Darmstadt

Darmstadt is a city near Frankfurt in southwest Germany. It’s known for the Mathildenhöhe district's art nouveau buildings, like the iconic Wedding Tower. Museum Künstlerkolonie features art nouveau glass, textiles and jewelry. Hessisches Landesmuseum displays art by Joseph Beuys. Northeast, the Messel Pit has Eocene-era fossils. To the south is ruined Frankenstein Castle, which may have inspired the famed book.
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Darmstadt Trip Planner

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Top attractions in Darmstadt

Mathildenhöhe
1. Mathildenhöhe
Sights & Landmarks
Architectural Buildings
Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt
2. Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt
4.6
(2414)
Museum
Local history museum
This museum offers a noted collection of European art, as well as natural history exhibits.
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We visited this museum just because it was at midway on our long distance drive that day and was perfect spot to rest. It turned out to be one of the best museums we ever visited. It is not a big museum as the popular ones in the country. However it has a nice collection of things, the variety of which was quite a lot to facinate, but not too much as in the big museums to overwhelm. The natural history collection had many bird, mammal and skeleton samples. There is also a collection of skulls of other human species like neanderthals, etc. In addition, there is a nice minerals collection. The second floor was reserved for modern art exhibitions, but I cannot comment as we are not fond of modern art. Parking: there are two big underground parking just under the museum and under the square across the museum. Therefore, access by car is very easy. The price of parking was okay or as one would expect considering it was the most central location in the city. We bought the ticket when we arrive. There was not a queue, however it was a low season. Ticket can also be bought online. The price of the museum is 6 euro per person. Overall, it was a quite nice experience for 3 hours that we spent.
That was the best museum that I've ever seen. Fossils, ancient Egypt, Knight armours, various minerals and stones, amazing tiffany glass examples, stunning old jewelleries, ancient Rome miniatures and more... It was absolutely amazing. 3 floors took my 3 hours and I could've stay even more.
It is a huge museum having 7-8 sections ranging from science, arts to history. The hardwork of workers in preserving the biological samples is admirable. You can come with kids to give them a good insights into different subjects. It is fantastic museum.
Absolutely wonderful place. Everyone should be visit this museum when gone to Darmstadt.
Excellent natural history museum with interesting mineralogical and zoological collections in addition to a range of works of art from both the ancient and modern world. In my opinion the heart of the museum is in the collection of fossils from the nearby Messel site, as they are incredibly well prepared and presented.
A surprisingly fulfilling museum with interesting exhibits in all areas ranging from art and history to the natural world. Be sure to reserve a good three or more hours for this place if you want to get round everything, as it has a vast collection - especially of art. The Max Liebermann exhibition was on when I visited. This was one of the best parts and was a well put together exhibition with interesting pieces. Most of the descriptions of the pieces are in German but this didn't reduce any of the entertainment for me. One kind employee even had a nice chat with me about the permanent collection. Entry is cheap and discounted for students so I undoubtedly recommend a visit as I believe it's one of the most interesting places to visit in Darmstadt!
We came for the art deco section and especially the jewelry part. This is the best display of jewelry I have ever seen. And the rest of the museum is also excellent. Beautiful pieces and excellently displayed. A must see for everyone. Very helpful security, especially in the art deco section where we were pointed towards the available drawers with even more jewelry.
Very interesting exhibits in an amazing beautiful Museum Hause in the heart of Darmstadt town... Enough time is required for visiting every exhibit with no rush, at least 2 to 3 hours. A café is also here to sit and enjoy a pause in between or after the visiting... A good museum for adults with children ....
Vivarium Darmstadt
3. Vivarium Darmstadt
4.2
(5868)
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
A zoo with hands-on section & an area for exotics such as snakes & lizards in the reptile house.
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The Vivarium Zoo in Darmstadt is a nice place to spend a lovely day or even a cloudy day, esp with kids. They have quite a collection of different animals, including colourful birds all over the world, including flamingo birds. They also have many butterflies and all sorts of fishes.
This is a small zoo in Darmstadt, where suitable for a short visit of 2-3 hours. this zoo provide friendly space for children and family activities.
Went for couple hours and I was actually pleasantly with the diversity. Very good park and nice place to spend a day with kids. The internal restaurant is too expensive. Pretty cool activity to do in otherways mostly boring city.
It was very nice experience, not too many animals but at least the prices were reasonable and conveniently little people and walking.
This is a small Zoo but with heart and soul. The animals are treated good, there was enough food and space for each inhabitant. Some animals were lend out to other zoos so not all areas were filled. Entrance fee is really good compared to other zoos I have been to. The prices of the small cafe were too high (~4€ for fries) and it took way to long (~20 mins waiting time for fries...?), queueing excluded. The area is accessible with a wheelchair and the parking lots are close. Will be back for sure.
Not much to see cause not such a big zoo, but very nice and appealing for kids. Benches. Playgrounds. Clean. The crocodile hides and sleeps and not green.... Some listed animals missing. This was very nice for me and the kids.
The small animal park is a great day out with small children. We love the otters and the monkey house! Presently (October 2025) they are doing quite a bit of maintenance which means some of the enclosures are not available. Our family has had a membership since 2010 and highly recommend it.
It's lovely experience to see all those animal. There where a lot of young people looking after them. It was nice spend time and moment for learning about animal world.
Waldspirale
4. Waldspirale
4.5
(1494)
Apartment building
Sights & Landmarks
Spiral landmark in bright colors designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and built 1998-2000.
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I saw Hundertwasserhaus Waldspirale first time in 2003 and I was already mesmerised. I wish I could live there. We always take guests to see this amazing architecture. It is really worth it.
Unbelievable from the inside. An architectural masterpiece, you can actually feel the vibes when you're within it. A sight to behold and experience. Words won't do it justice!
The building is very interesting and has a charming vibe. Its unusual style is like it came from Alice in Wonderland.
It is a different vibe when you visit the place!
Who love architecture and design you definitely need to visit this complex in Darmstadt!! It’s very interesting
Great building to look at incase you are a fan of the hundertwasser style. Sadly can only have a look from outside and not able to get in or go to the garden, but then again it is an apartment complex, so quite happy there was a way to go in between the two buildings.
Its so beautiful, as If a drawing came alive. 😍 very artistic.
Worth seeing, but really nothing super special. Just a different building- clone of some in Wienna…
Orthodox Church of St. Mary Magdalene Darmstadt
5. Orthodox Church of St. Mary Magdalene Darmstadt
4.7
(982)
Russian Orthodox church
Sights & Landmarks
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So cute, worth going there :)
One of the most beautiful orthodox churches in Germany! It is located at the proximity of the Hochzeitsturm - the major landmark of Darmstadt - and surrounded by an artificial lake/fountain and orchard. I could not visit the inside due to an ongoing mass, but I was satisfied with just admiring the rich and colorful exterior (the church went under major reconstruction just several years ago). Easily recognizable by its golden onion shaped domes, the church is more than 120 years old and was built for the Russian tsar Nicholas II. The park is located just meters away and is a great venue for afternoon stroll or even a picnic, the atmosphere here is calm and quiet. Visited in November 2022.
A church with unique architecture. We didn't go inside because there were some events taking place.
Very intimate atmosphere, imposing building. Staff friendly and helpful. Amazing colors.
The architecture and the view from outside were amazing. We didn't have a chance to enter, it was closed.
Its a nice place for people living in Darmstadt for a walk in evenings or maybe to spend peaceful time with friends or family.
Very detailed. It's really nice there. They're on a renovation now, but I bet it'll be more beautiful when it's done
A very beautiful church but unfortunately photographs are not allowed inside.
Luisenplaza
6. Luisenplaza
4.1
(7867)
Plaza
Sights & Landmarks
Central square & transport hub with fountains & a 19th-century monument to Grand Duke Ludwig I.
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This place is very epic! Anything you can find is here! Sadly the McDonalds closed down after corona tho grrr; but like they have other great food places to make up for it!
Last time I visited Darmstad was 32 years ago. I still remembered the Luisen platz and couldn't wait for seeing the changes. It haven't changed so much and I still love the Darmstadt downtown scene. I will be back again soon.
The center of the city, where all converges, and Langer Ludwig in the middle. Is not always clean, and it is full of cables that ruin the views of the tower. Nice, that is full of places to eat all around.
The Best place Darmstadt. No matter where you live/travel in Darmstadt, you can not avoid visiting this place :). This is the city centre where all the best shops are located. There are also tons of restaurants offering various types of foods. The bus/trum connection is also very very good here, you can find public transportation to go almost anywhere in Darmstadt-Dieburg area.
I have been in this place at many different times in the day, and different days of the year and its probably the most iconic place in Darmstadt. To be honest there are a lot places in the city I don't find particular beautifull but this is not one of them. On Sundays is more relaxed as there are less people around and for those who like lots of movement there are a lot of people during the fests. When I am not coming here to do some shopping, l just like to enjoy a nice espresso and relax.
It is a square that is considered the center of the city of Darmstadt. It dec everything you are looking for, such as shopping malls, cafes, banks. All means of transport pass through this square. There is also a significant amount of vehicle traffic underneath.
This is the city center of Darmstadt. Tram and bus connectivity is very good from here. You can get airliner bus from here to Frankfurt. There are many shopping options in luisencenter which is near to this. Even restaurents, super markets, bakeries and apotheke are near by..during christmas time, this place is nivy decorated and small exhibition kind of stores are arranged here.
Writing in English because I believe only a tourist would look this up. This is what whe usually call “Middle” of the Darmstadt. Near the Ludwig’s Monument (which is seen in photos) there are many little shops and a Shopping Center aswell. You are close to the bank, a little Starbucks, many restaurants. Only problem with Luisenplatz is that some drunk people do drink there at night time.
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Other notable attractions

Darmstadtium - Science and Congress Center
Convention center
Business to business service
Large, modern, eco-friendly congress center with a terrace, plus restaurant/cafe & catering service.
Palace-Museum Darmstadt
Museum
Specialty Museums
Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Prinz-Emil-Garten
State park
Nature & Parks
Rosenhöhe
State park
Nature & Parks
Serene 19th-century park with rose gardens & pavilions, plus mausoleums & historic buildings.
Hofladen Hofgut Oberfeld
Natural goods store
Sights & Landmarks
Hochzeitsturm
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
1908 tower with landmark Art Nouveau "fingers" & panoramic views of Darmstadt at the top.
Darmstadt-Kranichstein Railway Museum
Rail museum
Museums
Guided tours of locomotives, wagons, workshop areas & uniform displays, plus railway history.
French Oil Museum
Museum
Specialty Museums
Prinz-Georg-Garten
Garden
Nature & Parks

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Weather in Darmstadt

Here's the historical average temperature in Darmstadt over a full year based on data compiled by NASA: for more details by month, see the weather in Darmstadt in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, or December
Monthly temperature highs and lows in Darmstadt
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