High ropes course, bike trails and new pools: Summer tips for the second half of the holidays in Hessen
From an inclusive high ropes course in Marburg to mountain bike trails in Diemelstadt and a new open-air archaeological museum, Hessen offers fresh activities for the remaining weeks of the school break.
The second half of the summer school break in Hessen brings a wave of newly opened or relaunched leisure options that range from outdoor adventure to cultural deep dives. Local authorities and park operators have added facilities that cater to families, sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Active in the open air
A new high ropes course in Marburg's city forest challenges visitors at around six metres, with routes that can be tackled solo or in teams. The structure is inclusive (ascent is possible via climbing wall, net, ramp or rope lift). For cyclists, a mountain bike trail area opened in Diemelstadt in spring as part of the "Green Trails" project; it offers two family-friendly loops of several kilometres each, requiring only a helmet and a solid bike. The trails join existing routes in Korbach, Willingen, Diemelsee and Waldeck. A fresh pump track in Fritzlar rounds out the cycling offerings.
Journey into the past
Cultural newcomers include the "Zeiteninsel" archaeological open-air museum in Weimar-Argenstein near Marburg. The site spans five epochs from the Stone Age to the Romans, with walk-in house models such as a Neolithic longhouse and a Bronze Age farmstead. Meanwhile the UNESCO World Heritage Messel Pit hosts a special exhibition that traces southern Hesse's geological story millions of years ago through rocks, fossils and artefacts found within a 30-kilometre radius.
Amusement parks with something extra
The Taunus Wunderland near Wiesbaden celebrates its 60th season with a new climbing frame embedded in the "Gobbi Express", billed as Hesse's longest roller coaster. In northern Hesse, Erlebnispark Ziegenhagen has added two attractions: the "Ziegen Hüpfer" ride lets children bounce their own goat vehicle, and a new water basin allows hand-paddle boating.
A cool dip in refreshed spots
When the heat returns, a new outdoor pool in Gross-Umstadt near Darmstadt offers wave slides and diving towers. In Hanau a swimming complex has reopened after an extended renovation phase.
All facilities are already up and running for the final weeks of the holidays.
