Darmstadt is a city in the Bundesland (federal state) of Hesse in Germany, in the southern part of the Rhine Main Area. Darmstadt is one of few cities in Germany which does not lie close to a river, lake or coast and is the sunniest city in the state of Hesse. It has a small population of 150,000 in an area of 122 sq km. 90% of Darmstadt was destroyed in WW II. Darmstadt is home to many technology companies and research institutes, and has called itself a "city of science" since 1997. It is well known as a high-tech centre in the vicinity of Frankfurt Airport, with important activities in spacecraft operations, chemistry, pharmacy, information technology, biotechnology, telecommunications and mechatronics.
How to Get There:
Darmstadt is located about 20 minutes by road from Frankfurt Main Airport.
The Darmstadt Airport Shuttle bus service is far more convenient than the train. It runs every 30 to 60 minutes between 4 a.m. and 11 p.m. and costs €7.10/ €5.65 for adults/children. Trains also operate, but less frequently and cost €14. Darmstadt is connected by rail to surrounding cities, including Frankfurt, Heidelberg, and Mainz by ICE trains. It is also connected by freeways. Intra-city travel is most convenient with a network of trams and buses which are cheap, reliable and on time.
What to See:
Darmstadt Jugendstil (art nouveau) buildings are renowned. The Künstlerkolonie
Mathildenhöhe has the most interesting ones; Park Rosenhoehe; The Langer Ludwig, a statue on a huge sandstone column in the city center is the symbol of the city.The Hundertwasser, "Waldspirale" ("Forest Spiral");Castle Frankenstein and the oretty Orangerie baroque garden.
Where to Eat:
City Braustüb'l, Zum Goldenen Anker, Weisses Brauhaus and the Einsiedel are
recommended. Another 35 odd restaurants exist.
Events:
Heinerfest, once a year, end June/beginning July; Schloßgrabenfest, an annual music festival, usually in May and Frühstückstreff Darmstadt, a monthly breakfast get together.
Misc.:
Darmstadt has several breweries.Grohe Brauerei,Ratskeller and Rummel Brauerei,
the largest in Darmstadt, which brews the "Darmstädter" Bier. Hesse's national drink, apple cider is very popular and Äbbelwoi Kneipen is worth visiting.
Hotels:
There are well over 35 hotels in Darmstadt, in all categories. Most hotels cater to spillovers from Trade Fairs in Frankfurt. The hotels recommended are Konferenzhotel Darmstadt/Frankfurt and Rhein-Main Hotel Darmstadt/Frankfurt. Other good hotels include Welcome Hotel Darmstadt, IBIS Hotel and Crown Hotel. Prices vary considerably, so do check well in advance.
