Hear from travel duo Scott and Megan of BoboandChichi.com what makes Wiesbaden one of Germany’s most intriguing heritage cities. Their comprehensive exploration of this cosmopolitan university city showcases the highlights and hidden gems: from high-stakes casino drama to the surprising locale where Elvis met Priscilla. Fun fact: Wiesbaden is located closer to Frankfurt Airport than Frankfurt itself, and thus an ideal starting or ending point for your next German journey.
Their Wiesbaden Highlights:
- The magnificent Kurhaus and its James Bond-worthy casino
- Sampling waters from two public hot springs (Kochbrunnen and Bäckerbrunnen)
- Museum Wiesbaden’s world-class Art Nouveau collection
- Historic Cafe Maldaner and Chocolateria Kunder
- The 1888 water-powered Nerobergbahn funicular
- Parks where Elvis courted Priscilla
- Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme spa experience
- Henkell Freixenet sparkling wine headquarters
- The golden-domed Russian Orthodox Church
- One of the world’s largest cuckoo clocks
The travel-loving couple dove straight into Wiesbaden’s spa heritage at the Kurhaus, a Neo-Classical jewel from 1907 that even impressed Kaiser Wilhelm II. They discovered the casino’s stunning interior reportedly inspired Dostoyevsky’s “The Gambler” – apparently, the Russian author lost his entire fortune here on a single roulette spin. The building’s combination of Belle Époque grandeur and Corinthian columns remains the city’s social epicenter, complete with the iconic red carpet, perfect for photo opportunities.
Being proper explorers, Scott and Megan bravely sampled both drinkable hot springs. At Kochbrunnen (150°F) and the half-timbered Bäckerbrunnen pavilion (122°F), they experienced the “salt-forward” therapeutic waters that have drawn health seekers since Roman times. Another fun fact about Wiesbaden: bakers historically used the hot water from Bäckerbrunnen in their bread dough.
Their cultural wanderings revealed Wiesbaden’s unexpected Elvis connection at Villa Söhnlein-Pabst, the White House lookalike overlooking Warmer Damm Park, where the King of Rock and Roll first met Priscilla. The surrounding English-inspired gardens and parks showcase the city’s commitment to green spaces, complemented by architectural treasures such as the 1894 Staatstheater.
Museum Wiesbaden earned high marks for its extraordinary Art Nouveau furniture collection – one of the world’s most comprehensive – as well as 100 works by Expressionist Alexej von Jawlensky. The couple also highlighted the museum’s ongoing efforts to identify and return any Nazi-looted art.
For the sweet-toothed, they tried ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’ at 165-year-old Cafe Maldaner (Germany’s oldest Viennese-style cafe, where locals confirm you’ll find the city’s best cakes) and Chocolateria Kunder, operating since 1898. At Kunder, the theatrical hot chocolate service stood out, and those famous pineapple tarts.
The duo rode the Nerobergbahn, a rare water-powered funicular to Neroberg’s summit, taking in panoramic views and visiting the poignant Russian Orthodox Church – built by Duke Adolf of Nassau for his young Russian princess who died in childbirth.
Their wine adventures led to Henkell Freixenet, headquartered in Wiesbaden. Here, the Neo-Baroque tasting room and cellar vaults proved as memorable as the bubbles.
For Scott and Megan’s complete Wiesbaden adventure, including practical tips, dining recommendations at Benner’s Bistronomie, and lodging insights, read their full article at boboandchichi.com/things-to-do-in-wiesbaden
Would you like to see more pictures of Megan and Scott in Historic Highlights of Germany, Wiesbaden, Trier, Regensburg, and Würzburg? Take a look at their BoboandChichi Germany 2024 Instagram stories.