Hanau is a city in the east of the Rhine-Main area where the
Kinzig flows into the Main. It belongs to the Frankfurt metropolitan
area, which is organized in the Frankfurt Rhein-Main Regional
Authority, is one of the ten regional centers of the State of Hesse,
special status city of the Main-Kinzig district and with 96,492
inhabitants (as of December 31, 2019) the sixth largest city and
largest city in Hesse. Hanau is officially known as the Brothers
Grimm City.
The former residence of the Lords and Counts of
Hanau was largely destroyed by air raids in 1944/45. After its
reconstruction in a strongly changed form, the city of Hanau is once
again the economic and cultural center of the Main-Kinzig region and
an important transport, industrial and technological location.
1. Schloss Philippsruhe (Philippsruhe Palace)
This is Hanau’s most
impressive architectural landmark, often called the "little Versailles
on the Main."
History: Construction began around 1701–1725 as a
Baroque summer residence for Count Philipp Reinhard of Hanau-Münzenberg.
It was later modernized in the 19th century (1875–1880) by Danish
architect Ferdinand Meldahl for the House of Hesse-Kassel, adding
Renaissance Revival elements.
Architecture: A grand three-winged
complex with a prominent central pavilion featuring a clock tower,
ornate facades in red-and-white, Italian marble interiors, frescoes, and
stucco work. It sits directly on the banks of the Main River in the
Kesselstadt district.
Current Use: Houses the Historisches Museum
Hanau (with collections on local history, the Grimms, and decorative
arts), the Papiertheatermuseum (paper theater museum), and
GrimmsMärchenReich (an interactive fairy-tale museum for families). It
also serves as a registry office for weddings.
Park and Surroundings:
The Schlosspark features formal gardens, an English-style landscape
park, fountains, and an open-air amphitheater that hosts events like the
Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale Festival. The Philippsruher Allee, a scenic
boulevard, leads to it.
2. Wilhelmsbad (State Park
Hanau-Wilhelmsbad)
A picturesque 18th-century English-style landscape
park and former spa complex in northwest Hanau.
History: Developed
1777–1785 by Prince William IX of Hesse-Kassel (later Elector) as a
fashionable spa resort. It was a short-lived but elegant social hub.
Highlights:
Historisches Karussell: The oldest surviving wooden
carousel in the world (late 18th century), with hand-carved horses and
ornate decorations. It is a rare surviving example of early amusement
rides.
Romantic ruins, a Gothic-style "castle" (artificial ruin), a
hermitage, pyramid island, lake, and tree-lined paths.
Comoedienhaus:
A historic theater building now housing the Hessian Doll and Toy Museum
(Hessisches Puppen- und Spielzeugmuseum).
Atmosphere: Ideal for
walks, picnics, and family visits. It combines natural beauty with
historical follies typical of Romantic-era landscape design.
3.
Brüder-Grimm-Nationaldenkmal (Brothers Grimm National Monument)
The
iconic symbol of Hanau, located in the Marktplatz (market square) in
front of the Neustädter Rathaus (New Town Hall).
Description: A large
bronze statue unveiled in 1896 depicting Jacob Grimm standing and
Wilhelm Grimm seated with a book. It stands about 6.5 meters tall on a
detailed pedestal.
Significance: Jacob (1785–1863) and Wilhelm
(1786–1859) were born in Hanau. The monument celebrates their work
collecting and publishing German fairy tales and folklore. The
surrounding square is vibrant with markets (especially the large weekly
Hanauer Wochenmarkt) and events.
4. Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus
(German Goldsmiths' House)
A striking half-timbered building in the
old town, originally serving as Hanau’s town hall in the 1530s.
Architecture: Late Gothic/Renaissance style with red-and-white timber
framing.
Current Use: Museum dedicated to goldsmithing and jewelry,
reflecting Hanau’s long tradition in precious metals (dating back to the
16th century). It features exhibitions on craftsmanship and local
history.
5. Churches
Marienkirche (St. Mary's Church): A
Gothic church in the old town with roots in the early 14th century
(originally a chapel to Mary Magdalene). It features historic elements
like stained glass and stonework, surviving as a key pre-Neustadt
religious site.
Wallonisch-Niederländische Kirche: Built in the early
17th century for Protestant refugees (Walloons from Belgium and Dutch)
who helped found Hanau’s Neustadt. It was originally a unique double
church (one hexagonal section for Walloons, one for Dutch). Largely
destroyed in 1945 but rebuilt; it remains an important cultural monument
tied to the city’s history of religious tolerance.
Other Notable
Sites
Schloss Steinheim and Vor- und Frühgeschichtsmuseum: A medieval
castle in the Steinheim district with a museum on pre- and early
history.
Wildpark Alte Fasanerie: A wildlife park in Klein-Auheim,
great for families.
Historic Market Squares: Altstädter Markt and
Neustädter Markt, centers of civic life with timber-framed buildings
where surviving.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–June) and Fall
(September–November): Mild weather, blooming nature or colorful foliage,
and fewer crowds. These are frequently recommended for pleasant
sightseeing.
Summer (mid-June to early September): Warmest for
outdoor activities, castle terrace dining, and events like the Brothers
Grimm Festival (May–July, with open-air performances at Philippsruhe
Castle).
Winter: Quieter, with potential Christmas market vibes, but
colder and wetter. Rain is possible year-round.
Best overall:
April–October for most visitors.
Top Attractions and Things to Do
Hanau blends fairy-tale heritage, Baroque architecture, parks, and local
history. Many sites are walkable or easily reachable by short bus rides.
Marktplatz (Market Square) & Brothers Grimm Monument
The vibrant
heart of the city features a prominent statue of the Brothers Grimm
(Wilhelm seated with a book, Jacob standing). It's a great photo spot
and people-watching area. The square hosts a large farmers' market on
Wednesdays and Saturdays with fresh produce, flowers, bread, and local
goods.
Schloss Philippsruhe (Philippsruhe Palace)
A beautiful
18th-century Baroque palace on the River Main with an English-style
park. Inside: Historical Museum (artisan crafts, jewelry history,
Brothers Grimm section), exhibitions, and a wedding hall. The terrace
restaurant offers river views—perfect for dining like royalty in summer.
The park is ideal for walks and family time.
Wilhelmsbad State Park
(Kurpark Wilhelmsbad)
A picturesque 18th-century spa complex in an
English garden with pavilions, a pseudo-medieval "ruin" castle on an
island, bridges, and a historic (restored) carousel. Relaxing walks,
history, and nature—great for all ages.
Altstädter Markt & Old Town
Explore half-timbered buildings, the old town hall (late
Gothic/Renaissance), and goldsmith heritage (Hanau was a precious metals
center). Nearby: Walloon-Dutch Church (built by 17th-century Protestant
refugees).
GrimmsMärchenReich (Fairy Tale Empire) at Philippsruhe
Hands-on museum for families with fairy-tale exhibits and activities.
Other Highlights:
Alte Fasanerie Wildlife Park (animals in natural
enclosures).
Freedom Square (Freiheitsplatz) and modern Forum Hanau
shopping/cultural center.
River walks along the Main and Kinzig.
Many visitors combine Hanau with the Fairy Tale Route toward Steinau
(childhood home of the Grimms) or Kassel.
Practical Tips: Getting
There & Around
From Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Very easy. Take the
S-Bahn (S8 or S9) or regional trains directly to Hanau Hauptbahnhof
(main station). Journey: 20–40 minutes. Tickets via RMV app or machines.
From Frankfurt City: Frequent trains (15–25 minutes).
Local
Transport: Excellent bus network (RMV). Day tickets are economical for
sightseeing. Most attractions are a short walk or bus ride from the main
station or Marktplatz. Biking is feasible with paths available.
By
Car: Well-connected via autobahns. Parking is available but less
necessary in the center.
Walking: The compact historic areas are
pedestrian-friendly.
Tip: Buy an RMV day ticket if using buses/trains
extensively.
Where to Stay
Options range from hotels near the
station or old town to more scenic spots. Book ahead during Frankfurt
trade fairs, as they impact availability. Check sites like Booking.com
or local options near Philippsruhe for a quieter stay.
Food and
Drink
Hanau offers solid Hessian and German classics (hearty and
seasonal):
Sausages, schnitzel, and local specialties.
Nearby
Frankfurt influences: Grüne Soße (green sauce with herbs), Handkäse mit
Musik (sour milk cheese with onions), Apfelwein (apple wine/cider), and
Frankfurter Würstchen.
Try the White Hall restaurant at Philippsruhe
for upscale dining with views.
Market stalls for casual, fresh bites.
Look for traditional Gasthäuser (inns) or modern spots in the Forum
Hanau area. International options (Turkish, Italian, Vietnamese) reflect
the diverse population.
In-Depth Visiting Tips
Duration:
Half-day for highlights; full day or overnight for relaxed pacing and
events.
With Kids: Strong fairy-tale theme, parks, wildlife park, and
museum activities make it family-friendly.
Guided Tours: Available
(walking tours, Fairy Tale Route themed). Check Tourist Information at
Am Markt 14-18.
Events: Brothers Grimm Festival (summer
performances), Lamboyfest (historical June festival), Christmas markets,
and summer concert series.
Safety: Generally very safe, like most
German towns. Standard precautions apply (watch belongings in crowds).
Language: German primary; English widely understood in tourist spots,
but a few phrases help in smaller areas.
Budget: Affordable compared
to Frankfurt. Focus on public transport, markets, and free parks to
save.
Combine with: Frankfurt (museums, skyline), Spessart Forest
hikes, or full Fairy Tale Route drive/train journey.
Accessibility:
Many historic sites have limitations (cobblestones, older buildings);
check specifics for palaces/parks.
Souvenirs: Fairy-tale items, local
crafts, or jewelry nods to Hanau's goldsmith history.
The oldest surviving mention of Hanau, as hagenouwa,
dates from March 20, 1143, which later changes to Hagenowa (1151) or
Hagenowe (1234, 1238, 1240). Toponomics today is based on a
combination of the Germanic words Hagen and Aue. The name means
something like "fenced or fortified settlement in a river
landscape".
Middle Ages and Modern Times
The Hanau moated
castle was first mentioned in 1143. A settlement developed around
the castle in the period that followed. On February 2, 1303, King
Albrecht I granted the Hanau settlement market and town rights. This
included the right to hold markets and to elect a council with two
mayors at the top, as well as freedom from serfdom (“city air makes
you free”). During this time, construction of the first city wall
began.
In the 15th century the city population had grown and
the city expanded significantly. A suburb developed in the west,
outside the first wall ring. In 1470 this suburb received its own
fence. Under Count Philipp II of Hanau-Münzenberg, a city
fortification was started in 1528 according to the technical
standard of the Renaissance, which enclosed the two wall systems
that were built in the Middle Ages.
The city received the
greatest and essential growth impetus when Count Philip Ludwig II
signed a treaty with Walloon and Dutch Calvinist refugees from
France and the Spanish Netherlands on June 1, 1597. With the
Huguenots, a lot of capital and specialist knowledge from the craft
sector came to the city. In return for the assurance of free
religious practice, the refugees undertook to do business in Hanau.
They founded the Hanau Neustadt, an area three times the size of the
old town, and brought its own architectural style to Hanau. They
built their house on the street and in the back garden their
factory. In addition to the goldsmiths, cloth makers, weavers and
silk weavers as well as hat makers opened workshops and factories.
With the arrival of the Walloons and the Dutch, the rise of Hanau to
an important business location began. Until 1821, the Neustadt had
its own, independent community, independent of the old town. Philip
Ludwig II also settled Jews in Hanau; from 1604 there was again a
Jewish community.
The county of Hesse-Hanau took part in the
American War of Independence with 2,422 soldiers in four Hanau army
units on the English side.
The battle of Hanau on October
30th and 31st, 1813 was won by Napoleon's troops.
In the 19th
century Hanau was a center of the democratic movement in Germany. In
1830 and 1848 important revolutionary impulses came from here. To
enforce the counterrevolution in Kurhessen, Hanau was occupied by
federal intervention troops from Bavaria and Austria on November 1,
1850; these so-called penal Bavaria were withdrawn after six months
in the summer of 1851. In 1910 barracks were put into operation in
Hanau-Lamboy, which housed Prussian railway regiments. After the end
of the First World War, the disbanding command of Military Railway
Directorate 2 was located here before it was relocated to Berlin in
August 1919.
In 1933, the National Socialists ended the
democratic city administration soon after they came to power. After
the “Nuremberg Laws” came into force, the Jews who remained until
the beginning of the Second World War were deported and murdered.
With good connections to the Berlin party and leadership at the
time, the German Goldsmith's House was founded on October 18, 1942
in the building of the old town hall. The origin of the tradition of
goldsmithing, which dates back to the beginning of the 17th century,
has now been concealed.
The air raids on Hanau in World War II almost completely
destroyed the city. After the attacks by the US Army Air Forces
(USAAF) on the railway systems in autumn 1944, two devastating major
attacks by the British RAF Bomber Command took place in the last
months of the war. During the air raid on January 6, 1945, British
bombers cut a wide swath through the old and new towns of Hanau. 90
people died. Many residents then left the city, only 15,000
remained. Eight days before the American invasion, the British air
raid on March 19, 1945, called “Hanau's Fateful Day”, finally
resulted in the complete destruction of the city. In a night attack
with over 230 aircraft, 1200 tons of high explosive and incendiary
bombs were dropped, resulting in a firestorm. In the old town there
were only seven of the previous 450 houses. But the new town also
fell victim to the bombing. Overall, the city lost 80 percent of its
building fabric. About 2500 people died in this attack. The
population, which was 40,000 in 1938, including 300 Jews, fell to
less than 10,000. Were destroyed u. a. the Evangelical Reformed
Church, the Evangelical Lutheran St. John's Church, the Catholic
Parish Church, the Reformed Dutch and Walloon Church, the City
Palace, the Old Town Hall, the New Town Hall and the Frankfurt Gate
of the New Town. Total losses without reconstruction were the
hospital, grammar school (former high school), city theater, new
armory, fountain on Neustädter Markt and many architecturally
valuable town houses in the old and new towns. In 1939, the
uncovering of half-timbered under plaster and the color design of
old town houses had begun.
After light artillery bombardment,
the ruined city was occupied on March 28, 1945 by the US Army under
the command of the 4th US Armored Division. A demolition of the
Auheim Main Bridge by Wehrmacht units failed on March 25th,
whereupon fighting broke out there, as a result of which the German
units withdrew to the east.
As in many West German cities,
the reconstruction after the war saw the final destruction of the
formerly medieval townscape. The ruins of the city palace, the
armory and the city theater were torn down - against the protests of
parts of the population and the Hanau history association - to make
way for contemporary buildings. The same fate suffered parts of the
previously preserved city wall and fortifications as well as large
parts of the residential developments in the old and new towns,
including many listed buildings such as the Edelsheim Palace.
With the establishment of the state of Greater Hesse on
September 19, 1945 through Proclamation No. 2 of the American
military government, Hanau, which previously belonged to the Free
State of Prussia, became part of Hesse.
Hanau belonged to the
American zone of occupation and became one of the largest US Army
bases in Europe and the largest in Germany. The American military
community of Garrison Hanau with locations in the district of
Wolfgang, Hanau-Lamboy, Großauheim, the nearby Hanau Army Airfield
as well as other barracks belonging to the garrison in the region
comprised around 45,000 soldiers, civilian employees and employees
at the height of the Cold War to defend the Fulda Gap Family
members. On August 8, 2008, the entire garrison was finally closed.
A conversion area of around 350 hectares remained. Soon the
construction of new residential and commercial areas began there.
Present
Due to the almost complete destruction of Hanau's old
town in the Second World War, the architecture of the inner city was
shaped by the post-war years; massive modernization programs have
been carried out here for several years: For example, the
Freiheitsplatz, formerly the Paradeplatz and the Esplanade, has been
largely replaced by a new one since 2013 Shopping center with
approx. 22,500 square meters of retail space, new city library and
underground car park built by the Hanseatic care and investment
company. At the same time, the associated bus station was changed
and modernized. The market square and a large part of the streets
and paths have also been modernized and rebuilt. The renovation work
- in particular the “Forum Hanau” shopping center - has been
completed since autumn 2015. A new city quarter for up to 5000
people is currently being developed on the former Pioneer barracks
in the Wolfgang district.
Global leading companies from the technology sector such as
Heraeus, Umicore or Vacuumschmelze and the Dunlop tire works are
based in Hanau. Hanau hit the headlines nationwide in the 1980s as a
location for the nuclear industry and a now closed fuel element
plant. A Technopark under the auspices of Siemens has been created
on the former site of RWE Nukem.
In 2002 the second Hessian
State Garden Show took place in the city.
Hanau was the
district town of the Main-Kinzig district until June 2005, before
the seat of the district administration was relocated to Gelnhausen.
Hanau is currently a district town with a special status, and the
aim is to achieve district freedom by January 1, 2022.
On
February 19, 2020, a 43-year-old German from Hanau shot and killed
nine people with immigrant backgrounds at various locations in the
city, then his mother and himself. He acted for racist motives, as
his “Manifesto” stated.
Incorporations
On April 1, 1907,
Kesselstadt was incorporated into Hanau. As part of the regional
reform in Hesse, the previously independent municipality of
Mittelbuchen was incorporated on December 31, 1971. This was
followed by state law on July 1, 1974, the previously independent
town of Großauheim and the two communities of Steinheim (city) and
Klein-Auheim, located south of the Main and from the Offenbach
district.
Location and Coordinates
Geographic coordinates: Roughly
50°07′58″N 8°55′01″E (50.13278°N, 8.91694°E).
Elevation: Average
around 104–110 m (341–361 ft) above sea level. The terrain is relatively
flat to gently undulating, with minimum elevations near 97 m and
maximums around 145 m within the city area.
Hanau lies in the
Main-Kinzig district (though it became a district-free city in 2026) in
the administrative region of Darmstadt. Its position places it in the
broader Rhine-Main lowlands, a transitional zone in central Germany.
River Geography and Hydrology
The city's geography is defined by
its position at the confluence of two significant rivers:
The Kinzig
River forms a natural semicircle around the historic core of Hanau. It
flows into the Main River just west of the city.
The Main River (a
major tributary of the Rhine) borders the city to the west and north.
Expansions in the 19th–20th centuries and municipal boundary changes in
the 1970s extended Hanau to both banks of the Main.
This riverine
setting historically provided defense (e.g., the medieval castle used
the Kinzig), transportation, and economic advantages. Hanau has a port
on the Main, supporting its role as a transport hub. The rivers
contribute to fertile alluvial soils in the surrounding floodplains,
typical of the region's river valleys.
Topography and Terrain
Hanau sits in a relatively low-lying area within the North German
Plain's southern extensions and the transition to the Central German
Uplands. The immediate city terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling,
with low relief suitable for urban development and agriculture.
Surrounding landscapes include:
West/Northwest: Proximity to the
densely populated and industrialized Rhine-Main area, with Frankfurt's
urban influence.
East/Southeast: Transition toward the Spessart, a
low mountain range (Mittelgebirge) known for dense deciduous forests
(one of Germany's largest contiguous forested areas). The Spessart
features rolling hills, beech and oak woodlands, and valleys. It borders
the Kinzig and Main rivers and is a popular hiking region.
Northeast:
Toward the Vogelsberg (a volcanic upland) and Rhön regions.
Broader
context: Hanau lies in the Main Plain, with views from nearby hills
(e.g., toward the Odenwald or Spessart) offering panoramas of the river
valleys and distant uplands.
The name "Hanau" itself derives from
Hagenowe, combining Haag (wood/hedge) and Aue (meadow or floodplain by a
river), reflecting its wooded and riverine origins.
Climate
Hanau has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb on the 0°C isotherm)
with some oceanic influences (Cfb on the -3°C isotherm). It is noted as
the westernmost city in this category below 200 m elevation on the
European continent.
Characteristics:
Warm summers and cool
winters.
Moderate precipitation distributed throughout the year,
influenced by its position in central Europe's temperate zone.
The
river valleys can experience occasional fog or microclimatic variations,
while proximity to the Spessart hills may moderate temperatures
slightly.
This fits Germany's overall temperate climate, with
regional variations due to topography (lowlands milder than uplands).
Broader Regional Context
Hanau lies in the heart of Germany's
diverse geography:
To the north: North German Plain (flatter
lowlands).
To the south: Transition toward the Central Uplands and
eventually the Alps.
It benefits from the fertile soils and
transportation corridors of the Main and Kinzig valleys, supporting both
urban growth and connections to forested recreational areas like the
Hessian Spessart Nature Park.
The area combines riverine lowlands
with access to wooded hills, making it strategically located for trade,
industry, and recreation. Its role as a transport junction (rail and
river) stems directly from this geography.