Darmstadt is a city in Germany located in the state of Hessen 35 km from Frankfurt. It is the old capital of the Duchy of Hesse.
Darmstadt Germany
How to spend 1 day in Darmstadt Germany
In this 1-day itinerary in Darmstadt, discover the main attractions of the city.
Day 1 in Darmstadt
Start the day by visiting Mathildenhöhe, one of the city’s must-see attractions, where Duke Ernst Ludwig established an artists’ colony in 1899. Climb the Hochzeitsturm tower and visit the Russian Chapel located next to the tower.
Head to the Hessisches Landesmuseum, a museum that houses the art and natural history collections of the earls and grand dukes. On Marktplatz, located near the Hessisches Landesmuseum is the Schlossmuseum.
The Schlossmuseum has a collection that traces the ancient history of the Duchy of Hessen-Darmstadt.
Located near the Schlossmuseum is Luisenplatz, the city’s central square surrounded by buildings, shops, and restaurants. It houses the 33-meter commemorative column of Ludwig I, Ludwigsäule.
Things to see
- Mathildenhöhe
- Russian Chapel
- Hochzeitsturm
- Hessisches Landesmuseum
- Marktplatz
- Schlossmuseum
- Luisenplatz
Itinerary Map
Sights in Darmstadt
1. Mathildenhöhe
The Mathildenhöhe is one of the main Darmstadt attractions, where Duke Ernst Ludwig established an artists´ colony in 1899.
You will see many Art Noveau houses, art exhibitions.
It´s worth visiting the Hochzeitsturm´s platform (Wedding Tower).
Mathildenhöhe
2. Russian Chapel
The Russian Chapel is an orthodox Russian church built between 1897 – 1899. It was used as a private chapel by the last Czar.
18, Nikolaiweg, 64287
3. Stadtkirche
The Stadtkirche is a protestant church located in the pedestrian area of Darmstadt.
The church has Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements.
An der Stadtkirche, 64283
4. Waldspirale
The Waldspirale is a residential complex in Darmstadt. The construction was finalized in 2000.
The complex has more than 105 apartments and more than 1000 unique windows.
Waldspirale, 64289
5. Orangerie
The Orangerie was established in 1716 by Duke Ernst Ludwig. Today the buildings are used as a restaurant and a place for many events.
Bessunger Str. 44, 64285
6. Schlossmuseum
The Schlossmuseum was established in 1924.
The exhibition is about the history of the Duchy of Hessen-Darmstadt and the history of the city as a royal residence through portraits, furniture.
Marktpl. 15, 64283
7. Hessisches Landesmuseum
The Hessisches Landesmuseum was opened in 1906.
The museum houses collections of art and natural history of the counts and grand dukes.
Friedenspl. 1, 64283
8. St. Ludwig
St. Ludwig is a church built in 1827. It was the first catholic church after the Reform.
Wilhelminenpl. 9, 64283
9. Jugendstilbad
The Jugendstilbad was built between 1907 – 1909.
It is a true temple of wellness.
Merckspl. 1, 64287
10. Rosenhoehe
The Rosenhoehe is a highlight of Rosenhoehe Park with a wide variety of roses.
It also serves as the cemetery for the dukes, with two impressive mausoleum buildings in its remote parts.
Rosenhoehe, 64287
11. Darmstadtium – Science and Congress Center
Darmstadt’s Science and Conference Centre was built between 2005 – 2007.
The conference complex also has a restaurant, the Calla.
Schloßgraben 1, 64283
12. St Elisabeth Church
St Elisabeth Church
The St Elisabeth Church is located 1 km from the Marktplatz near the Herrngarten Park and the Prinz-Georg-Garten.
Schloßgartenstraße 57, 64289
13. Frankenstein Castle
The Frankenstein Castle is located 17.5 km (10.8 miles) from Darmstadt city center.
It is believed that the castle served as inspiration for Mary Shelley when she wrote her Gothic novel, Frankenstein.
64367, Burg Frankenstein, 64367 Mühltal, Germany
Where to stay in Darmstadt
1. Intercity Hotel Darmstadt
The Intercity Hotel Darmstadt is located 1,8 km from the Luisenplatz close to the Central Station.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, safe, minibar, work desk.
Poststraße 12, 64293
2. Maritim Konferenzhotel Darmstadt
The Maritim Konferenzhotel Darmstadt is located 1,4 km from the Luisenplatz.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, work desk, safe. The hotel has a swimming pool.
Rheinstraße 105, 64295
3. Hotel Jagdschloss Kranichstein Darmstadt
The Hotel Jagdschloss Kranichstein is located in a green area 5 km from the Luisenplatz.
All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Some accommodations have a sitting area.
Kranichsteiner Str. 261, 64289
Malls and Department Stores in Darmstadt
1. Galeria Kaufhof Darmstadt
Galeria Kaufhof is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany.
The company features brands like Esprit, S. Oliver, Tom Taylor, Gerry Weber, Tommy Hilfiger, Bugatti, Olymp.
Rheinstraße 2, 64283
2. Luisencenter Darmstadt
The Luisencenter Darmstadt is located at Luisenplatz close to the Galeria Kaufhof.
Brands: Levi´s, Bonita, Zero.
Luisenpl. 5, 64283
3. LOOP5 Darmstadt
The LOOP5 is located 4,5 km from the Luisenplatz.
Brands: Douglas, Levi´s, Mango, Marc O´Polo, Marc Shoes, Swarovski, Saturn.
Gutenbergstraße 5, 64331
Plan your Trip
Darmstadt has easy train access from various cities in Germany. Famous cities nearby: Frankfurt, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Wiesbaden, Würzburg, Nuremberg, Koblenz.
Distances
Frankfurt – 33. km (20.7 miles)
Mannheim – 57.8 km (35.9 miles)
Heidelberg – 61.6 km (38.3 miles)
Wiesbaden – 46.2 km (28.7 miles)
Würzburg – 123 km (76.3 miles)
Nuremberg – 230 km (143 miles)
Koblenz – 134 km (83.4 miles)
Darmstadt Germany Map
Book Your Trip
Book Your Accommodation
Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.
Book Your Flight
Find cheap flights to Germany by using Momondo. Momondo is a flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many budget carriers.
Book a Train Ticket
Check the train routes and schedules with Omio. Omio is an authorized Deutsche Bahn ticket seller, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com.
See also
10 Suggested Itineraries for Germany + Top Destinations
Outlets & Department Stores in Germany: Shopping Guide
