Baroque town on the banks of the Weser River
In the Baroque planned town of Bad Karlshafen and the medieval village of Helmarshausen, unique cultural and natural experiences blend with the modern wellness offerings of the Weser-Therme.
Bad Karlshafen for Fairy Tale Lovers
Between Bad Karlshafen and Helmarshausen rises the legendary Krukenburg Castle. According to local legend, the giant Kruko once lived here with his daughters Saba, Brama and Trendula. After his death, a bitter dispute broke out between the sisters. Today, visitors can enjoy sweeping views across the Reinhardswald forest and the Diemel Valley from the castle tower.
The Romanesque Krukenburg, historic monastery buildings and charming half-timbered houses still shape the townscape of Helmarshausen today. The monastery became world-famous for its school of manuscript illumination and goldsmith workshops. It was here that the unique Gospel Book of Henry the Lion was created. A facsimile edition with its magnificently decorated pages can be admired in the Museum at the Old Town Hall, complemented by an exhibition on medieval manuscript illumination.
The distinctive character of Bad Karlshafen is defined by the elegant white houses surrounding the harbour basin, the town hall with its carillon and the former Thurn und Taxis post station. One of the Brothers Grimm once lived at Weserstraße 19 — today, the building houses the Tourist Information Office.
Founded in 1699 by Landgrave Carl of Hesse, the town was intended to bypass customs duties in Hann. Münden and serve as the starting point for a canal to Kassel. The harbour became an important transshipment point for trade and goods.
Bad Karlshafen for Holidaymakers and Day Visitors
Outdoor Activities
Nature lovers and active visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities including jogging, hiking, Nordic walking, mountain biking, cycling, fishing, canoeing and horseback riding.
Relaxation
Pure relaxation awaits at the Weser-Therme directly on the riverbank. Fed by Hessen’s most saline thermal brine spring, the water contains 23 percent salt and is particularly beneficial to health thanks to its rich mineral and trace element content. The sauna world offers a wide variety of experiences, including the boat sauna “Jacques Galland” — an absolute highlight.
