A giant hero who towers over all

In Greek mythology, the demigod Hercules was known for his heroic deeds. Over 300 years ago, Landgrave Charles chose him to symbolise his own sovereign power: he had a huge statue of Hercules erected high above Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, as he wanted it to be visible from a very long distance away. It is one of the oldest structures in the park and is now Kassel's most famous landmark.      

The entire Hercules monument is 70 metres high and consists of three parts. The water features start in the lowest, rock-type grotto construction. The grotto becomes an open "giant palace" with a large viewing platform that affords unparalleled views across the Bergpark and its more distant surroundings. Above this is a pyramid that supports the statue.

The Hercules played a major role in the Bergpark's inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: it was considered to "constitute an expression of the ideals of absolutist Monarchy", and is the park's most important landmark.

Opening Hours

TagUhrzeit
1 April to 31 October
Tuesdays to Sundays10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Public holidays10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed during the winter months.

Admission prices

KategoriePreis
Adults6 euros
Concessions4 euros
Under 18's Free
Children/young adults still at schoolFree

3 for 1 •  Wilhelmshöhe Day Pass
Schloss Wilhelmshöhe palace, Löwenburg, Hercules (1 April – 31 October) / Greenhouse (1 November – 31 March).


Contact

Hessen Kassel Heritage
Herkules
Schlosspark 28
34131 Kassel
Germany

+49 (0)561 316 80-781
info@heritage-kassel.de

Visitor service
+49 (0)561 316 80-123
service@heritage-kassel.de

Zugänglichkeit

  • Assistance dogs welcome
  • Dedicated parking bays for people with reduced mobility
  • Baby changing facilities
  • Accessible toilets
  • Not fully accessible

Parkordnung zum Download

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