Illuminated Water Features Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe (Summer)

UNESCO World Heritage in coloured light

Since 2013, Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe in Kassel has been a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the largest mountain park in Europe. Its centrepiece is the monumental water art from the 18th century: from the Hercules Monument high above, water flows over the cascades, Devil's Bridge, the aqueduct, and the Jussow Temple down into the palace pond, culminating in the 50-meter high Great Fountain. This system works without pumps – solely through the natural gradient of the slope. These water features are illuminated at night twice a year: once in early summer (June 5–6, 2026), and once in late summer (September 11–12, 2026).

A light art choreography

As darkness falls, spotlights and LED systems bring each station of the water art to life in colour: the cascades in flowing waves of light, Devil's Bridge as an illuminated crossing, the aqueduct as a ruin silhouette, the Jussow Temple as a stage backdrop, and the Great Fountain as the grand finale with water jets shooting high into the sky.

Stilt walkers at the Fountain Pond

In June, costumed stilt walkers at the Fountain Pond are part of the concept – they lend the illumination a baroque stage setting. A cocktail bar by the pond completes the offering.

BergparkLeuchten 2026 cancelled

Important to know: The separate, larger festival "BergparkLeuchten", which has been supplemented with additional light installations in recent years, will not take place in 2026 – the City of Kassel has cut financial support due to savings. However, the regular illuminated water features will remain in the programme.

Water features without light all summer long

For those who want to see the natural spectacle even without illumination: The regular water features run from May 1st to October 3rd every Wednesday, Sunday, and on public holidays from 2:30 PM – a walk down the slope, following the flowing water, is one of the most typical Kassel experiences.