Back from a teen language study trip to Germany ? Before you head back to our friends across the Rhine, LEC invites you to set your sights on Kassel, a gem of the German landscape!
How many people live in Kassel?
Kassel is located in the state of Hesse. The city—which can be spelled Kassel or Cassel in France, but must always be spelled with a K during a teen language study trip to Germany—had a population of 192,874 in 2013. This makes it comparable to cities like Rennes or Reims on this side of the Rhine. But make no mistake: Kassel is twinned with the French city of Mulhouse, as well as with the city of Florence in Italy!
Kassel, capital of the new Kingdom of Westphalia
Situated at the crossroads between Rhineland and Lower Saxony, Kassel is a historic cultural center of great richness. Built on the banks of the Fulda River, it was first mentioned shortly before the end of the first millennium. Since then, its history has been shaped by Calvinist Protestantism, literary achievements, and the presence of the Grimm brothers, and a prominent political role, when it became, under Napoleon’s reign, the capital of the new Kingdom of Westphalia.
What is there to see in Kassel during a teen language study trip to Germany?
Visiting this iconic spot in the heart of Germany? Don’t miss the city’s must-see attraction: Wilhelmshöhe Park! This public park, spanning just over 2 square kilometers, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. And for good reason: it features a magnificent castle and a particularly high-perched statue of Hercules… Be sure to also explore the city’s museums, including the rich Art Gallery, which showcases works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck, as well as the Museum of Tapestries and Wallpaper.