The lush forests and picturesque towns of central Germany invite travelers to the state of Hesse, which includes both large cities, such as Frankfurt, and a countryside full of vineyards, orchards and gardens. Whether you prefer to spend your time relaxing in thermal springs at the spa town of Wiesbaden, enjoying the thrills of local amusement parks or hopping between grand cathedrals, monuments and historic sites, Hesse is the home of German culture. When it comes to selecting your Hesse vacation rental, your options will span the county, from homes in the heart of cities to quiet forest retreats.
There are many museums and cathedrals to visit, but the prettiest destinations make the most of the state's gorgeous scenery. Bergpark in the northern town of Kassel is a can't-miss attraction, with manicured gardens and stunning fountains descending a hillside. Created in the 1600s, the park is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and features creative water displays, from lakes and ponds to waterfalls, rapids and a large geyser-style fountain. Whether you come to enjoy the great outdoors on picturesque green lawns, or to admire the historical monuments and architectural features, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Bergpark.
Frankfurt is an ideal hub for your adventures in Hesse, as the largest city in the county, full of museums, family-friendly activities and tons of history. One of the best ways to get around the town is via tours that take you around to some of the top sites. The hop-on hop-off excursions mean you can snap photos of iconic spots, such as the Frankfurt Opera House, and disembark to pop into one of the city's many museums. Since the Main River runs through town, you can also opt for a sightseeing cruise, with fantastic views of the modern skyline.
No matter when you choose to visit Hesse, you'll be treated to pretty scenes and festivities that change with the seasons. In spring and late fall, you can expect chilly temperatures and lighter crowds, perfect for sightseeing around the towns here, bundled in a cozy scarf. Summer's warm temperatures draw the highest crowds, but you'll be treated to scenes of green and longer days. You'll want to book your Hesse vacation rental early, during the peak season of summer and early fall, when Oktoberfest celebrations in the south bring lots of travelers to the country.
With rivers, forests and hills setting a gorgeous natural scene in Hesse, there's plenty of opportunities to get outdoors in this part of Germany. If your Hesse vacation rental is in the southern part of the state, bring the family to the Kuhkopf-Knoblochsaue nature reserve on the Rhine River, where you'll be able to canoe on waterways or bike and hike along miles of trails beautified by wildflowers and canopies of green. In northern Hesse, Kellerwald-Edersee National Park offers a large lake for water sports and walks in search of local wildlife in the hilly, forested landscape.
After a tiring week, a short escape full of adventure will be exactly what you need to reawaken your spirits. Check out these top-rated weekend getaways in Hessen where you can cram a whole lot into your stay:
Easy to keep clean and with everything you need within reach, studio apartments are an excellent choice if you're traveling alone or with a pal. If you're looking for somewhere small and comfortable to call home for a few nights, take a look at these studio apartments for rent in Hessen:
With Vrbo's terrific range of short-term rentals in Hessen, you're bound to find a place to suit your needs. Whether you're searching for somewhere to chill on your own or to have fun with old friends, these options are difficult to beat:
If you're planning a memorable trip away, don't go by yourself; bring everyone along. You'll have a lot more fun sharing the adventure with friends and family. These vacation rentals in Hessen are perfect for larger groups:
If you're planning a big family vacation or a special event like a wedding in Hessen, you won't have to worry about anyone missing out. We've got large vacation rentals that'll fit as many people as you like. Here are a couple of examples:
There's a good selection of houses with a pool in Hessen, so dig out your swimsuit and get ready to spend your days splashing around. Here are a couple of favorites to tempt you:
Get cracking on your guest list, because Vrbo has tons of large family vacation rentals in Hessen ready to welcome your entire crew. Here are a couple of our top picks:
Pure heaven for adults and a great way for kids to expend all their energy, an indoor pool will be a seriously cool add-on to your escape. If you're on the hunt for someplace with plenty of space where you and your team can go for a splash, don't miss these gorgeous large houses in Hessen:
If you're chasing more inspiration, check out the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to see our great selection of Hessen vacation rentals.