Hesse
THERE IS NO WAY AROUND HESSE.
»Ei gude, wie?«
What’s typical for Hesse? That’s not an easy question to answer, because it’s the incredible breadth and diversity that makes Hesse so fascinating and loveable. A vibrant conurbation at the heart of Germany, picturesque old town centres, modern industrial zones and idyllic landscapes, innovative technologies and unique cultural treasures – Hesse offers all of this and much more. These very different facets are what make the state so special – and they ensure that people all across the state enjoy a great quality of life.
Capital
Population
Area
Birthday
Special features
5 Highlights
in Hesse
Frankfurt Airport
Partly because of its central location in the heart of Germany and Europe, mobility plays a major role for Hesse and its economy. Frankfurt Airport is of special importance: not only is it Germany’s largest commercial airport, it’s also Germany’s largest workplace and employs around 80,000 people.
Hessentag
Hessentag is the annual state festival for the people of Hesse and probably the oldest and largest state festival in Germany. Created by prime minister Georg-August Zinn in 1961, Hessentag fuses culture and modern life with a wealth of presentations and a wide choice of events, such as concerts, debates and performances. This year, the Hessentag was held in Pfungstadt in southern Hesse; the location for 2024 is Fritzlar in northern Hesse.
Grie Soß (green sauce)
Hesse boasts a wide choice of regional delicacies. One of the best-known and the most delicious is Frankfurt’s “Grie Soß” – a green sauce that Goethe is said to have been particularly fond of. The classic recipe includes seven herbs (borage, chervil, cress, parsley, burnet, sorrel and chives) which are finely chopped and mixed with sour cream or crème fraiche. It is traditionally served with potatoes and boiled eggs.
UNESCO World Heritage
With seven sites, Hesse is rich in UNESCO World Heritage treasures and sites. The Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is one particularly impressive example: glorious water features, one of the largest landscape parks in Europe and the gigantic statue of Hercules regularly attract many visitors to Kassel.
Frankfurter Book Fair
The Frankfurt Book Fair, founded in 1949 by the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels (German Publishers & Booksellers Association), is considered one of the most important trading venues for printed and digital content. The exhibition is held regularly in October on the grounds of Messe Frankfurt. Every year, the literature and culture of a guest country are highlighted here. The German Book Prize, the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, the German Youth Literature Prize and many other industry awards are presented during the Fair.
HESSE AT THE FESTIVAL OF UNITY
Gude!
This year, to get to Hesse, simply head to the central court of the Marstall by following the large letters spelling out “Hessen” on Werderstraße. A warm welcome awaits!
Food and drink come from the cider bar Frau Rauscher in Frankfurt am Main with cider, “Handkäs” cheese, “Ahle Wurst” and plenty more. There’s something for all tastes! And, for all those who have been clamouring to know where they can get their hands on the best chocolate kisses… here, of course! (First come, first served, unfortunately).
Take a seat and enjoy our varied entertainment programme on stage, including a fairy story narrator who will be whisking listeners of all ages off to enchanted worlds, the Hessian band Rheingau Vista Boys and plenty of facts and insights about Germany’s Basic Law, which celebrates its 75th birthday this year. We wish everyone a great time and look forward to seeing you at German Unity Day 2024 in Schwerin!
The latest details and times will be available at the Hesse state stand.
Stand opening hours:
2 October 2024: 11 am – midnight
3 October 2024: 10 am – midnight
4 October 2023: 10 am – 6 pm
FOR GERMAN UNITY DAY 2024:
THE MINISTER-PRESIDENT OF HESSE
Boris Rhein
FIVE THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HESSE
Did you know that…