Weiterstadt is just a short drive northwest of Darmstadt, bordered by lush forests and the Darmbach River to the south. Bring along your camera and plenty of film, for almost everything you do here will be outside, where photographic moments present themselves constantly.
Your first stop is the rococo Braunshardt Castle. Built in the 18th-century, it was a summer residence for Georg Wilhelm of Hesse-Darmstadt, later inhabited by his granddaughter, Queen Louise of Prussia.
In mid-May each year, a three-day festival is held here, the Luisenfest, featuring elegant period costumes and flowers everywhere. With castle tours, flea markets, drum and pipe performances, and baroque music concerts, it is a magical experience you will not want to miss.
Another popular event held in the vicinity is the open-air Filmfest Weiterstadt, noted as one of the country’s top short film festivals. For five days each August, cinema lovers camp out in the surrounding woods near the screening area.
The scene here has been compared favorably to the original Woodstock music festival. Bands, live stage performances and workshops are also featured, as well as some longer movies in various genres.
Sports is something of a passion among the locals, too, and you may find yourself pulled off to one event or another during your stay. Among the many recreational activities enjoyed here are billiards, BMX racing, bowling, dancing, darts, mini-golf, horseback riding, shooting, squash and tennis.
Nearby Lake Steinrod affords those who love the outdoors many opportunities for swimming, sunning, hiking, camping and grilling. It is the venue for the town’s Midsummer Festival, when torchlight paints the placid waters with a romantic atmosphere.
There is also a wonderful bathing facility within the town limits, the Weiterstadt Indoor Pools. Besides swimming in its 25-meter pool, you can enjoy diving from its one- and three-meter boards, lounging in the solarium, getting your muscles relaxed in the massage cabin, or playing beach volleyball. There is a cafeteria, too, so plan on staying for the whole day.
