Landmarks
Kurhaus Wiesbaden
Wiesbaden, Hesse
- 30–90 min
- Rainy-day option
Highlights
- Friedrich-von-Thiersch-Saal
- Kurhauskolonnade
- Bowling Green
- Spielbank
- Kurpark
About this place
The Kurhaus Wiesbaden is the grand spa house of Wiesbaden, the capital of Hesse, about 40 km west of Frankfurt. Opened in 1907 by Emperor Wilhelm II, the neoclassical building with its columned portico and the Latin inscription "Aquis Mattiacis" is the city's most famous landmark. Today it hosts concerts, balls, and conferences, along with a historic casino, and it overlooks a formal lawn with fountains and a large English-style park.
A brief history
Wiesbaden has been a spa town since Roman times, when it was known as Aquae Mattiacorum, after the hot springs of the local Mattiaci tribe. A first spa hall stood here from 1810. It was replaced by today's building, designed by Munich architect Friedrich von Thiersch and completed in 1907 at a cost of about 6 million gold marks. The emperor reportedly called it "the most beautiful spa house in the world." Wiesbaden was a favorite resort of European aristocracy in the 19th century, and the Kurhaus remains a symbol of that Belle Époque glamour.
Things to see
- Friedrich von Thiersch Hall: the main concert hall, with 1,350 seats, marble columns, and a 3,500-pipe organ.
- Shell Hall (Muschelsaal): a richly decorated room with murals by Fritz Erler.
- Domed foyer: rising 21 meters above the entrance hall.
- Kurhaus Colonnade: at 129 meters, said to be the longest colonnade in Europe.
- Bowling Green: the lawn in front with two cascading fountains, lit up at night.
Visiting and opening hours
The Kurhaus is an event venue with no regular visiting hours, so the best way to see the halls is to attend a concert or other event. The tourist office occasionally offers themed tours of the building. The Casino Wiesbaden inside is open almost every day; slot machines open at 11 a.m. (noon on Sundays and holidays) and close at 4 a.m., with table games starting in the afternoon. Bring a valid ID. The park and Bowling Green are free and always accessible. Details as of October 2026.
How to get to the Kurhaus
Wiesbaden is easy to reach by S-Bahn or regional train from Frankfurt or Frankfurt Airport, and the Deutschlandticket is valid. From Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof, it is about a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride to the Kurhaus. Parking near the building is limited, so use one of the downtown garages.
Is it worth visiting?
Yes, as part of a day trip to Wiesbaden. Combine the Kurhaus with a walk through the Kurpark, along the elegant Wilhelmstrasse, and up the Neroberg on its historic water-powered funicular.
Plan your visit
Contact
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Visitor reviews
Sources and further reading
- Kurhaus Wiesbaden: https://kurhaus.wiesbaden.de/
- Casino at the Kurhaus: https://kurhaus.wiesbaden.de/besucher/spielbank
Checked: October 2026
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