
Address: Bad Hersfelder Festspielkonzerte, Nachtigallenstrasse 7, D-36251 Bad Hersfeld, Germany
The International Folk Festival is annual four-day event in Ludwigsau takes place in late July and brings together folk dancers and musicians from all over the world. Other events include expositions and conferences.
The spacious Marktplatz in Bad Hersfeld is surrounded by handsome old burghers' houses. To the east stands the 14th century Stadtkirche (Town Church), with a massive tower and a Late Gothic interior (organ of 1974; recitals). Opposite it, to the south, is the Town Hall (originally 14th C.; enlarged in Renaissance style c. 1600).
In the Neumarkt, in the southern part of the old town, is the Heimatmuseum.
Bad Hersfeld is an annual event for two-weeks in mid-August and is a continuation of the Bad Hersfeld Festival Concerts. This festival, however, focuses on oral performances. The repertoire varies from classical to early music. Apart from the Abbey Ruins, the performances are also held in the Parish House and the Stadkirche.
Address: Oper in der Stiftsruin, Pavillon am Marktplatz, Postfach 91, D-36251 Bad Hersfeld, Germany
To the west of Bad Hersfeld can be seen the imposing ruins of the Stiftskirche (11th and 12th C.), which was destroyed by the French in 1761. The church, over 100 m/330ft long, with a separate bell-tower, is the setting of an annual festival. The adjoining buildings, to the south, are now occupied by the Heimatmuseum (history of local crafts).
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Ludwigsau - International Folk Festival, Germany
