With "Future History" historical views of the city can be compared with today's. What has changed, what has remained the same?

Darmstadt was the capital and residence of the Hessian landgraves and grand dukes, capital of the Grand Duchy of Hesse until 1919, then capital of the People's State of Hesse until 1933 and the State of Hesse until 1945. Darmstadt lost its status to Wiesbaden, due to the severe war destruction.

In the reconstruction phase after 1945, the city concentrated on its importance as a city of science and culture. Today Darmstadt has over 160,000 inhabitants and a lively city centre with numerous sights, shopping streets, restaurants, parks and green spaces.

Als Web-Version lassen sich die historischen und aktuellen Ansichten vergleichen: Future History - Darmstädter Innenstadt
Via the Future History App (available in Google Play and in the AppStore) you can also be guided directly to the individual locations and fade in the historical views with AR (Augmented Reality).

Nice weather? A boat trip over the Steinbrücker Teich at Oberwaldhaus, the large parks such as Herrngarten, Rosenhöhe and Orangerie as well as the Botanical Garden of the Technical University Darmstadt lure into the green.

During a walk along the Waldkunstpfad (forest art trail), the Ludwigsturm invites you to take a break and enjoy the view as far as Frankfurt. To cool off in the summer, try the bathing lake "Großer Woog" in the city centre. And the "Jugendstilbad", in the original historic ambience from 1909, with sauna, spa area and all-year outdoor pool with sunbathing area, offers swimming fun in any weather.

>> Darmstadt's green side

If a break is required, numerous streets and squares in the city centre invite you to linger and enjoy a little break. Thanks to the mild south Hessian climate, the open air season often starts in March and reaches far into October. It is therefore not surprising that around half of the seats are offeredare outdoor.

Cafés, restaurants and more.

Enjoy your time in Darmstadt and discover our City of Science on one of the numerous guided tours to scientific or cultural topics.

Here you will find all current events: Guided Tours

You can also explore Darmstadt on your own. In the Zoo Vivarium live 2,000 exotic and native animals from 190 species. The climbing forest is perfect for everyone who’s not afraid of heights. Culture lovers will find a variation of exhibitions, plays and performances in the various theatres, museums, cinemas and galleries.

Have a look at all leisure facilites: >> overview leisuer facilities

The surrounding area of Darmstadt also offers numerous sights, cultural offers and leisure facilities. How about a bike ride to Steinbrücker Teich, a game of mini golf and then coffee and cake at Hotel-Café Oberwaldhaus right on the lake?

Ancient fossils can be admired in the visitor centre of the UNESCO World Heritage Messel Pit Fossil Site. At Frankenstein Castle also starts the Burgensteig, which over a distance of 120 km connects many castles and palaces between Darmstadt and Heidelberg.

>> Link: Discover Darmstadt's surrounding area