Famous among Germany's resorts, "the spa in the meadows" became a fashionable destination as much for its aristocratic connections as for its hot springs. It was already a capital - the seat of the Dukes of Nassau - and the austerely elegant ducal residence, now the home of the region's government, can still be seen in the Schlossplatz. However, to get a real feeling for the place in its heyday, take in the old casino and the splendid Kurhaus, with its Neoclassical frontage and fountains illuminated at night: 19th century Germany's answer to Las Vegas! To explore further afield, drive down to the banks of the Rhine and Schloss Biebrich - the stately Baroque castle is now home to an appropriately grand restaurant - or go travelling in the rolling hills of the Taunus, mid-west Germany's own mountain range.