Kassel, Germany

Capital City

With a population of just 204,687, Kassel is a relatively small city that lacks the cosmopolitan flair of Germany's major hubs. The legacy of World War II looms large, as 90% of the city center was destroyed in bombings and rebuilt in a functional 1950s style. While Kassel is known for its documenta art exhibitions and the grand Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache for newcomers. And with a climate that trends continental rather than coastal, the long, cold winters may test the resolve of some. Overall, Kassel is best suited for those drawn to its quaint charms and cultural offerings, rather than those seeking the fast pace and conveniences of a larger metropolis.