Hessenpark Open-Air Museum

Hessenpark in Neu-Anspach is the open-air museum of the German state of Hesse and one of the top family day trips from Frankfurt. Spread across about 65 hectares (160 acres) in the Taunus hills, it brings together more than a hundred historic buildings from all over Hesse, taken apart at their original sites and rebuilt here. Half-timbered houses, village churches, windmills, working craft shops and heritage farm animals make it feel like a walk through centuries of rural German life.

Where it is and how to get there

Hessenpark lies about 30 km (19 miles) north of Frankfurt, roughly 30 to 40 minutes by car, with free parking at the entrance. By public transport, take the Taunusbahn regional train to Wehrheim or Neu-Anspach, then bus 63 to the stop "Neu-Anspach/Anspach Hessenpark". On weekends from May to October, a culture bus also runs from Bad Homburg via the Saalburg Roman fort. Regional trains and buses are covered by the Deutschlandticket.

What makes it special

Founded by the state in 1974 and opened in 1978, the museum rescues buildings that could not be preserved where they stood. The collection keeps growing, and the grounds are arranged by region, so you can compare farmhouses from northern, central and southern Hesse. The museum also keeps traditional building skills, crafts and rare livestock breeds alive.

Things to do

• Stroll the market square, lined with grand half-timbered facades, cafés and shops
• Watch craftspeople at work: pottery, blacksmithing, rope making, indigo dyeing and more
• Visit the village churches, schoolhouse and windmills
• Meet heritage-breed farm animals, a favorite with kids

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026, the museum is open daily 9 am to 6 pm from March to October (last entry 5 pm) and on weekends and holidays, 10 am to 5 pm, from November to February. It is closed on December 24 and 31. Adults pay €14, while children, students and apprentices enter free. Every Friday, admission is half price. Dogs on a leash are welcome on the grounds (€1) but not inside buildings.

Is it worth visiting?

Definitely, especially with children or if you are curious about traditional German half-timbered architecture. Plan at least half a day. Combine it with the reconstructed Roman fort of Saalburg nearby, part of the UNESCO-listed Limes frontier, for a full day out from Frankfurt. Seasonal highlights include plant markets, a vintage tractor meet and Advent markets on the first three Advent weekends.