To have a park like the 45-hectare Planten un Blomen in the city centre is a privilege that we would all like to have where we live. Nowadays the park could not be more idyllic and well-kept, but centuries ago things were different in the place where it is located. The city walls that Johan van Valkenburg built around 1625 surrounding the city passed through this site. When this defensive fortification ceased to make sense in the 18th century, the landscape gardener Isaak Hermann Altmann was asked to redesign it in the English style.
From then on, the walls and the surrounding area became a recreational area for the population. Over time, nearby areas such as some cemeteries, the old botanical garden, the zoo, etc. were added. It has even had other redesigns, such as the one carried out by a well-known Hamburg landscape architect, Karl Plomin, or the adaptations made for international garden exhibitions. In fact, the name it bears today was inherited from a Low German garden competition in 1935, thanks to which it was renamed Planten un Blomen (Plants and Flowers). This park is undoubtedly the most interesting green visit in Hamburg.
- Things to see in the park, flora and fauna
- Things to do in the park, leisure plans
- What events can be seen in the park
- Where to stay in Hamburg
Things to see in the park, flora and fauna
To get to know Planten un Blomen Park in depth, a whole day should be set aside, at least if you want to visit it without rushing. Among the most beautiful or interesting places to include in your visit are the following:
• The Japanese garden with its tea house. It is the largest Japanese garden in Europe and its atmosphere is so calm that it could be the most relaxing spot in Hamburg.
• The apothecary’s garden. A large number of herbs and medicinal plants are concentrated in this area.
• The community gardens. They are located at the foot of the television tower and date from 1935. The perennial plants that inhabit it ensure a green experience all year round. Do not miss the lily blossom in June and July.
• The Japanese landscape garden. Nestled between pine and cherry trees, the stones, ponds and water create a sensory atmosphere.
• The rose garden. This garden dedicated solely to roses has more than 300 varieties, with wild roses, tea roses, climbing roses, etc. In the centre of the garden you will find a covered pavilion where you can listen to classical music in summer.
• The Mediterranean terraces. Located at different heights, these terraces created by landscape architects Plomin, Raderschall and Schulze are home to plants typical of the south. There you can see fig trees, lime trees, hibiscus, etc. It is perhaps the most Mediterranean spot in Hamburg.
• Greenhouses. You cannot leave Planten un Blomen Park without visiting the greenhouses, which have a long tradition there. The ones that can be seen today replaced those destroyed during the war and cover an area of 2,800 m2. There are five areas representing five climate zones of the world, as well as the cactus house, the fern house and so on.
Things to do in the park, leisure plans
In addition to visiting the spots that we mentioned in the previous point, you can also do activities in different parts of Planten un Blomen Park. Children will have a great time on the playgrounds where they can climb and swing in rope mazes. And if they like slides, they must not miss the Bullerberge, playground, which was created in the 1970s.
Those who prefer skating can go to the skating area, where they can skate on two wheels (from April to September) and on the ice rink.
The giant-sized chess boards also provide amusing moments, especially when it comes to moving the pieces. You will find them near the Glacischaussee entrance, in the Große Wallanlagen section of the park, and also next to the Rosenhof café. Finally, we also encourage you to have fun on the mini-golf course and enjoy the trampolines.
What events can be seen in the park
As you can imagine, Planten un Blomen Park hosts some very nice outdoor events. One of the most spectacular is the water and light show in the fountains, which takes place from the beginning of May until September. The park’s programme also includes theatre performances for children in the summer, concerts in the music pavilions and cultural presentations, among other events.
In addition, there are numerous places to eat or drink in the park with a nice view: the Seepavillon café, the Park Café Hamburg, the Tropical Garden ice-cream parlour, the Seeterrassen café and the Rosenhof restaurant.
Where to stay in Hamburg
A highly recommended hotel for your stay in this German city is the Barceló Hamburg, a modern and comfortable four-star hotel located just a few minutes from Planten un Blomen Park. The design of the establishment and the carefully designed interior design of the common areas and the 193 B-rooms ensure a pleasant stay. In addition to all this, the restaurant 1700 provides a good food offering and good wines from its wine cellar. One of the moments not to be missed is enjoying a drink on the terrace overlooking the city. And if you like taking care of yourself during your travels, you should know that it also has a gym and spa.
