Karlsaue, Baroque garden in Kassel, Germany.

Karlsaue is a large park along the Fulda River in Kassel featuring multiple lakes, canals, and carefully designed water features. The grounds offer wide paths and quiet spots for walking and enjoying the surroundings.

A Renaissance garden was laid out from 1568 on the marshy river island between the two arms of the Fulda, later enlarged as the Moritzaue. Landgrave Charles began the strictly geometric Baroque layout around 1680, and the park takes its name from him. From 1703 to 1710 the Orangerie was built, and at the end of the 18th century the Baroque scheme was given up in favour of an English landscape garden, though the original design remains legible.

The Orangerie was built between 1703 and 1710 and today houses the Astronomisch-Physikalisches Kabinett with its historic astronomical and physical instruments, as well as the Marmorbad, a marble bath of 1728. Every five years since 1955 the Karlsaue has hosted open-air objects of the documenta art exhibition.

The park has extensive walking and cycling paths, restrooms, and parking near the main entrances. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the grounds are spacious and require several hours to explore fully.

The Siebenbergen Island within the park contains a botanical garden with rare oak species and seasonal flower beds. This secluded area is often overlooked by visitors despite housing special plant collections.