All tours in Kassel

Kassel

The Living Monument: Joseph Beuys and the 7000 Oaks

4.5 km129 min7 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Discover how a radical artist transformed a recovering city into a global pioneer of urban forestry. This immersive walking tour explores Joseph Beuys' monumental '7000 Oaks' project, a masterpiece of 'Social Sculpture' that challenged bureaucracy, sparked public outrage, and ultimately united a community. Walk alongside the living, breathing artworks that continue to shape Kassel's ecology and identity today.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Friedrichsplatz (First and Last Tree)

The origin point of the 7000 Oaks project, featuring the very first and the very last trees planted.

Friedrichsplatz (First and Last Tree)

Image by Baummapper on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0 de)

0.16 km • 2 min
2

STOP 2

Fridericianum

The headquarters of documenta, where Beuys piled 7,000 basalt stones to force the city's hand.

Fridericianum

Image by A.Savin on Wikimedia Commons (FAL)

0.61 km • 9 min
3

STOP 3

Rathaus Kassel

The site of the administrative battle where Beuys fought for 'City forestation instead of city administration'.

Rathaus Kassel

Image by A.Savin on Wikimedia Commons (FAL)

0.60 km • 9 min
4

STOP 4

Karthäuserstraße

A residential street where locals embraced the project, realizing Beuys' vision of 'Social Sculpture'.

Karthäuserstraße

Image by GeorgDerReisende on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

1.57 km • 24 min
5

STOP 5

Bebelplatz

A neighborhood hub showcasing the mature ecological impact and biodiversity supported by the 40-year-old oaks.

Bebelplatz

Image by GeorgDerReisende on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.76 km • 12 min
6

STOP 6

Goetheanlage

A traditional park that contrasts conventional landscaping with Beuys' organic, time-based aesthetic.

0.76 km • 12 min
7

END

Kongress Palais Kassel

The final stop reflecting on the legacy of the project, where the trees are now protected monuments.

Kongress Palais Kassel

Image by filippo carini on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Art enthusiasts, urban planners, ecology advocates, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of nature, community, and conceptual design.
  • Best time Daytime, particularly in spring or summer when the oak canopies are in full leaf.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as this tour covers several neighborhoods.
  • Pacing Take your time. The trees grow slowly, and so should your walk.
  • Weather Bring an umbrella if it looks cloudy; much of the route is exposed to the elements.
  • Observation Keep an eye out for the basalt columns—they are the key to spotting Beuys' trees.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Clara Vogt
Audio sample
0:000:00

Clara Vogt

  • Art, Design & Aesthetics
  • Portugal

Art and design lover. Discovers beauty in the everyday and connects street art, fashion, and architecture.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

Discover more tours in Kassel

Experience Kassel from more surprising perspectives.

See more tours in Kassel
Now only €3.99 incl. VAT