Darmstadt Overview

Another worthy destination along the Bergstr. is the modern city of Darmstadt, though this locale is much more known for its Jugendstil Art Nouveau architecture and technical university than any age-old charm. Juxtapose the landscape of the grapevines with a visit to this city, which offers a young population and a contemporary feel. One of the world's heaviest elements (atomic number 110) was created in Darmstadt and appropriately named the Darmstadtium; appropriately, the city's conference center also bears that name.

• Orientation

To get to the tourist office from the Hauptbahnhof, take trams 209 or bus K, F, or H.

• Sights

Mathildenhöhe, Olbrichweg 13 (www.mathildenhoehe.info), The mecca of Darmstadt's Jugendstil architecture, this artist colony on a hill west of the city was founded by Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig in 1899. ...more

• Food

Thanks to all the hungry students, cheap eats are everywhere in Darmstadt. Hit up Landgraf-George-Str. around the university to get some excellent €2.50 döners. Otherwise, the pedestrian areas around ...more

• Nightlife

CentralStation, Im Carree (www.centralstation-darmstadt.de), Not to be confused with the Hauptbahnhof, CentralStation is one of Darmstadt's premier live music venues, mostly presenting indie and jazz greats ...more

• Practicalities

Tourist information office: (Luisienpl. 5, by the Luisien Center sign.☎ 06151 134513 h Open M-F 10am-6pm, Sa 10am-4pm, Apr-Oct Su 10am-2pm.) The transportation hub, and city center ...more

• Getting There

Darmstadt is easily reached from Frankfurt by frequent trains and the S3, which ends at the Darmstadt Hauptbahnhof (single ride €7.15).