Hessen

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

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.

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

This year, to get to Hesse, simply head to Hamburg’s St Peter’s Church. You’ll see the large letters spelling out “Hessen” on Mönckebergstraße. We look forward to welcoming you! We’ve got lots of information about the state, the people and our regional specialties on offer!

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 the play “EINIGKEIT UND RECHT UND FREIHEIT” by histotainer Tino Leo, who will be taking you back in time to between 1815 and 1848. It’s a tale of the German revolution of 1848 and how it came about. For youngster – and older – listeners there will be a fairy story reader to take you off to enchanted worlds. The programme is rounded off by music from the band Mambo Kingx from Fulda. Look forward to a fun time!

Opening hours:

Monday, 2 October 2023 from 10 am – 11 pm
Tuesday, 3 October 2023 from 10 am – 9 pm

FOR GERMAN UNITY DAY 2023:

THE MINISTER-PRESIDENT OF HESSE, BORIS RHEIN

FIVE THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HESSE

Did you know that…

1.

… Frankfurt is home to the highest building in Germany? The Commerzbank Tower has 65 floors and stands almost 260 metres tall.

2.

… around 2.3 million people in Hesse volunteer in associations and charities?

3.

… a man from Hesse invented the telephone? In 1861, Philipp Reis of Friedrichsdorf demonstrated his “telephone” apparatus to the members of the Physical Society in Frankfurt.

4.

… the Hessian constitution is the oldest constitution still in force in a German state?

5.

… the brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, authors of the “German Dictionary” and the well-known “Children’s and Household Tales”, were born in Hanau in Hesse and lived in Kassel for several years?