Travel Guide in Wiesbaden

The Wiesbaden Travel Guide gives a small idea of the great history of this little unassuming city which entered recorded history nearly 2000 years ago when Romans first built a military settlement here, about that time the mineral springs were discovered here. Since then the city has had a tumultuous history, either being made a capital or being destroyed completely. It went from a bustling population to less than 40 people (somewhere around the 15th century), then back to a great city. If you have seen the emotionally moving movie Valkyrie, you may remember this is the home of General Ludwig Beck, the lead conspirator in the plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. The city has instituted an annual prize for courage in Beck's honor. Ludwig Beck’s last words were “I am thinking of earlier times.”  and that certainly holds true for the city as well, with literal snapshots of the last 200 years preserved in various sections of the city.

Getting Around

You have many options, apart from a car. Weisbaden has walking tours which are available to tour the city and they are thematic. You can learn about everything from city architecture to its water springs and its casino. You also have the choice to go around the city on bicycle. There are bicycle rental shops all over the city. Then there is Thermine, the little train with a steam engine motif which goes around Weisbaden. Even if you do not use Thermine to see Weisbaden, it is a fun experience--and definitely one of the best ways see Weisbaden.

What to See

You definitely need to see Neroberg which is a hill within Weisbaden city limits. It is only 245 meters tall, but it has all the feeling of a regular hill. In fact you can even take a natural hike on the hill. It has a Russian church and also it has its own train called the Funicular Railway, which operates entirely on water and gravity. It climbs 80 meters, covering a distance of about half a km. It was built in 1888 and now it operates between April and October. You should also see the former city palace which is the Parliament today. The Market Church should also be on to visit list.

Other Interesting Things to Do

Weisbaden is the "Spa of Europe," so you definitely need to experience one of the mineral springs of the city. You also should go to the casino, not just for the tables and the slots but to look at some great architecture as well, even though the table and the slots can certainly add to the fun.