Hanau-Wilhelmsbad State Park

Spa and fun - the Wilhelmsbad of the then Count of Hanau was a renowned, flourishing spa in the 18th century. In today‘s Hanau-Wilhelmsbad State Park, the buildings of the historic spa culture and the early English landscape garden with its many attractions have been almost completely preserved.

At a glance

Parkpromenade 7
63454 Hanau

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Outdoor area freely accessible

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A map of Hessen HESSEN

History

In 1785, a traveller wrote happily in the Teutschen Merkur about Wilhelmsbad near Hanau: “Anyone who is not comfortable here must be very ill indeed.” There were treatments, comforts, pleasures and then nature, which surpasses everything. It was not a businessman who ensured that the charms of the popular spa were extraordinary, but William IX (1743-1821), hereditary prince and later count of Hanau. He had entered the “wellness business” after mineral springs were discovered in a local quarry. Together with the engineer Franz Ludwig Cancrin, he realised buildings in late Baroque style from 1777 onwards. They were lined up in a long axis along a promenade, in the middle of a landscape park of 37.5 hectares that was being created at the same time.

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Elegant Baroque building with yellow and white façade, numerous arcades, windows and a forecourt, surrounded by trees under cloudy skies.

View of the central Arcade Building on the Wilhelmsbad Promenade

Photo: Oana Szekely, 2012

A green four-poster bed with green curtains and decorative elements, in an elegant, artistically designed room with patterned parquet flooring and murals.

Inside the castle, the rooms are sumptuously furnished. View of the bedroom

Photo: Michael Leukel, 2019

A park-like area with a decorative bandstand in the centre, surrounded by large trees, sunlight and shadows on the ground.

The music pavilion

Photo: T. Ohlwein, 2012

Wilhelmsbad Castle Ruins

Pseudo-medieval castle ruins on the outside, Baroque splendour on the inside: visit the fascinating Wilhelmsbad castle ruins!

Close-up of a painted wooden horse from an antique carousel in a room with large windows and other carousel horses in the background.

Photo: Michael Leukel, 2018

Friends and Supporters Association

The Förderverein für das Karussell im Staatspark Hanau-Wilhelmsbad e. V. is committed to the preservation of the historic carousel from 1779/80.

www.karussell-wilhelmsbad.de

Elegant hall with several festively decorated tables and chairs with covers, large windows with curtains and a chandelier.

Photo: T. Ohlwein, 2012

Meetings & Celebrations in Hanau-Wilhelmsbad

You can rent rooms at the Hanau-Wilhelmsbad State Park for your event.

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In the vicinity

Overview of all cultural treasures