About Darmstadt

A city of poetry, beer, song and science, Darmstadt has a fascinating history and a continuing sense of innovation. Brilliant for a weekend away, the city teems with art galleries, concert halls, wonderful restaurants and technical universities. There are a burgeoning number of great hotels and guesthouses in and around the city, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Our Gurus’ pick of the best places to stay in Darmstadt fuses contemporary elegance with the classic charm of a heritage lodge.

Prior to WWI, Darmstadt was the capital of the Grand Duchy of Hesse. In 1899, the Grand Duke invited seven artists to settle in the city, founding the hilltop Mathindenhohe colony and inspiring the creation of a series of magnificent Art Nouveau buildings. This is a wonderful district to explore on foot, with a striking Russian chapel, art galleries and workshops aplenty to discover. Much of the city’s Old Town was destroyed by Allied bombing during WWII, so you’ll find a largely rebuilt city centre, with fewer historic landmarks. Darmstadt has its eyes very much on the future, however, with a thriving university known for its scientific discoveries. This is, after all, where Darmstadtium — a new chemical of the periodic table — originated in 1994. The city is also home to the European Space Agency's satellite control centre.

Darmstadt is famously green. Park Rosenhohe is the best-known of the city’s public parks, with 10,000 roses flowering between May and November. Take the whole family to see the animals at the Vivarium, clamber up to stark Castle Frankenstein — reputedly the inspiration behind Mary Shelley’s novel — or simply soak up the sunshine in the city’s lively beer gardens. The Grohe Brauerei and the Rummel Brauerei are two of the city’s most popular breweries. You’ll find top-notch craft beers at the best places to stay in Darmstadt, too!

The Best Places to Stay in Darmstadt

For a Rural Retreat

Hotel Jagdschloss Kranichstein, an elegant former hunting lodge, has comfortable contemporary guest rooms with big beds, cosy armchairs and a soothing palette of white, light grey, blue and apple-green. The inviting sitting room, excellent restaurant and bistro-bar are ideal for unwinding after strolls around the leafy grounds. A romantic rural delight, with superb tours of the onsite museum.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY HOUSE

If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Fly to Frankfurt Airport, a 25 minutes by car or 40 minutes by train from Darmstadt. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance.
Hesse is wonderful for a road trip! If you would like to hire a car to explore the wider region, we recommend visiting our online partner Rentalcars.
Visit Darmstadt during the summer months, when the roses are in full bloom and the beer gardens and their liveliest. Temperatures hover around 23°C in July and August. For fewer crowds at sights across the region, consider travelling during the quieter shoulder seasons of May or September.