With a population of 74,000, Giessen (spelled “Gießen” in German) is the most important city in Central Hesse. At the core of this city is the university, founded in 1607, with its 28,000 students. However, there are also other key tourist attractions in the city: The “Mathematikum” – the first interactive science museum in the world – www.mathematikum.de, the Botanical Gardens in the old castle grounds – www.uni-giessen.de – and the world-famous “Liebig-Museum” – www.liebig-museum.de. If you are interested in going to the theatre, the “Stadttheater” (City Theatre) – www.stadttheater-giessen.de (our photo) is a worthwhile visit, as is the shopping centre of this city built along the banks of the river Lahn!

The Mathematikum is the first interactive mathematics museum in the world and can be found in Giessen’s former central customs office (address: Liebigstrasse 8).

The aim of the “Mathematikum” is to offer all visitors, regardless of age, gender and prior knowledge, a new way to look at mathematics through sensory experience. This exposure to mathematics doesn’t involve formulas or equations and rarely entails working with symbols or numbers. Instead, in line with the motto “Mathematik zum Anfassen” (Hands-on mathematics) visitors can gain mathematical experience by trying out more than 150 experiments. For example, they can discover the properties of soap by actually stepping inside a soap bubble. They can also create shapes and emulate geometric objects with the use of mirrors or else build an imitation of the Leonardo Bridge using wooden blocks. By trying and testing these simple experiments, visitors can sub-consciously learn and understand complex mathematical phenomena.

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A dignified monument stands here in commemoration of the founder of organic chemistry, Justus Liebig. The scientist was already a professor at Giessen University at the age of 21 and dedicated his work to exploring and researching areas of agricultural chemistry that focused on improving agricultural yields. However, most people associate the name Liebig with the invention of the stock cube.
Further information, including entrance fees and opening times, can be found at:

The Giessen Botanical Gardens serve the Biology and Chemistry departments of the Justus-Liebig University for their botanical studies and research. From 20th March to 20th October it is open to the public. The gardens cover an area of approx. 3 hectares and are home to around 7,500 types of plants from all over the world.
Further information can be obtained at: