Witzenhausen Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gems of North Hesse with our comprehensive tour guide to Witzenhausen, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and much more.


Witzenhausen is a small town located in North Hesse, Germany, known for its captivating beauty and historical significance. Its scenic river and lush landscapes make it the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will be highlighting the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and much more.

Introduction to Witzenhausen

Witzenhausen is a small town situated at the border of the states of Hesse, Lower Saxony, and Thuringia. The town is known for its stunning landscapes, scenic views, and historical significance. The Werra river flows through the town, adding to the picturesque view. The town’s history can be traced back to the 9th century, making it a place with a rich cultural heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Witzenhausen

Witzenhausen has plenty of amazing places to check out, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Gallery at the HKB, showcasing contemporary art exhibitions.
  • The Botanical Garden, home to a variety of plants and flowers from all over the world.
  • The Half-timbered Houses, these houses were built in the traditional German style and add to the town’s charm.
  • The Werra Bridge, built-in 1787 to connect the towns of Witzenhausen and Hann Münden.

Natural Attractions of Witzenhausen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Reinhard Forest, located on the south-east side of Witzenhausen, is a great place to hike or bike.
  • The Hessian Switzerland, located on the west side of Witzenhausen, is also a great area for hiking, with stunning views of the Werra river.
  • Werra Cycle Path, a bike trail that winds its way through some of the most beautiful landscapes along the Werra river.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Witzenhausen

Witzenhausen is well known for its hiking and cycling routes, which have something for everyone. Some of the popular options include:

  • Meißner- and Kaufunger Forest hiking route.
  • Werratal route, a challenging yet rewarding bike path that winds along the river.

Best Things to Do in Witzenhausen: Activities and Tours

Witzenhausen offers a wide range of activities and tours that are suitable for everyone:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing, a great way to explore the Werra river and experience the town’s natural beauty.
  • Sightseeing Tour, an organized tour that takes visitors through the town’s historic landmarks and cultural attractions.
  • The Half-timbered Houses Tour, a tour that visits some of the town’s most well-preserved half-timbered houses.

Week-Long Itinerary for Witzenhausen

Here’s a week-long itinerary plan to help you make the most out of your visit to Witzenhausen:

Day Activity
Day-1 Explore the Botanical Garden
Day-2 Cycling along the Werra Cycle Path
Day-3 Visit the Reinhard Forest and Meißner-Fulda Trail
Day-4 Explore the Hessian Switzerland Area
Day-5 Visit the Witzenhausen Historical Museum
Day-6 Kayaking and Canoeing on the Werra River
Day-7 Take a Walking Tour of the Town’s Half-timbered houses

Food and Drink Scene of Witzenhausen

Witzenhausen offers visitors a chance to indulge in local German cuisine and drinks. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages to try out:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Grünkohl (Kale), a traditional German dish, prepared with kale and smoked sausage.
  • Schmandkuchen (Cream Cake), a German cream cake that’s made with butter, flour, sugar, and cream.
  • Currywurst, a popular fast-food dish that consists of grilled sausage topped with curry sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Beer, German beer is famous worldwide and has to be tasted to be believed.
  • Apfelwein (Apple Wine), a light and refreshing apple wine that’s commonly found in the Hessen region.

Where to Stay in Witzenhausen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Witzenhausen has plenty of options for accommodation, catering to everyone’s needs and budgets:

  • Hotel Stadt Witzenhausen, a classic 4-star hotel located in the heart of Witzenhausen.
  • Hotel Garni am Heuberg, a cozy 3-star hotel located on the outskirts of Witzenhausen.
  • Ziegelruh Guesthouse, a bed and breakfast that offers a comfortable stay at an affordable price.

What to Buy in Witzenhausen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Witzenhausen has plenty of souvenir and local product options. Here are a few that you shouldn’t miss:

  • The Eco-Shop, a shop that sells local organic produce and handmade crafts.
  • Witzenhausen’s Chocolate Shop, located in the town center, sells handmade chocolate and pralines.
  • The Bookstore (Buchhandlung Otto Henninger), a quaint little bookstore with a carefully curated selection of books.

Local Culture and Customs of Witzenhausen

Witzenhausen is a town steeped in tradition and culture. Here are a few things you should know:

  • Witzenhausen Market, a traditional farmers’ market, takes place every Saturday.
  • The Witzenhausen Festival, an annual festival that takes place in August, celebrating the town’s culture and traditions.
  • The Half-timbered Houses, a UNESCO world heritage site, these houses have a profound significance in the region’s history and culture.

Best Time to Visit Witzenhausen

The best time to visit Witzenhausen is during the spring and summer months, from April to September. The weather is usually warm, and the natural surroundings are at their best.

Do’s and Don’ts of Witzenhausen

Here are a few things to remember while visiting Witzenhausen:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and drinks.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Take great care of the natural surroundings.

Don’t:

  • Litter or pollute the natural surroundings.
  • Walk on the bike lanes and cycling routes.
  • Ignore the local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Witzenhausen is generally a safe place to visit. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Safety in Witzenhausen

  • Keep your valuable possessions safe and always be aware of your surroundings.
  • Follow the local regulations and laws while travelling within the town boundaries.

Health in Witzenhausen

  • Always carry a first-aid kit, especially if you’re planning on going on hiking or cycling routes.
  • In case of emergencies, the town has a medical center and a hospital.

Getting to Witzenhausen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Witzenhausen is easily accessible by various means of transport. Here are your options:

Airports Near Witzenhausen

  • Kassel Airport, located just 30 kilometers away from Witzenhausen and served by several airlines.

Bus Stations Near Witzenhausen

  • Witzenhausen Bahnhof, a bus station located in the town center.

Other Options

  • Car Rental, several rental companies operate in Witzenhausen and offer a wide range of options.
  • Bicycle Rental, if you’re planning on exploring the town’s natural surroundings, renting a bike is a great idea.

How to Get Around in Witzenhausen

Witzenhausen is a small town, and most of its attractions are easily reachable on foot. If you’re planning on exploring the town’s surroundings or traveling to nearby destinations, here are your options:

  • Bike, renting a bike is a great way to explore the town’s natural surroundings.
  • Bus, the town’s bus service operates on several routes, linking the town to nearby destinations.
  • Car, renting a car is a great way to travel to nearby destinations.

Where to Go Next from Witzenhausen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Witzenhausen has plenty of nearby destinations that are worth visiting. Here are a few:

  • Hann Münden, a beautiful medieval town located just 20 kilometers away from Witzenhausen.
  • Kassel, the largest city in North Hesse and just 50 kilometers away from Witzenhausen.

Conclusion

Witzenhausen is a stunningly beautiful town, with a rich cultural heritage and natural surroundings. It’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts and those who love to explore traditional German culture and customs. We hope this comprehensive tour guide has helped you plan your visit to this hidden gem of North Hesse.