Kassel – the green home of the Brothers Grimm
Mayors reveal their insider tips in the deutschland.de series “My city”. Part 28: Mayor Bertram Hilgen from Kassel.
Mayor Hilgen, what is special about your city?
Kassel is a city with over 1,100 years of colourful history – and a very promising future. The city has become a modern centre for the service sector while at the same time retaining a robust industrial base, and together with the local region has become a platform for the energy challenges of the future. An endearing and very liveable city, Kassel is bucking demographic trends and growing each year – thanks in part to an increasing student population. Home to the documenta exhibition and one of Germany’s greenest cities, Kassel also offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and leisure activities, a high quality of life and some really great parks and gardens. Our city is characterized by its openness to the world and a range of cultural offerings that no other German city of a similar size can match.
What do you see when you look out of your office window?
I look down on the hustle and bustle of Königsstrasse – our pedestrianized area. It offers a large range of shops, pleasant places to stop and take a break, services of all kinds, a whole host of restaurants and cafes, not to mention numerous cultural venues.
Where in your city do you most like to spend your time?
In and at our new “Grimm World” – a fairy-tale exhibition house devoted to the Brothers Grimm. “Grimm World” is to be found on Weinberg hill in Kassel and is surrounded by picturesque urban parkland. There is a wonderful view of the southern part of Kassel from the roof terrace there. The “Grimm World” exhibition comprises multimedia elements, “experience zones” for children, valuable exhibits from Kassel’s Grimm collections – including the original handwritten manuscripts of the Brothers Grimm’s Children’s and Household Tales, which are listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register – and fascinating ways to access the world of knowledge and ideas of the Brothers Grimm.
Which of your city’s personalities do you value most?
My partner.
What would you like to show tourists?
The roundel at the river Fulda – a round artillery fortification which dates back to 1523 and formed part of Kassel’s City Palace. There is a fantastic view of the river Fulda from there, and of the rebuilt lower new town. And behind it is the regional administrative authority where I was district president from 1996 to 1999.
Where can visitors best get to know the people of your city?
At one of the many festivals we celebrate here in Kassel – for example at the Wehlheider Kirmes fair or the Zissel, a festival that takes place by and on the river Fulda. The Zissel is a good opportunity to do what the locals do – watch the processions and get caught up in all the fun activities taking place along the banks of the river.
And where do you most like to spend your vacations?
Trekking in the mountains.