The Cherry Town in the Werra Valley
The charming Cherry and University Town of Witzenhausen, with its sixteen surrounding districts, is beautifully nestled in the romantic Werra Valley and lies at the heart of one of Germany's oldest and largest cherry-growing regions. For more than 450 years, the cherry has shaped the town's identity and annual traditions. The title "Cherry Town" becomes especially fitting in late April and early May, when around 100,000 cherry trees burst into spectacular white blossom.
Witzenhausen is also Germany's smallest university town and is home to the University of Kassel's Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, the first faculty of its kind in Europe.
Witzenhausen for Fairy Tale Enthusiasts
"Once upon a time..."—these magical words open the door to the wonderful world of the Brothers Grimm's fairy tales, many of which were collected and developed in and around Kassel. Numerous places connected with the lives and work of the Brothers Grimm can still be discovered today, including Witzenhausen.
After Jacob Grimm was expelled from Göttingen in December 1837, following the protest of the famous Göttingen Seven, he travelled via Witzenhausen on his way to join his brother Ludwig Emil Grimm in Kassel. Accompanied by two fellow professors, he stayed at the historic inn Zur Krone. That very evening, Jacob Grimm delivered a passionate speech in support of freedom in Witzenhausen's market square.
To commemorate this historic event, a statue of Jacob Grimm was unveiled on the market square in 2013.
Surrounded by countless cherry orchards, Witzenhausen is also the realm of the Witzenhausen Cherry Queen. Every year, at the beginning of July during the cherry harvest, a new Cherry Queen and her princesses are ceremonially elected in the market square. Since 1967, they have proudly represented the town throughout the following year.
Witzenhausen for Holidaymakers and Day Visitors
Witzenhausen offers countless opportunities for active holidays in one of Germany's most beautiful landscapes.
The surrounding countryside is ideal for hiking and cycling. Just a ten-minute drive from the town centre, visitors can join Premium Hiking Trail 9, which passes through the impressive Roßbach Juniper Heath, or Premium Hiking Trail 25, which crosses the border between Hesse and Lower Saxony.
During the cherry blossom season, five specially designed Cherry Blossom Circular Trails and the Cherry Discovery Trail are particularly recommended. The latter includes 17 information stations spread across a 1.8-kilometre town route and a 2.7-kilometre countryside route, leading directly through the flowering orchards.
Cyclists can enjoy an extensive network of routes linking Witzenhausen with its surrounding villages. The Werra Valley Cycle Route connects the town with nearby Bad Sooden-Allendorf and Hann. Münden, while the Leine-Heide Cycle Route heads north towards Göttingen and continues all the way to Hamburg. The 22-kilometre Cherry Cycle Route circles Witzenhausen, passing both productive orchards and centuries-old cherry trees. Mountain bikers will also find a wide variety of trails nearby.
Exploring the region by canoe along the River Werra offers another memorable perspective. Routes of varying lengths and difficulty provide excellent opportunities for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Visitors can also enjoy walking, running, inline skating, horse riding, swimming, or even gliding, making Witzenhausen an ideal destination for anyone seeking relaxation through outdoor activity.
The Tourist Information Office is happy to provide advice, maps, and local recommendations. Guided tours of the historic old town are available, including a popular 30-minute express tour that introduces visitors to Witzenhausen's most important landmarks and highlights.
