Landau between nature and culture

Something for everyone

Couple hiking in the forest

Day trips

The Hotel Brunnenhaus Schloss Landau is quietly located in the tranquil village of Landau and is ideal for exploring the surrounding natural landscapes and cultural treasures.

The Kellerwald-Edersee National Park is a fantastic destination for a day trip to enjoy nature or an extended hike. The red beech forests and remnants of primeval forest there are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A section of the 68-kilometre-long Edersee primeval forest trail is particularly beautiful for a day trip, while cyclists can take the Edersee cycle path, which is roughly the same length, mostly asphalted and car-free.

View of Kassel from Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe

Culture in Hesse

Both trails circle Lake Edersee and cross the dam wall. The route can be shortened with the excursion boat or the two ferries in Asel and Rehbach. Those interested in culture can take a sightseeing tour through Kassel. Marvel at the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, a World Heritage Site, and the Wilhelmshöhe Palace, which houses the "Gallery of Old Masters". Contemporary art and changing exhibitions are on display at the Fridericianum, which becomes the focal point of the documenta every five years.

Like in a picture book

Between fairytale art and bathing lakes

Landau is surrounded by varied landscapes. Take a trip to the Diemelsee lake or hire bikes and ride to the Twistestausee reservoir. In addition to bathing beaches and attractive water sports facilities, the Bad Arolsen golf club awaits you here. The German Fairy Tale Route runs nearby. From Hotel Brunnenhaus Schloss Landau, for example, the Snow White village of Bergfreiheit near Bad Wildungen, Waldeck, Gudensberg and Wolfhagen are within easy reach and provide an insight into the diversity of German fairytale art.

Kassel is also located on the Fairytale Route and has a special highlight in store: Visit the Grimm World Kassel. The new museum presents exhibitions on the life and work of the Brothers Grimm, who became world-famous for their collection of fairy tales and laid the foundations for the largest dictionary in the German language with their dictionary.

Statue of the Brothers Grimm

at a glance

Landau's sights and surroundings

Grimm World Kassel

Immerse yourself in the world of fairy tales or learn amazing things about the German language. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm lived in Kassel for a long time, and today the Grimm World Kassel shows extensive exhibitions on the life and work of the two brothers. In 25 areas , interactive presentations and themed rooms introduce visitors to the children's and house fairy tales, the German dictionary and the work of the brothers, who were also politically active.

Follow in the footsteps of the Brothers Grimm and discover the picturesque natural scenery of northern Hesse with its historic half-timbered villages - just like Landau itself. A multitude of magnificent palaces, rustic castles and castle ruins await visitors. You can get valuable tips for your personal journey of discovery from GrimmHeimat Nordhessen, which also counts Landau Castle among its cooperation partners in the "Castles and Palaces" section.

Detailed view of a stone statue

Waldeck Castle

Waldeck Castle rises high above Lake Edersee as a landmark of the region. The castle can be visited. The Waldecker Bergbahn cable car takes you up to the top, where you can enjoy a magnificent view over the nature park.

View from Waldeck Castle over Lake Edersee

Bad Arolsen Residential Palace

Baroque in its purest form

The Palace of Versailles was the model for the Bad Arolsen Residential Palace. The magnificent baroque complex is surrounded by extensive gardens with an orangery and riding hall. The magnificent living rooms and ballrooms in the palace can be visited on a guided tour.

The town of Bad Arolsen is just a 10-minute drive from Landau. Take advantage of your stay in Landau and at our hotel to explore Bad Arolsen and the surrounding area. Castles and palaces await you in a beautiful landscape.

You can reach Landau Castle from the Hotel Brunnenhaus Schloss Landau in around ten minutes by car.

View of the yellow residential palace in the sunshine

Kugelsburg Volkmarsen

The Kugelsburg in Volkmarsen is a ruined castle with an almost completely preserved residential tower and keep. Large parts of the curtain wall, the "witches' cellar" and parts of the palace are also still there. At the weekend, there are flying displays with eagles and falcons. You can reach the castle from your hotel in Landau in 15 minutes by car.

Entrance from the Kugelsburg Volkmarsen

Opening hours

Landau's sights    |    When is what open?

Grimm World Kassel
  • Monday: closed
  • Tuesday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Friday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m
  • Saturday/ Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Opening hours public holidays

  • Easter Monday, Whit Monday, Christmas (25.12./ 26.12.): 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • New Year's Day: closed

Grimm-Welt Kassel is open during regular opening hours on all Hessian public holidays

Waldeck Castle

Viewing platform

  • open daily until early evening

Castle museum

  • 1. April to October 31: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m
  • 1. November to March 31: 
    Sunday: 12 - 4 p.m.
Bad Arolsen Residential Palace

1. April to 1st Sunday in November:

  • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

November - March:

  • Wednesday to Saturday: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Sunday/ public holiday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Winter vacations: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Kugelsburg Volkmarsen
  • open at all times

Orange Route Landau

The Oranier Route is a 2,500 km route from Amsterdam via northern and central Germany. It crosses 10 federal states as well as various landscapes and cities. Breathtaking views of the Havelland, the Harz Mountains, various castles, the Mecklenburg Lake District, the Central or Taunus Mountains make this route a unique experience for every cyclist. Unique art treasures and sights are waiting to be admired.

The route also offers a unique insight into the House of Orange-Nassau and its historical influence on culture and politics. A good starting point for an exploration tour is nearby Bad Arolsen. You should plan 40 minutes by bike from your hotel in Landau to Bad Arolsen.

Orange route
Couple cycling on a country lane

Parks and facilities

Kellerwald National Park

Impressive copper beeches, mighty oaks, ancient lime trees and stately maples, including small heath carnations and 500 other species of ferns and flowers - a splendor that has helped parts of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park earn the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore it on foot along the 156-kilometre Kellerwaldsteig trail or experience it from above on a walk along the "TreeTopWalk" in Rehbach.

View of the lake from the TreeTopWalk

Animal park experience

at the Edersee

Although the Kellerwald-Edersee region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , the reservoir is a particularly attractive vacation destination for families thanks to its attractive leisure facilities and first-class water quality.

There is nothing better for children than a visit to the wildlife park . The Edersee Wildlife Park is home to numerous native wild animal species such as deer, roe deer and stone deer as well as rarer animals such as bison, wild horses and raccoons. The highlight is the bird of prey show - where visitors are introduced to these wonderful birds with lots of information.

Close-up of a bison

Wilhelmshöhe Mountain Park

The park's work of art is freely accessible all year round . While exploring the park on foot is a unique experience, the regular water games also guarantee moments of excitement. It is also worth visiting the proud Löwenburg castle and the impressive Wilhelmshöhe Palace with its greenhouse and ballroom.

Covering an incredible 2.4 square kilometers, Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe awaits visitors to Kassel and is the largest mountain park in Europe. It is an absolute highlight of Germany's sights and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.

Hercules guards the park and overlooks the masses of water flowing elegantly down the slope. Not only is the large sculpture an artistic feature and has become Kassel's landmark, but the 350-metre-long cascades also demonstrate technically perfect water architecture.

The Baroque complex, which was commissioned by Landgrave Karl in the 17th century, was extended over the years with waterfalls, a large fountain and an aqueduct. The Baroque complex, commissioned by Landgrave Karl in the 17th century, was extended over the years with waterfalls, a large fountain and an aqueduct.

Magnificent lion castle in the Berpark in the sunshine

Edersee near Landau

Sport and recreation

As a popular local recreation area, Lake Edersee is ideal for hiking and cycling tours. There are just as many bathing spots as there are sailing and surfing schools, boat rentals, cafés and restaurants. A boat trip is a wonderful experience. The journey from Hotel Brunnenhaus Schloss Landau to Lake Edersee takes around half an hour by car.

View of the reservoir at sunset

Golf course

Bad Arolsen Golf and Country Club

In a wonderful location high above the Twistesee lake near Bad Arolsen, the picturesque 9-hole golf course Golf- und Landclub Bad Arolsen offers a unique golfing experience for the region. Experienced golfers appreciate the challenging course with its many sand bunkers. Beginners can quickly gain their first taste of success on the relatively short holes. You have the opportunity to be trained by a PGA-certified coach. An adventure golf course completes the offer.

It takes 10 minutes by car from our hotel to Bad Arolsen and the golf and country club of the same name.

Close-up of a golf ball rolling into the hole

Opening hours

Parks and facilities    |    When is what open?

Kellerwald National Park

Summer opening hours

  • 01. April - October 31:
    daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m

Winter opening hours

  • 01. November - March 31: 
    Tuesday to Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.

24.12/31/12 and 01/01 closed

Animal park experience

01. November - February 28:

  • daily 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

01. March - April 30:

  • daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

01. May - October 31:

  • daily 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Last admission: 
One hour before closing time

Wilhelmshöhe Mountain Park

Hercules

  • 1. April - 31. October open

Wilhelmshöhe Palace*

  • Monday: closed
  • Tuesday/ Thursday to Sunday:
    10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Löwenburg Castle*

  • Monday to Thursday: closed
  • Friday to Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Large greenhouse

  • Monday: closed
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m

*24.12./ 25.12. and 31.12. closed

Bad Arolsen Golf and Country Club
  • Monday: closed
  • Tuesday to Sunday/ public holidays: 
    10 a.m. - 4 p.m.*

*Depending on weather conditions

  • 12.12. to 31.01. closed
Book now