Kassel (pop 194,000) hosts one of Western Europe’s most important contemporary art shows, the Documenta, founded in 1955.

Climb the 449 steps to the top of Kassel’s gigantic statue Herkules, built between 1707 and 1717, for spectacular views in all directions. At certain times floodgates at Herkules’ feet are opened and water pours down the 885 tiers of the Baroque ornamental gardens, culminating in a 52 metre high jet of water.

Don’t miss the Brüder-Grimm-Museum in Kassel with its displays on the lives and works of the Brothers Grimm. The Brothers lived here for many years as court librarians and wrote not only their famous fairy tales, but also compiled dictionaries, grammars and language histories.