Hidden Gems of the World: Casino Wiesbaden, Hesse in Germany

Our hidden gems of the world series allows us to shine a light on the establishments that are sometimes overlooked in favour of their more widely talked about counterparts. Whether it’s a hotel, casino, restaurant or luxurious location, hidden gems offer all the expected delights of those more popular spots and are certainly worth discovering.

Here, we take a look at Casino Wiesbaden, a 19th century casino in the German city, that was once a true rival to the likes of Monaco and Baden Baden.

This casino is a hidden gem in every sense of the meaning. Based in the lesser-known city of Wiesbaden, in the German state of Hesse, and bordering the banks of the Rhine, this gambling complex is set in the city’s neoclassical Kurhaus landmark and boasts glorious interiors and elegant surroundings.

In the 19th century, Wiesbaden was famous for both its thermal springs and spa, and casino, with visitors luxuriating in the surroundings. The Prussian-dominated imperial government closed down all gambling houses in 1872 with the casino only reopening in 1949.

Now, visitors are able to combine gambling in the historic 18th century building, with an upscale restaurant, and take part in poker tournaments, play slot machines, table games and more to while away the hours. Upon arrival, the stunning entrance to the building is sure to wow any discerning guest with its picturesque spa gardens and colonnades of the Hessian State Theatre.

Casino Wiesbaden is one of Germany’s oldest casinos. Image credit: travelview/Bigstock.com

Within the classically styled Kurhaus, visitors will find rooms and parlours of varying sizes and styles, several restaurants and, of course, the casino, where the table games are played in a traditionally styled grand hall. Boasting intricating woodwork, fine wood-panelled pillars, golden friezes and crystal chandeliers, the classic setting surely creates an atmosphere for a night of sophisticated gambling fun.

Reputable German online casino comparison website NeueCasinos.de says Casino Wiesbaden is one of the best land-based offerings in the country. “Where else can you be so close to natural beauty and enjoy gaming within such a stunning building? With its long history as one of Germany’s oldest casinos, this really sets the bar at how land-based gaming should be done.”

As how is this achieved? Well, aside from those stunning surroundings, visitors to the casino can expect to find 190 state-of-the-art slot machines, roulette, blackjack and poker tables – with the largest selection of poker games available in the Rhine-Main area – regular tournaments, special events for club members and fine dining at Joker’S restaurant. Expect to pay a small entrance fee and use this an opportunity to dress up for an elegant evening out as there is a dress code to adhere to.

For those who thoroughly enjoy their time here and expect to make a swift return – after all, a third of visitors here are repeat guests – then consider becoming a club member. Take the opportunity to enjoy some VIP club benefits including invitations to special events, extra chances of winning big, double win on selected days and club specials and surprises such as free admission and a glass of Champagne.

Enjoy stylish ambience and thrills at one of Europe’s most beautiful casinos, the Wiesbaden casino. Image credit: Donyanedomam/Bigstock.com

Follow in the footsteps of Fyodor Dostoyevsky and take a spin at the roulette wheel, considered to be the fairest game of chance in the world, beat the bank at Blackjack or hone your bluffing skills at poker – all within these upmarket surrounds.

If slot machines are more your thing then head to the Kurhaus colonnades, directly on the grounds of the spa building, where you can choose from bingo, video slot, poker machines and more, to take part of the €2.5 million in winnings each day. The latest generation machines await and a stake of 50 cents is all you will need to potentially win big.

After, or amidst, all of the gaming fun, some refreshments are always called for, and here you can head to K1 Bar to meet with friends or enjoy a tipple at Joker’S before indulging in a meal at the restaurant in the grand hall. From schnitzel and salad to steak and seafood, Joker’S serves up a variety of delectable dishes for you and your guests. Try the classic veal schnitzel with fried potatoes and cucumber salad or opt for a whole duck for two. Sea bass in a salt crust is another speciality, while truffled noodles will whet the appetite, and a Chateaubriand is designed to delight.