Bad Hersfeld Things to Do Tips by Weissdorn

Bad Hersfeld Town Museum

This little museum has a nice display of town history, history about how the Catholic Church played an immense role in developing this area, and all about the Charity Church (Stiftskirche) that once was here, and history about how people lived and worked in Bad Hersfeld. Sometimes that have special art exhibits, too.

Open: From Tu-Su from 10-12, and from 3 pm- 5 pm. Group tours are available upon request. Admission is free.

Address: Im Stift 6a, 36251 Bad Hersfeld

Phone: (0049-6621) 75774

Herzberg Castle

Herzberg Castle is not directly in Bad Hersfeld - it's just a short distance away - but well worth visiting, especially in the summer, when they have their Knights in Shining Armor Pagents.
The castle was built by the Lords of Romrod, in a part of the country known as the "shortcut through Hessen". Heinrich von Romrod owned the land on Herzberg (Heart Mountain), and his son, Frederick von Romrod, later known as Frederick von Herzberg, built a castle here (1372). It was very strategic, because this used to be a busy trade route - the shortcut through Hessen.
Royalty still occupy the castle. The Free Lords of Doernberg are now lords of the castle.
The knights in shining armour pagents are scheduled for July 3-4, 2004 and September 11-12, 2004.
In the castle, you can visit a museum which gives more information about the castle and its history.

WARNING: This castle is haunted!

Address: Forsthof Huhnstadt, 36287 Breitenbach / Herzberg

Directions: Take the B62 highway, heading for Alsfeld.

Phone: (0049-6675) 512, Fax: 1634

Website: http://www.burg-herzberg.de

Getting Cured in Bad Hersfeld

Any town in Germany that writes "Bad" in front of their name means that it's a spa town. "Bad" is the German word for "bath", or in this case, "spa". Hersfeld is no different. They have a spa and wellness center here, with a number of package programs, if you would like to a nice "chill out" day on your way through Germany.

At the moment their package deals are being remodeled, but new information will be available soon, so that you can take advantage of one of the multiple wellness packages that fits your budget or likings.

The spa offers the whole works as far as spas go - everything from Fango, to special exercise, to iron packings, to hot air therapy.

Address: Kurverwaltung Bad Hersfeld, Kurpark36251 Bad Hers.

Phone: (0049-6621) 7985-00, Fax -12

Website: http://www.kurverwaltung-badhersfeld.de

Eichhof Castle

This castle, as opposed to most castles, was not built by knights, dukes or kings - it was built by Abbots. The moated palace, known back then as "zu den Eychen" (to the oaks) was started by Abbot Ludwig von Mansbach in 1328 and finished by Abbot Berthold von V?lkershausen in 1372. This castle used to be the constant site of feuds between the Church clergy and the citizens of Bad Hersfeld. Abbot Ludwig Landau had the entire place redecorated in 1572, adding lots of half-timbered housing to it. Abbot Ludwig set his own memorial by adding his coat of arms to the wall of the building.

Unfortunately, this is not a castle you can visit. Today the "Hessian Research & Educational Institute for Green Landscapes and Feed Farming" have their offices here. Still, it's a nice place to look at.

Address: 36251 Bad Hersfeld

Open Air Pagent

Bad Hersfeld is famous for its open air play pagent or festival. Traditionally, it's held in the ruins of the Charity Church (Stiftskirche), and attracts famous international, as well as famous national works and artists. For example, you can see Andrew Lloyd Weber's and Tim Rice's famous musical "Jesus Christ Superstar", which plays this year between June 22nd and August 8th. Other works include "Jungle Book" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream".

Address: Am Markt 1, D-36251 Bad Hersfeld

Other Contact: festspiele@bad-hersfeld.de

Phone: (0049-6621) 201-313, Fax: -346

Website: http://www.bad-hersfelder-festspiele.de