One of Hamburg’s most famous city parks, Planten un Blomen, is the perfect destination for families, romantic getaways and casual friendly meet-ups.
The park itself is located right in the city center, connecting the area of St. Pauli to the Alster over a range of 47 hectares. The name of the park comes from Plattdeutsch (Low German) and literally means “Plants and Flowers”, a big hint at what makes this park so special.
Beautiful Gardens
Inside the park you will find the largest Japanese garden in Europe. It was designed in 1988 by landscape architect Yoshikuni Araki according to the strict guidelines, making it a true authentic experience. At the center is a lake with a traditional Japanese teahouse, which hosts tea ceremonies from May to September. There are also workshops available on Japanese calligraphy, taiko drums and Japanese perfume ceremonies.
Another famous garden inside Planten un Blomen is the rose garden, which features over 300 varieties of roses including historic roses, shrub and wild roses, climbing roses and hybrid teas. The lay out follows a “classical style” with various arches and corner for sitting and enjoying the atmosphere. As well, during the summer season in the central pavilion you can learn about the different varieties of roses and their care.
Don’t forget to visit the botanical garden with a tropical greenhouse with an alpine garden with mountain flowers, mosses and lichens. The complex is divided into five separate areas by plant groups and habitats.
Water Light Show, Theatre, Ice-Skating and much more at Planten un Blomen!
Along with the many gardens, Planten un Blomen is also famous for a water light show with music that takes place every night at 10:00 pm from May to September.
If you’re visiting with children, there is also a daily program of shows from a puppet theatre to circus, all free of charge.
Recently, I visited one of the most famous winter attractions at Planten un Blomen, the outdoor ice skating rink. In the summer it serves as a roller and inline skating rink but when the cold weather rolls in it turns into one of the largest open-air artificial ice rinks in the world at over 4300 square meters.
There is an entrance fee of 3,90 for under 15 years and 5,50 for adults (plus 5,00 more to rent ice skates) but the atmosphere inside is really great. Each night is a live DJ playing music and there is drinks and food available for when you need to take a break.
Overall, I would definitely keep in mind Planten un Blomen as the perfect afternoon spent on a warm, relaxing day on a visit to Hamburg in summer and the perfect way to end a cold winter evening during the winter!
