There are plenty of beautiful 19th century landscaped parks in Germany. Kings and princes had palaces built in and around towns and also created magnificent parks that were later opened to the public. But what happened in towns and cities without royal connections? There, the local citizens came together and created their own parks instead. However busy the traffic on surrounding roads, in these parks stressed city dwellers can take a refreshing break. Oriental gardens, roller skating rinks and rose gardens - their appealing mix of fun and relaxation is what makes them so popular with local people.

Bremen Bürgerpark is the largest privately financed municipal park in Germany. 2,600 association members – and numerous benefactors – have been so devoted to the park that it has become one of the greatest garden successes of the 19th century. The park was badly damaged during the second world war but the citizens of Bremen lost no time in restoring it to its former glory. Bremen Bürgerpark is a wonderful illustration of how nature can be “designed” by man, Bremen Bürgerpark - originally a pragmatic response to a lack of green space - is today a green paradise (202 hectares) in the heart of the city. Wooded areas with grand old trees, spacious lawns, watercourses, fountains, bridges and lakes all combine to create an atmospheric green canvas full of romantic charm.
Show on map »

This site has been a fortified town wall, a promenade, a lawn where washing was bleached by the sun, a cemetery, a botanical garden, and a zoo since 1863 (where Alfred Brehm wrote his “Life of Animals”). A “people's, bird and pleasure park” was added in 1930. The park takes its name from a horticultural show called “Planten un Blomen” - local dialect for “plants and flowers” - which opened in 1935. This park has hosted the International Garden Show on no fewer than three occasions (1953, 1963 and 1973), each time with a different slant on the theme “breathing space in the city”. In 1985 the ramparts area was developed and a delightful Japanese garden was added, the largest of its kind in Europe. Planten un Blomen Park (47 hectares) is a wonderful green oasis offering a blend of relaxation and entertainment.
Show on map »