17 Favourite places in Darmstadt

„My favorite place is the Luisenplatz. There you will find the majestic Ludwigsmonument standing tall right in the middle of Luisenplatz for decades.

It is usually my meeting point with friends from Darmstadt and the surrounding areas, as it is the central changeover point for buses and trams. It is also the part of the city where I get the most cosmopolitan feeling because it is surrounded by people of multiple nations and also several shops from different countries."

“Ornaments on the doors, pompous ceiling lights, or statues outside.

Always keep your eyes open when you pass this place. Around the castle, there is a park. It´s small but nice. When I want to be alone and don´t feel like the hustle and bustle of the larger parks and gardens, I go there.”

More about the palace

“I do love Martinsviertel and its bohemian vibes. That is often my destination when I need to take time out to breathe in between the classes.

I just let those little colourful streets take me somewhere new where I've never been before. And surprisingly there is always something to discover whether it is a brick house or a piece of street art or a magnolia tree in all its blossom.”

“Besides the historical buildings, classical and modern art, green parks, there is also room for real creativity, spontaneity, and a bit of rebellion – for street art. If you walk through the streets and don't just stare at your cell phone, you'll notice how many walls are decorated with colourful vibrant graffiti.

But that's not all – in Darmstadt, there is a whole graffiti wall – the Lincoln Wall – a unique art project in Hesse. The special thing about it is that it is always repainted and always changes – just like life.”

“For door activities, my choice is the Bürgerpark. First, I adore the sport spirit that spreads along the park. Every time, when I’m there, I immediately get this enthusiasm for the sport. People are working out literally at every corner. Whether it’s tennis, basketball, cross-fit, skating, running, or walking – there are activities for every taste.

As a hobby runner, I really like places where I can run a longer distance without going round in circles. The Bürgerpark is perfect for that purpose.

So, lace your shoes and off you go!”

“I often take a walk in the orangery at the end of the day of study. When you are near brightly coloured flowers that fill the air with different aromas, you get a boost of energy.

The baroque complex with its wide axes and fountains creates an exciting atmosphere.”

“Although Rosenhöhe is located on the eastern border of the city, it is really easy to get there by bus or (even better) on the bike.The main point of attraction is the Rosarium – an indisputable marvel.

Short Tipp: It could easily be on the top places of a “Darmstadt for two”-list.”

“To give legs a stretch after an intensive and (hopefully) productive week I went for a long walk to the lake Grube Prinz von Hessen. Passing by the Rosenhöhe, Oberfeld, and picturesque forest and enjoying the warm wind and all the shades of green, I could feel the healing power of nature with my every step.

What the luck that Darmstadt is surrounded by the forest and there are such places where you can settle your spirit and mind!”

„My favorite place is Darmstadtium. A spacious venue to hold specialist conventions and meetings. A hub for tech-lovers and companies to attend networking events, and a building named after a radioactive, synthetic element of the periodic table.

You can expect all that from this amazing place in the heart of Darmstadt, situated close to the TU Stadtmitte campus. The extraordinary architecture designed by a German-Austrian team will surely impress you as it did me when I attended the Startup & Innovation Day in December 2019 and saw the impressive halls. You can even virtually experience the atmosphere there via VR from the official website.“

“The building, which looks like a colourful magic castle, is surprisingly a residential building surrounded by other normal houses. I adore this style of the close interweaving of art and everyday life. Behind the Waldspirale there is also a handy supermarket that I visit regularly. Every time I pass the Waldspirale, I allow my gaze to wander over the windows, shapes and colours and I’m fascinated every time. It has a special, uplifting effect on me when it is rainy outside, and the grey weather is dampening my spirit. In these moments, the vivid spiral stands in contrast to its bleak surroundings radiating positive vibes and reminding me that life is beautiful and colourful!”

„The large square in front of the Staatstheater is a wonderful place in Darmstadt where you can go to sit, study, chat with friends (or whatever else creative that comes to mind!). You don’t have to attend one of the performances inside to be enchanted by the magic of the theatre, but you can take a seat outside on one of the many steps and enjoy the view.“

“Whether you like art, cultural history or even natural science, you will surely find numerous different collections from all these fields under one roof at The Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt.

Thanks to its great location, in the middle of the city, the castle on the doorstep, adjacent to the Herrngarten and the TU, a visit to the museum is always a good idea, especially when the weather outside is not nice.”

“Do you also find places special that are not known to everyone? Well, I certainly do! That's why I have a little insider tip for you: The Vortex Garden, a private garden that is open to the public. Several ceramic figures greet you at the entrance, and if you follow the path, you will soon find yourself in front of a statue covered in colourful beads. The unique thing about this place is not only the many statues and figures but also the different altitudes. This quiet place is ideal for a short walk to unwind.”

“This is one of the places in Darmstadt where I can always go. For this place, I don't really care what the weather is like because every weather gives me a different experience. I usually go to the Waldkunstpfad to jog through the forest, but sometimes I just go for a walk and appreciate the art along the paths. It is impressive how creative the city of Darmstadt was to give a different experience in nature allowing artists to show their work outdoors."

“Reaching our destination point – burg Frankenstein – was quite a challenge. However, our burning curiosity to discover the medieval castle gave us a second wind and we made it to the top. The old fortress was built sometime in the 13th Century in the best of Gothic tradition! It has a long and special history, characterized by many legends about the castle including dragons, alchemists, and honourable knights. According to legend, this place inspired the English author Mary Shelley to write “Frankenstein”. No wonder! We could truly feel the mystery in the air! Precisely because of this spooky atmosphere, the annual Halloween Festival has taken place at the castle for many years.”

„The green lung of Darmstadt invites you to sit together! The keywords are: picnics and company! Whether for eating, reading, relaxing, walking or playing – in the Herrngarten, passionate duck watchers and joggers will also get their money's worth.

Curious? Then enjoy the Herrngarten in the centre of Darmstadt!"

The 318-meter-long red bridge was recently opened near the main train station. It is now much easier to cross a busy road, both on foot and by bike. The bridge itself is red, which makes this place outstanding and gives it uniqueness.

In addition, there is a beautiful view from the bridge, and in the evening the bridge is illuminated.