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16. January 2025

From campus to world cultural heritage site – between Hercules and the Brothers Grimm

16. January 2025

The Hamburg Scholarship of the Studierendenwerk Hamburg has a ‘sibling’: since 2023, a similar funding programme has also existed in Kassel, inspired by the Hamburg model. In order to promote networking between the scholarship holders beyond the borders of their home cities, a visit to Kassel and a return visit to Hamburg were initiated last year. This should be repeated.

On 15 and 16 January 2025, the time had come again: the current Hamburg cohort set off for Kassel. Seven scholarship holders set off early in the morning in frosty temperatures from Hamburg's Dammtor railway station. Even during the train journey, a wintry panorama revealed itself: the closer you got to Kassel, the whiter the fields became.

After arriving in Kassel, the first stop was the hotel to get rid of the luggage. Then it was straight on to the campus of the University of Kassel, where the hosts were already waiting. With a lovingly organised tour, the Kassel scholarship holders gave an insight into campus life. The tour ended in the cafeteria, where a laid table awaited the group - a welcome opportunity to fortify themselves and warm up.

Freshly fortified, the group set off by bus and tram to the ‘Hercules’. This imposing landmark towers over Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The way back was on foot through the park's misty winter landscape, which created a magical atmosphere with its old walls, ponds and the Devil's Bridge. On the way into the city, there were short, interesting inputs at prominent stops such as Wilhelmshöhe Palace - perfect for combining history and nature.

After the hike, dinner at ‘Moritz’, the canteen of the Kassel student union, was a well-earned reward. But the day didn't end there: After checking into the hotel, the group met up in a cosy pub to round off the evening with good conversation.

The next morning was all about the Brothers Grimm, the famous sons of Kassel. A joint visit to the Grimmwelt, a modern museum, brought the Hamburg and Kassel scholarship holders together again. In addition to the world-famous fairy tales, the group discovered fascinating details about the Grimms' work on their German dictionary - a life's work that was only completed 123 years later. Artistic installations and historical exhibits made the visit a varied experience for everyone.

After intensive hours in the museum, the route led back towards Wilhelmshöhe railway station. Halfway there, everyone was able to stop for refreshments in a canteen and reflect on the past 24 hours. Everyone agreed that the time spent together was so intense and enriching that it felt much longer.

With a final photo and the promise to make the Kassel return visit in Hamburg just as unforgettable, the group said goodbye and made their way back north - with many impressions, new contacts and anticipation of the next meeting in their luggage.

Many thanks to the Kassel scholarship and all the scholarship holders involved for the excellently organised programme and the warm hospitality - this exchange will be remembered for a long time.