In a nutshell
- Local insider Benni has lived in Wetzlar for many years and knows the city and the region really well. He answered our 22 questions, and in this Heimatliebe interview he shares his best tips on things to do in Wetzlar, great restaurants, where to stay, and much more.
- Wetzlar has a beautiful historic center with half-timbered houses and winding alleyways — totally worth an afternoon stroll.
- A walk through the old town past the cathedral is a real highlight — there’s something to discover around every corner.
- The city is especially interesting for photography enthusiasts: Leica has its headquarters here, and there are several exhibitions and museums dedicated to the iconic camera brand.
Tips and Info for Visiting Wetzlar
Before we get to our interview, here’s the most important info you’ll need before heading to Wetzlar.
Where is Wetzlar in Germany?
The city on the Lahn River is located in the state of Hessen.
From Wetzlar, you can reach Frankfurt am Main in just under 30 miles as the crow flies.
Koblenz, the gateway to the Middle Rhine Valley, is just over an hour’s drive away.
Cologne is also not far — about 80 miles as the crow flies.
Our Hotel Recommendations for Wetzlar
Along with our local’s tips below, we’ve handpicked three great places to stay in Wetzlar:
Interview with a Local: The Best Insider Tips for Wetzlar
1. Who are you and why are you an expert on Wetzlar?
My name is Benjamin (Benni) and I live with my wife, our two kids, and our cat Diva just outside of Wetzlar.
Not only did I go to school in Wetzlar, but I also spent my youth there and dove headfirst into the nightlife.
Wetzlar has a lot to offer, and the city’s sometimes bad reputation is, in my opinion, undeserved. Every city has its rough patches — and Wetzlar is no exception.
But the good news is: there are also plenty of charming corners, and the city has really spruced itself up since hosting the Hessentag in 2012. The Hessentag, by the way, is a large folk festival that takes place every summer in a different location.
2. If you had to describe Wetzlar in three words, what would they be?
modern, charming, multicultural
3. Why should everyone make a point of visiting Wetzlar?
Wetzlar has a very well-preserved historic center and a truly impressive cathedral. The city doesn’t lack for nature either — with the Lahn and the Dill, two rivers actually converge right in the city.
For photography enthusiasts, Wetzlar is absolutely not to be missed. The 35mm camera was invented here in the 19th century — a milestone in modern photography. The Leitz works eventually gave rise to the luxury camera brand Leica, which still has its headquarters in Wetzlar today.
4. What does Wetzlar have that you can’t find anywhere else?
The optical industry has remained very strong in Wetzlar thanks to the influence of Ernst Leitz. Fittingly, the city has set up an optics trail — though unfortunately some of the stations are no longer functional.
In 1772, Goethe spent an entire summer in Wetzlar, where he met Charlotte Buff. She’s the real-life inspiration for Lotte in his famous work “The Sorrows of Young Werther.” At the Lottehaus, you can learn more about Charlotte Buff’s life and her time with Goethe in Wetzlar.
You can also experience the Goethe story at the original locations through the city’s themed guided tours.
Our tip: Book a tour in the evening hours in November or December. That’s when the atmosphere of the old quarter is truly magical.
Things to Do in Wetzlar
5. Which attractions in Wetzlar are absolute must-sees?
The Wetzlar Cathedral is a definite highlight. Combine it with a stroll through the old town and across the historic Lahn Bridge — it’s a great way to spend a morning.
The Leitz Park and a visit to Leica are also well worth your time.
Nature lovers will enjoy the former military training grounds. There are also several well-developed hiking trails along the Lahn through Wetzlar’s municipal area, with great views over the city.
6. What can you do in Wetzlar when it rains?
You can always head to the large Forum shopping center for some retail therapy.
With kids, the Spielcafe Plüschbär is a fantastic indoor playground — highly recommended.
There are also some fascinating museums in Wetzlar (like the Lottehaus or the Viseum), and for photography fans, a visit to Leica Welt is a wonderful option — rainy day or not.
7. What can you do with kids in Wetzlar?
There are lots of great playgrounds in the old town. You can go canoeing or play laser tag.
Particularly nice is the playground near the Lahninsel parking lot in the Cholchester Anlage — kids of all ages will find play equipment there, and there’s a good chance to spot some ducks.
And when it rains — though not only then — the Spielcafe Plüschbär is always a solid choice.
8. When you feel the urge to get out of the city, where do you go?
Besides the former military training grounds already mentioned, Braunfels is a great day trip — the castle and surrounding nature are really beautiful.
The Wildpark Weilburg is also worth an outing. And there are a great many hiking trails around Wetzlar — the Lahn Hiking Trail, for example, passes right through the city.
9. Which spot do you recommend for unwinding and just taking a breather?
In nice weather, the beer garden on the Lahninsel in front of the historic Lahn Bridge or the wine garden in the Cholchester Anlage are both seriously good picks.
The Avignon Anlage also has some peaceful spots. The Wetzlar city forest Kirschenwäldchen with its “Wilder Stein” viewpoint is pure nature — you can enjoy a lovely walk through the woods and then stop at the Gaststätte Zum Kirschenwäldchen for a coffee in the beer garden, a meal inside, or just something hearty to eat.
10. What is the best viewpoint in Wetzlar?
The “Wilder Stein” already mentioned offers a great view over Nauborn, a district of Wetzlar. You can also enjoy a wonderful panorama over the city from the ruins of Kalsmunt Castle.
A great view of the historic center can be had from the Lahn Bridge itself.
Absolutely spectacular is the vista from the cathedral tower. You can’t normally go up there, but special guided tours are offered from time to time — if you get the chance, don’t miss it.
11. An amateur photographer asks you about cool spots to photograph in Wetzlar that they’d never find in a travel guide. Where do you send them?
For a really atmospheric nighttime shot, the Lahn Bridge is ideal. In the late evening hours, traffic on the main road dies down — perfect for a night photo of Wetzlar Cathedral.
12. What is the craziest activity you can do in your city?
There’s a Segway course in Wetzlar. Benni hasn’t tried it himself yet, but apparently it’s a lot of fun.
13. What is the best event of the year? What’s worth coming to Wetzlar for?
The Ochsenfest is a fantastic agricultural folk festival featuring equipment and livestock shows, exhibition halls, and a fairground — though it only takes place every three years.
Otherwise, every Thursday in summer there are free concerts on the Domplatz. Local bands play in front of a stunning backdrop — and admission is free.
In mid-October, there’s also the Gallusmarkt on the Lahninsel and along the route to the train station (Langgasse, Karl-Kellner-Ring), sometimes called the Upper Hessian Oktoberfest.
14. Is there a museum in Wetzlar that you absolutely shouldn’t miss?
The Lottehaus tells the story of Charlotte Buff, who inspired Goethe to write “The Sorrows of Young Werther.”
For photography enthusiasts, Leica Welt is an absolute standout — don’t skip it.
15. Which neighborhood do you most enjoy strolling through and why?
The old town, without a doubt. There’s so much to see, it’s entirely pedestrian-friendly so kids can roam freely, and in summer the narrow lanes stay surprisingly cool.
And when you’ve had enough of the city, the Cholchester and Avignon Anlage — two beautiful parks — are just a short walk away. The Leitz Park is also lovely, and on the smaller side, which means it’s easy to reach by car and parking is free.
Food and Drink in Wetzlar
16. What local specialty do you absolutely have to try in Wetzlar?
At Café Born in the old town, there’s a kind of cream puff that many people rave about — though Benni personally isn’t that impressed.
His own pick? A “Horst” with bacon from Die Sattmacher. Best burger in the city, in his opinion.
17. What are your three favorite restaurants and what should you try there?
Ludwigs: A modern bar with great cocktails and delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, set in an old building right in the historic center. In summer, the outdoor seating is fantastic.
Al Camino: Located just outside the old town — a genuine Italian restaurant with great service and outstanding pizza.
Landsknecht: Tucked away right in the heart of the old quarter. It’s a small restaurant with a focused menu, but the quality is excellent and the terrace is wonderful. Everything is made fresh, so take your time and enjoy it.
18. Where can you get the best burger in Wetzlar?
Hands down, the best burger in Wetzlar is at Die Sattmacher in the Spielburg. It’s always busy — but the food is simply delicious.
19. Where can you get the best ice cream in Wetzlar?
The best ice cream is at Eiscafé Bacio in Nauborn. You’re sitting right on the main road, but the ice cream is seriously sensational.
20. Where is the best place to have breakfast?
For breakfast, the top recommendation is Olafs Kochschule by the old Lahn Bridge. Just make sure to reserve a table in advance.
21. Where is the best place to go out in the evening?
Ludwigs or Palais both serve great cocktails. Beyond that, the old town has plenty of options for a night out. The beer garden on the Lahn and the wine garden on the Lahn are also excellent choices.
Where to Stay in Wetzlar
22. Which hotel do you recommend to visitors in Wetzlar?
The Wetzlarer Hof has a great reputation and is very centrally located, and the Best Western Hotel Wetzlar offers a wonderful view of the cathedral.
