Wilhelmshöhe

On the eastern slopes of the Habichtswald in Wilhelmshöhe, near Kassel, lies the Bergpark, described by the great art historian Georg Dehio as "perhaps the most magnificent achievement of the Baroque style in the blending of architecture and landscape".

At the entrance to the Bergpark in Wilhelmshöhe, near Kassel, are the Kurhessen-Therme (Baths), designed for sport and recreation (brine baths; indoor and outdoor swimming pools; water-chute; entertainment facilities, etc.).

On the west side of the Bergpark near Kassel are the Grosse Fontäne (Great Fountain; 53 m/174ft), artificial waterfalls and cascades. On the highest point on the hill (525 m/1,723ft) stands the Octagon, with a 32 m/105ft high column topped by an 8 m/26ft high figure of Hercules with his club (which can accommodate eight people). The park is particularly impressive on summer evenings when the fountain, the cascades and the figure of Hercules are illuminated.

Southwest of the Schloss Wilhelmshöhe near Kassel can be seen the Löwenburg, an artificial ruin built in 1793-97 (pictures and old furniture in interior).