Summer in the city
(Am Aachener Weiher)
Köln, NRW 50674
+49 (0)221 500 0614 / +49 (0)221 508 0427
http://www.biergarten-aachener...
Review © 2007, Wcities
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Summer in the city |
Richard-Wagner-Street (Am Aachener Weiher) Köln, NRW 50674 +49 (0)221 500 0614 / +49 (0)221 508 0427 http://www.biergarten-aachener... |
When the sun is out, locals flock in their thousands to Cologne's beer gardens, which can seem a bit like holiday camps on hot summer weekends. One of the most popular is Aachener Weiher, set in a park close to the university and not far from the centre of town. Its location makes it a great place to take a break and cool off with a glass of Kölsch beer. Snacks like sausages and salad are also served. If you manage to stay sober, the nearby Museum of East Asian Art is also worth a visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Charly- Koeln  |
Unique aquarium experience |
Spandauer Strasse 3 Berlin, Berlin 10178 +49 (0)30 99 2800 http://www.sealifeeurope.com slcberlin@merlinentertainments.biz |
The Berlin outpost of the popular Sea Life chain of aquariums is unlike any other. Visitors can spend hours perusing tank after tank of exotic fish, but the culminating attraction here is the AquaDom, a hulking cylindrical fish tank with a great glass elevator shaft in the center. Kids of all ages look forward to that ride. Surrounded on all sides by sea creatures large and small, you'll feel as though you've actually entered the big blue deep. See website for extended summer hours and Sea Life locations throughout Europe. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Thomas Wanhoff |
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Late baroque royal residence |
Benrather Schloßallee 104 Dusseldorf, NRW 40597 +49 211 899 7271 http://www.benrath.com/ben_sch... |
Located in the village of Benrath (a suburb of Dusseldorf since 1929), this summer residence was erected in 1756-73 in the middle of a spacious park bordered by the Rhine by electoral Prince Carl Theodor von Pfalz-Sulzbach. Designed by Nicolas de Pigage, the residence is a fine example of the transition from late baroque to classical architecture. The main building contains some exquisite furniture and 18th century paintings, while the west wing is home to the Benrath Natural History Museum, a fine exhibition outlining the historical development of the Rhine-Ruhr area. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michiel2005 |
 Photo: Cordes Lindow |
Over a thousand different species |
Hardenbergplatz 8 Berlin, Berlin 10787 +49 (0)30 2 5401 x0 http://www.zoo-berlin.de info@zoo-berlin.de |
Located next to Zoo Station in the heart of the western city centre, Berlin Zoo is home to Skippy the kangaroo, Pretty Woman the gorilla and Kiri the elephant, to name just a few. Other attractions are the nocturnal animals and a pair of Chinese panda bears, although Yan-Yan's lack of sexual interest in her partner Bao-Bao has been talk of the town for years! Founded in 1844 by Prussian King William IV, the Zoologischer Garten is Germany's oldest zoo. With 13,000 animals and 1,400 different species, the zoo is also one of the world's most populous. The nearby Aquarium was opened in the 1930s. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Great but hidden park in Ehrenfeld |
Parkgürtel (Escher Straße) Köln, NRW 50739 |
Unfortunately, the Blücherpark is rather loud, due to the fact that the autobahn is right nearby, otherwise this park is really marvelous: Spacious lawns with plenty of room to laze around and soak up the sunshine, a nice rose-garden guarded by two stone lions, and tree-lined promenades to provide a bit of shade. For children there's a football pitch surrounded by trees, as well as table tennis facilities. The highlight of the park is the small pond in the middle, with ducks and frogs and even sunbathing turtles! On one side of the pond is the rose-garden, on the other the Kahnstation beer garden, which opens at 2p. Here you can also rent a boat for a romantic row around the pond. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kai Müller |
Botanical garden |
Heinrich-Heine-Universität Wersten Dusseldorf, NRW 40225 |
The Botanical Garden belongs to the university and is primarily used for teaching and research purposes, although it is also open to the general public. The focal point is the 18m-high green-house which accommodates plants from the Mediterranean and regions with a similar climate. Other parts of the garden are arranged according to ecological origins. The garden is well worth the trip out to the southern suburbs and is not just a place for die-hard botany fans. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lichtfänger |
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Botanical gardens |
Siesmayerstraße 72 Frankfurt am Main, HES 60323 +49 69 7982 4763 http://www.botanischergarten.u... m.wessel@em.uni-frankfurt.de |
A visit to the Botanical Gardens is like taking a fascinating journey through different areas of botanical beauty - from the hardwood forests of North America to the barren savannah of Africa. Approximately eight hectares of open land and numerous greenhouses and plantation areas contain over 6,000 different plant species. The spectrum includes everything from exotic rainforest flowers to Central European weeds. A series of informative signs explains all about the different species and their natural habitats. The Botanical Gardens are run by the University of Frankfurt. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: max.muse |
Botanical gardens |
Menzinger Straße 61-65 Nymphenburg München, Bayern 80638 +49 89 1786 1350 http://www.botanik.biologie.un... |
Located in the grounds of Nymphenburg Castle, Munich's Botanical Gardens were designed in 1909-14 and boast over 15,000 varieties of plants. The grounds lend themselves perfectly to a relaxing stroll. The lake, with its ducks and frogs, is well worth a look, as too are the "Alpinum", with its Alpine flowers, and the magnificent greenhouses. Tours led by experts can be arranged (see homepage for details). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Botanical gardens |
Königin-Luise-Straße 6-8 Berlin, Berlin 14191 +49 (0)30 8385 0100 http://www.bgbm.org/ ka@zedat.fu-berlin.de |
This large, sedate park in the south-west of Berlin provides the perfect respite to a hard day's slog through the hectic inner-city. One can admire the English gardens and a collection of flora from all over Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. It is also worth taking a look inside one or two of the huge tropical greenhouses. Visitors shouldn't miss the unique Botanical Museum at the entrance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ode to a gingko tree |
Rödelheimer Parkweg Rödelheim Frankfurt am Main, HES 60489 +49 69 2123 0991 |
The well-to-do Brentano family transformed this patch of land into a landscape garden in about 1770. The classical temple in the middle of the park stems from the same period. Poet and playwright Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was said to have helped with the design of the garden, and the gingko tree is supposed to have inspired the gingko tree poem in Goethe's West-Eastern Divan. Local authorities acquired the park in 1924 and gave permission for the building of a swimming pool, the Brentano baths, and other alterations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sabine Rosenthal |
Sunshine, sports and open-air concerts |
@christoph-bellin.de Südring , Hamburg Hamburg +49 (0)40 2879 5686 |
Covering an area of 150 hectares, the Stadtpark is Hamburg's second biggest park and a magnet for joggers, cyclists and sunbathers during the warm summer months. The lake is a great place for a swim (temperature permitting) and sporty types may well find themselves being asked to join in a game of football with the locals. The southern part of the park contains a garden for the blind, while a fantastic Planetarium is located in the north-western section. On balmy summer nights films and concerts (often by some of the biggest names in the music business) take place on the open-air stage - an experience not to be missed for visitors here in the summer. Landhaus Walter serves up great food and organises smaller gigs in the winter. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Barbara |
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Third oldest zoo in Germany |
Riehler Straße 173 Riehl Köln, NRW 50735 +49 221 7 7850 http://www.zoo-koeln.de info@zoo-koeln.de |
The Cologne Zoo is Germany's third oldest zoo. It has a long history and is still, as always, a much-loved place to visit. In 1863, the elephant house was the first building to be opened. The monkey-island has been there since 1914, and is a home for hundreds of monkeys of every age. In 1947, the zoo was reopened after a long closure. It is now four times the size and even more fascinating. Since 1960, each year a new attraction has been added. An owl-house was built in 1997, and in April of this year a new 'rainforest' was opened. It is inside a huge building with palm trees and humid, tropical air. Paths weave through stone and over bamboo bridges. Amongst the exhibits is plenty of information about the rainforests and the man's ecological threat to them. The feeding times are always popular. At the end of your visit, stop by the Zoo-venir shop for a postcard or a T-shirt featuring your favorite animal. Lots more information can be found on the zoo website. Prices are EUR 8.50 for adults, EUR 4.75 for children (4-17 years). Feeding Times are 11a, 2p, 4p for sealions, 10:45a, 4:30p for penguins, 3p for babboons and noon and 4:30p for otters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The English garden |
Englischer Garten Lehel und Schwabing München, Bayern 80538 +49 89 3866 6390 http://www.schloesser.bayern.de |
One of the oldest English-style landscape gardens and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, the Englischer Garten (English Garden) is Munich's crowning glory. Although perhaps best known for its nudists, the park is popular with all types of people all year round. Other features include a Chinese pagoda with adjoining beer garden, the Monopteros Greek temple, a river and a boating lake. Visitors can also attend a traditional tea ceremony in the Japanese tea house. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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For Nature Lovers |
Autobahn 59 Bonn, NRW 53229 |
At the end of the 17th century, brown coal was discovered in Ennert and was mined until the 1930s. As the supplies began to run out, people began to recultivate the area around the Ennertberg. The outcome was a beautiful natural reserve. Thanks to reforestation, there are coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests here, as well as a number of walking tracks. The large animal enclosure is particularly popular with the kids. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ingoism |
Chinese gardens and wild animals |
Eisenacher Straße 99 Berlin, Berlin 12685 +49 (0)30 70 0906 x699 http://www.gruen-berlin.de/mar... info@gaerten-der-welt.de |
The Marzahn recreation park is situated in Berlin's north-east. Besides two large ponds, a Chinese garden and a number of playgrounds, the park has several animal compounds where donkeys, goats, sheep and chickens are kept. If you are lucky, you may also get to see some of the wild deer, hare, partridges, pheasants and snakes which live in the park's wilderness area. Special events such as concerts, theatre and 'playshops' are organised in the summer. Easter weekend is also a treat, with traditional 'egg hunts' for the kids. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: barfuss im sommer |
Theme park in Brühl |
Berggeiststraße 31 Brühl, NRW 50321 +49 2232 3 6200 http://www.phantasialand.de info@phantasialand.de |
Phantasialand proudly calls itself 'Europe's most unique theme park'. The wild water rapids, mystery castle, Hollywood tour, space centre and Colorado adventure are just some of the attractions. Everything is located in a large, leafy park which is almost worthy of a visit in itself. Restaurants such as Alt Berlin, Don Pedro and Chinatown offer a variety of food and drink. Picnic areas are provided if you wish to bring your own, more affordable snacks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: BehELOh |
The Flora—nicest and biggest park in Cologne |
Amsterdamer Straße 34 Köln, NRW 50735 +49 (0)221 5 6089 x0 http://www.stadt-koeln.de |
The Botanical Garden, also called the Flora, can be found right next to the Cologne Zoo and the aquarium. The nicest way to get there is to take the Rheinseilbahn, the cable car that runs above the Rhine, which lets you out almost in front of the entrance. A visit here is free, and is surely worth the trip. A green expanse covering 11.5 hectares is there for you to enjoy. Now nearly 150 years old, the gardens were previously located directly behind the Hauptbahnhof, but were forced to move because of industrialization. Luckily, the park is now much larger, and since 1920 has been combined with the botanical garden. The entrance is grand, with iron gates, a palace-like reception building and a pond - complete with fountain. There are also various greenhouses, including a tropical house, succulent house and a sub-tropical house. Those with green thumbs will be particularly enthused. Another highlight is the scent-garden, a paradise for the sense of smell. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gesche Ahlers |
Theodor Fontane's final resting place |
Liesenstraße 7 Berlin, Berlin 13355 +49 (0)31 25 0025 (Touristen Information) |
Contrary to other big cities, Berlin does not have one big, city cemetery, but several smaller graveyards, scattered all over the city. The Französischer Friedhof is a particularly special place, as many of the graves originate from the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also the resting place of the great German writer Theodor Fontane (1819-1898), author of such classics as Effi Briest and Walks Through the Mark Brandenburg. His French-sounding name reflects his ancestry from the Huguenots, French protestants who were persecuted in their homeland and fled en masse to Berlin in the 16th century. And as this cemetery bares the name French Cemetery, you'll find plenty of similar names scattered everywhere. Fontane's grave lies opposite the resting place of the inventor of stenography. And if you look closely, you may well come across other famous names. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sascha D. Rueb |
Popular day-trip for families |
Grafenberg Dusseldorf, NRW |
With its tree-covered hills and lush meadows, Grafenberger Forest is the perfect spot for a long, relaxing walk. It is also great for kids: the deer park contains a host of different species of deer and the forestry school offers an insight into the region's flora and fauna. Dusseldorf's race track, which is regarded as the prettiest in Germany, is situated on the edge of the forest. The Forestry school is open 9am-5pm daily and admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael Welsing |
Multi-ethnic meeting place |
Görlitzer Straße 1-2 Berlin, Berlin 10999 +49 (0)30 611 7424 |
Once the site of one of Berlin's main railway stations, the whole area was reduced to rubble during the War and remained that way until being transformed into a park during the 1980s. The eighties weren't known for their beautiful landscape gardens, as is clear from this example, but Görlitzer Park is full of life and is a popular weekend retreat for Kreuzberg's multi-ethnic community, when it becomes a football field, a dance floor, a picnic spot and meeting place for families and friends. The only architectural feature worthy of mention is the Pamukkal Turkish fountain. Built in 1998, the fountain has recently been turned off due to technical problems. Typical! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gerard Chic |
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Hagenbeck's zoo |
Lokstedter Grenzstrasse 2 Hamburg, Hamburg 22527 +49 (0)40 54 0001 x0 http://www.hagenbeck.de info@hagenbeck.de |
Hagenbeck's 100-year-old zoo is home to countless species of animals, a tropical centre, a dolphin show, several restaurants and a beautiful recreation park. Some of the animals live in special rocky environments, others in spacious water holes. Besides regular attractions like feeding time and elephant and pony rides, there are also jungle nights in the summer. The 'zoo school', horse-drawn carriage rides and several playgrounds provide an abundance of entertainment for kids. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sandra Schmidt |
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Hellabrunn wildlife park |
Tierparkstraße 30 Thalkirchen München, Bayern 81543 +49 89 62 5080 http://www.zoo-munich.de office@zoo-munich.de |
Hellabrunn Wildlife Park was founded in 1928 and was the world's first 'geo zoo', meaning that the 5,000 different species are exhibited according to their geographical origins. The spacious grounds on the plains of the River Isar lend themselves perfectly to a relaxing stroll. The elephant and predator enclosures and the huge aviary are well worth seeing and the feeding times (ask for information at the entrance) are a must. It is a good idea to go during the week because the zoo tends to fill to bursting point at the weekend. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Park with two museums |
Elbchaussee 50 Hamburg, Hamburg 22609 +49 (0)40 3005 1300 (Touristen Information) |
This beautiful park, near the Elbe, was designed in the style of English landscape parks in the 18th century, and was previously privately maintained by the Jenisch family; you had to pay an admission fee to visit the park, and the family donated the money to support Hamburg's poor. Today there are also two museums in the park: the Jenisch-House and the Ernst-Barlach-House. The latter shows wooden sculptures, bronze statues, pottery and etchings by the artist. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: HamburgerMichel |
 Photo: Ingmar Heyer |
Jewish cemetry near Schönhauser Gate |
Schönhauser Allee 22 Prenzlauer Berg Berlin, Berlin 10435 +49 (0)30 25 0025 (Information für Touristen) |
At the beginning of the 19th century, Berlin was still encircled by a medieval city wall. All cemeteries were situated in front of the city gates, as too was the Jewish cemetery. Established in 1827, it was located directly in front of Schönhauser Gate. Although the Nazis themselves did not completely destroy the cemetery, it was heavily damaged by fighting on the ground and an allied bomb, whose crater was converted into a mass grave during World War II. The cemetery contains the graves of a number of well-known people including Bismarck's Minister of Finance Gerson von Bleichröder, composer Giacomo Meyerbeer, painter Max Liebermann and publisher Ullstein. Small stones are placed on the graves as a mark of respect. All the graves here are numbered, just like they are in all Jewish cemeteries, and if you look hard, you'll still be able to find grave no. 1! Please make sure to cover your head when visiting the cemetery. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kathleen Holloway |
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Jewish graveyard in Altona |
Königstraße Hamburg, Hamburg 22767 +49 (0)40 3005 1300 (Information für Touristen) |
Altona's most important cultural monument is located behind high iron railings and shady old trees. Sephardic Jews from Portugal were given the right to set up a cemetery here as early as 1611. Later on, German Jews were also buried here. In Altona there was freedom of religious belief until 1933. Among the celebrities buried here is Hamburg's famous banker, Salomon Heine. The cemetery is divided into different sections, the south-western part of which has very old, shallow Sephardic tombs with Hebrew and Spanish writing on them. In other sections, there are some more recent graves of German and Eastern European Jews. If you are interested in a visit, the key to the graveyard can be picked up at 29 Schäferkampsallee. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: J. Borquez |
Beauty and horror side-by-side |
Herbert-Baum-Straße 45 Berlin, Berlin 13088 +49 (0)30 925 3330 http://www.berlin-tourist-info... |
With sand-coloured tombstones stretching as far as the eye can see, the world's biggest Jewish cemetery is reminiscent of a stony desert. Europe's biggest Jewish cemetery in Weißensee is more like a forest. Ancient trees, bent by age, tower over the ivy-covered tombstones. On the tombstones lie pebbles, placed there as a sign of respect by friends and relatives. Founded in 1880, the cemetery has a tinge of romance and would almost be an enjoyable place were it not for memories of Germany's horrific past. There is a tomb for the ninety torah scrolls destroyed by the Nazis in 1938 and a special memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Thomas Silkjær |
Architectural collage |
Potsdamer Straße/Kleistpark Berlin, Berlin 10783 +49 (0)30 25 0025 (Touristen Information) |
Until about 100 years ago, Kleistpark was the location of Berlin's botanical gardens. However, when the suburb of Schöneberg became part of the city itself, the gardens were moved further out to the district of Dahlem. The remaining area was turned into a park and the baroque colonnades which now form the entrance were moved here from their former home at Alexanderplatz. The park is surrounded by an interesting collection of 20th century architecture, including a neo-baroque court building and a skyscraper by Bruno Taut, both of which were constructed to match the colonnades. The court building housed the notorious Nazi "People's Court". After the War it became the headquarters of the Allied Controlling Committee for Germany. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Halloween87 |
Vineyards and vistas |
Auf dem Lohr Frankfurt am Main, HES 60389 +49 69 2123 8800 |
This park crowns the top of Frankfurt's highest hill, the Lorberg, some 5km from the centre of town. Created in 1919-30, Lohrpark offers a wonderful panorama of the city, the River Main, Taunus, and Odenwald, and is also home to the only vineyard within city limits. The Lohrberg-Schänke offers thirsty visitors a selection of refreshments. An experimental garden and orchard are attached to the park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael Mertens |
Park on no man's land |
Eberswalder Strasse Berlin, Berlin 10437 +49 (0)30 25 0025 (Touristen Information) http://www.mauerpark.de/ |
This one kilometre long strip of no man's land between the West Berlin district of Wedding and East Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg was turned into a park after the fall of the Wall. The park is hardly pretty, yet it is full of atmosphere, embued with history. Situated on a slope which rises up to the Ludwig Jahn Sports Stadium, the park is crowned at its peak by a graffiti-strewn concrete wall. Modern art installations are dotted around the park - typical Berlin pieces made of metal and concrete. The view to the west is dominated by grey high-rise buildings, to the east by the threatening TV Tower. Locals walk their dogs and sunbathe on the spot which, just over 10 years ago, was heavily-mined and patrolled by armed guards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jonathan Otskov |
 Photo: Christiane Harmsen |
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Spacious and idyllic park |
Kaiserswerther Straße Dusseldorf, NRW 40474 +49 211 899 4839 http://www.duesseldorf.de/stad... gruen@stadt-duesseldorf.de |
Nordpark is one of the largest and prettiest parks in the region and is a popular summertime destination for families and walkers. If you enter from the Kaiserswerther Straße, you can see that the park is dominated by a 170m long lake from which numerous fountains spring. The stunning flower beds, which are replanted three times a year, are also an eye-catcher. A Japanese garden was donated to the park by the Japanese community in 1975. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: blui41 |
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More than just a graveyard |
Fuhlsbütteler Straße 756 Hamburg, Hamburg 22337 +49 (0)40 59 3880 http://www.friedhof-hamburg.de/ information@friedhof-hamburg.de |
The beautiful Ohlsdorf Cemetery covers an area of 400 hectares and is not only Hamburg's biggest park, but also Europe's biggest cemetery. This explains why cars and buses are allowed on the streets and lanes which divide it into different sections. There are numerous celebrities' graves, as well as twelve chapels, three museums and the graves of soldiers from over 20 different nations. The lake and meadows with geese, numerous sculptures and impressive mausoleums make Ohlsdorf Cemetery much more than just a graveyard. One of the museums boasts remarkable old tombstones and a documentary on death and dying in the last 120 years. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Resting place of prominent Bonners |
Bornheimer Straße Bonn, NRW 53111 |
The Old Cemetery lies right behind the Stadthaus. Elector Joseph Clemens commissioned it in 1715, intended for residents and soldiers. At the end of the eighteenth century, it became the city cemetery, and even the grave of Beethoven's mother is to be found here. Other well known personalities, such as Charlotte von Schiller, the professors Wilhelm von Schlegel, Ernst Moritz Arndt, Friedrich Argelander, Friedrich Dahlmann and Karl Simrock also have their graves here. Clara and Robert Schumann, the poet Wilhelm Schimdtbonn and Adele Schopenhauer rest here. Some graves are particularly worth seeing, such as those of Schinkel, Rauch, Stüler and Cauer. As an extension of the cemetery has not been possible since the nineteenth century, it was closed for general burials in 1884. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Moritz Mehrlein |
The Olympic complex |
Spiridon-Lois-Ring 21 Olympiastadt München, Bayern 80809 +49 89 3067 2414 |
Built for the 1972 Olympic Games, the Olympic complex is now used for a variety of leisure activities ranging from sports events to concerts. The 287m high Olympic Tower boasts a stunning view of the city and is open 9a-midnight, with the last ascent at 11:30p. On a good day visitors can see as far as the Alps. There is also a rotating restaurant at the top. The famous canopy roof which spans the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Swimming Pool and the Olympiahalle was very controversial in its day. It is, however, timelessly beautiful and has become an integral part of the modern cityscape. The Olympiaberg (Olympic Hill) is a grassy mound made from Second World War rubble and also provides great views. The ice rink and swimming pool are also popular with sports fans, as too is the Olympic Stadium, home to FC Bayern Munich, one of Europe's top football clubs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: www.topophilia.org |
 Photo: Michael McWay |
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 Photo: Juan Carlos Serrano |
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The palm garden |
Siesmayerstraße 61 Frankfurt am Main, HES 60323 +49 69 2123 3939 http://www.stadt-frankfurt.de/... info.palmengarten@stadt-frankfurt.de |
Originally established in 1869 to house the Duke of Nassau's plant collection, the Palmengarten (Palm Garden) contains a stunning array of exotic plants. Visitors are free to wander at will through the gardens, although the guided tours are recommended for those who want to learn more about the plant world. Numerous activities take place throughout the year, including open-air classical concerts in the Summer, the Festival of Light in June, the Autumn Festival in September and the Orchid Festival in October. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ilia Alshanetsky |
 Photo: Martha Richards |
 Photo: Thammies Photo´s |
Nature and romantic architecture |
Pfaueninselchaussee Berlin, Berlin 14109 +49 (0)30 805 3042 http://www.pfaueninsel.info rob@pfaueninsel.info |
Friedrich Wilhelm II had a soft spot for romantic castles nestling peacefully in the middle of the forest. In 1784, he commissioned a small castle to be built on this tiny, forested island on the River Havel, in the 'ruin-style' that was the fashion of the day among Europe's ruling classes. This is where he came to escape hectic court life and to liase with his mistress Countess Lichtenau. Three decades later landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné (designer of the Tiergarten) was commissioned by the Emperor's successor, Friedrich Wilhelm III, to design an English landscape garden on the island. Nowadays, tourists and day-trippers flock here to stroll around the beautiful gardens, inhabited by flocks of peacocks and dotted with ruins. A wonderful mix of romantic Prussian architecture and nature, Pfaueninsel ('Peacock Island') can only be reached by ferry from Nikolskoer Weg. It is a protected national environment, so there are no roads and smoking and cycling are forbidden. But picnicking is not—so bring a picnic hamper along if you fancy a summertime treat! The castle houses a small museum. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: fabian flickr |
Wildlife enclosures, kites and a toboggan run |
Transvaalstraße Berlin, Berlin 13351 +49 (0)30 25 0025 (Touriste Information) |
Located in the northern districts of Wedding and Reinickendorf, this large city park boasts broad lawns, pretty ponds, well-equipped children's playgrounds and wildlife enclosures with wild boars, deer, sheep, goats, hens and geese. A perfect spot for a summertime picnic, there's plenty to do for all the family. The Rehberge is an ideal place for flying kites, and also contains a miniature toboggan run which is open in the winter months. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wolf_andres |
 Photo: Henn Runnel |
 Photo: Andre Pawel |
 Photo: Fleur Bille |
 Photo: Victor Holland |
Relaxing on the right bank of the Rhein |
Rheinparkweg Deutz Köln, NRW 50679 +49 (0)221 2213 0400 (Tourismus) |
The Rheinpark was established in 1913 and today is a well-loved resting place for the citizens of Cologne. Various leisure time offers tempt you, for example the Claudius-Therme, an exclusive thermal bath, or a play area for the children. The Rheinpark was twice used as the show space for the national garden show and representative traces of this event still remain. Sculptures and plastics are on view as you stroll around. The Tanzbrunnen entices you with many open air events and concerts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stephen Roden |
 Photo: Robert Kraut |
Romantic square full of gastronomic delights |
Grolmanstraße / Knesebeckstraße Berlin, Berlin 10623 +49 (0)30 25 0025 (Touristen Information) |
Named after King Friedrich Wilhelm IV's Minister of Justice, Friedrich Karl von Savigny (1779-1861), this nostalgic, cobble-stoned square oozes old-world charm. Antique fans will enjoy rummaging through the antique shops, but the square and its adjacent streets are best known for being home to some of Berlin's most popular restaurants and cafés. Café Gainsborough is a great place to enjoy a late-night cocktail, while next-door Cour Carée is popular with both locals and tourists. The best restaurants, such as 12 Apostel, are situated on the western side of the square next to the railway arches. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: catherine nael |
 Photo: Squirreling_Microwave |
 Photo: Melinda van den Brink |
 Photo: mia_4loose |
 Photo: Daniel Settels |
 Photo: Pierre Fritsch |
 Photo: tum0r |
 Photo: Sylvestre001 |
 Photo: ben, of the coffee s |
 Photo: Flo.Bernabucci |
 Photo: Verena Hafner |
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 Photo: Stefan Podkowinski |
 Photo: Silvia Biraghi |
 Photo: delideladelo |
Venue of the 1945 Potsdam Conference |
Im Neuem Gartem Cecilienhof Potsdam, Brandenburg 14469 +49 (0)331 969 4244 |
Situated in the lovely Neuer Garten in Potsdam, Schloss Cecilienhof was built in 1913-17 as a residence for Crown Princess Cecilie. Although the Prussian royal family was deposed in 1918, Cecilienhof remained in the family's hands until the outbreak of the Second World War. While extremely pleasant, Cecilienhof would be unremarkable were it not for its unique place in history. For it was here, in the heart of the humiliated Third Reich, that the four victorious Allied powers met in July and August 1945 to determine the future of Europe. The negotiations culminated in the signature of the Potsdam Agreement which demilitarised Germany and divided the country into different sectors, a precursor of Germany's later division into East and West. Visitors can now view the delegates' chambers and the conference room—complete with an enormous round table made in Moscow especially for the event—where Stalin, Churchill, Truman & co haggled over the demarcation of post-war Europe. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: oh panda |
Animals in beautiful scenery |
Rosengarten Vahrendorf Hamburg, Hamburg 21129 +49 (0)40 8197 7470 http://www.wildpark-schwarze-b... info@wildpark-schwarze-berge.de |
This interesting game park, situated South of Hamburg, is easily accessible by public transport. You can take long, one or two-hour, walks in its beautiful 50 hectare grounds with forests, hills and valleys and a lake, while watching many different species of European game. Some of them may even be handled and fed. After you have had the pleasure of meeting otters, deer, lynx, boars, owls, rabbits, donkeys, wolves and all the others, you can relax at the restaurant or café, or have a barbeque or picnic on the lawns. Children also enjoy a visit to the nice playground, while older visitors can watch a demonstration of handicrafts at the park centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mattias Geigenberger |
Former BUGA grounds |
Siegburger Straße Oberbilk Dusseldorf, NRW 40591 |
Südpark is located directly next door to the University Botanical Gardens. In 1987 it was partitioned from the grounds of the Bundesgartenshau (Federal Garden Show). The park has adventure zones in which different climatic conditions are simulated, a damp biotop, a hedgerow maze and a small zoo where children can see and stroke goats, sheep, chickens and rabbits. Exhausted visitors can get their strength together with tea and cakes at the terrace restaurant 'Haus Deichgraf'. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tomislav Grabic |
 Photo: Ben |
Rising from the rubble |
Teufelsseechaussee Berlin, Berlin 14193 +49 (0)30 25 0025 |
Rising 115 metres over Grunewald forest, Teufelsberg offers wonderful panoramic views over Berlin and the surrounding region. Created from the debris which lay all over the city after the Second World War, the hill is topped by a futuristic white building which used to be the US army radar base during the Cold War. Teufelsberg has now become a popular destination for adults and children out flying their kites or model aircraft. As it is extremely steep in places, Teufelsberg is also fantastic for sledging down in the winter. There is a car park in nearby Teufelsseechaussee. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: p_h_o_t_o_m_i_c |
Idyllic inner-city park |
Strasse des 17. Juni (Am Tiergarten) Berlin, Berlin 10785, 10787 +49 (0)30 25 0025 (Touristen Information) |
Stretching from the Brandenburg Gate in the east to Zoo Station in the west, Tiergarten park is one of Europe's largest and most beautiful inner-city parks. Originally conceived as a hunting ground for Prussian kings, the Tiergarten was transformed into an romantic landscape garden in the early 18th century by Peter Joseph Lenné, who designed a series of winding paths, lakes, bridges, sculptures and flower beds. The park was devastated in the Second World War and during subsequent winters. Replanted in the fifties, the Tiergarten is now as beautiful as it ever was and very popular with locals and visitors alike. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fabien de Serres |
 Photo: Noa Ginzburg |
 Photo: ole_robin |
 Photo: Marco Gasparin |
 Photo: Diego Riaño Cruz |
Riverside park with Soviet memorial and observatory |
Puschkinallee (Am Treptower Park) Berlin, Berlin +49 (0)30 25 0025 (Touristen Information) |
Treptower Park was designed in 1880 and is nowadays split in two by the Puschkinallee which runs through its centre. One side of the park contains the imposing Soviet Memorial and the Archenhold Sternwarte, an observatory with the longest refracting telescope in the world. The other side of the park borders onto the river Spree, where there is a quay for boat trips on the river. Further along the Spree, the Eierschale café is a good spot to stop and relax. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: CxOxS |
 Photo: DARNEA (Andrea Leese) |
 Photo: magdalena barthofer |
 Photo: chr1schi |
 Photo: streufund |
 Photo: MiKiMoNo |
 Photo: Nicole Reckziegel |
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Lawns, lakes and a fairytale fountain |
Landsberger Allee Berlin, Berlin 10249 +49 (0)30 25 0025 (Touristen Information) |
Volkspark Friedrichshain is perfect for relaxing after work or for chilling out at the weekend. The park has attractive grounds, a number of lakes, ponds and fountains as well as several different children's playgrounds. The Märchenbrunnen is the park's most original element, with fountains designed as fairytale characters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: brian snead |
Fairytale park |
Königstraße Berlin, Berlin 14109 +49 (0)30 25 0025 (Touristen Information) |
All things English (except the food) have always been very fashionable in Germany. Testimony to this is the 19th century Glienicke Park near Potsdam. Modelled on an English garden with small romantic bridges, follies, long lawns and spectacular views over the river Havel, this is a place people come to forget the strains and stress of life in the big city. The bells of a distant carillon chime at noon. A series of pavilions, fairytale buildings and a real-life castle designed by Schinkel round off Glienicke Park's charms. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Claudia Paulussen |
Baroque garden, wartime bunker and outdoor swimming pool |
Zwischen Wiesen- und Brunnenstraße Berlin, Berlin 13355 +49 (0)30 25 0025 http://www.berlin.de/tourismus... |
Situated in the northern district of Wedding, Volkspark Humboldthain is a popular weekend hang-out. Yet you can hardly tell where the park begins and where it ends. Tall trees surround long stretches of lawn. A steep hill rises in the middle. The hill - made of wartime rubble - is the park's main attraction. Several paths wind up to the top, where breathless visitors are rewarded with fantastic views over the city. The park also contains other attractions: An outdoor swimming pool, a Baroque garden and a wartime bunker. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Elm_from_Berlin |
 Photo: Noele Lusano |
Park with open-air pool, theatre and playground |
Volkspark Jungfernheide Berlin, Berlin 13629 +49 (0)30 25 0025 (Touristen Information) |
This lovely park is situated in the northern part of Charlottenburg. A magnet for sun-lovers and young families at weekends, the park contains a wildlife enclosure, several play areas and an adventure playground. An open-air swimming pool and open-air theatre (host to various events on summer weekends) round off the attractions of this popular recreation area. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Adrian Lukoszek |
The perfect place to relax |
Preßburger Straße Sendling München, Bayern 81377 |
Commissioned for the International Garden Show in 1983, the Westpark is an outdoor paradise. The area (comprising 720,000 square metres) is divided into different sections, the most unusual of which is the East Asian Garden. There is a large lake with an amphitheatre, several playgrounds and plenty of space to relax and feel at ease. In the summer, the open-air stage is used to present plays, concerts and films (see the daily press for details). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris Hoefer |
 Photo: Nicolas Caballero |
 Photo: Ergün Özsoy |
 Photo: Andrea Koren |
 Photo: Patrick McCarthy |
 Photo: Anne Hilliger |
Wildlife park |
Osterfeldweg 20 Poing Ebersberg, Bayern 85586 +49 81 218 0617 http://www.wildpark-poing.de info@wildpark-poing.de |
This privately-run wildlife park is a good alternative to Tierpark Hellabrunn, particularly in good weather. All types of local wildlife roam 50 hectares of land, which recreates their natural habitat as much as possible. There are many sorts of game including wild deer, stags, roes and rams as well as beasts of prey (in a separate enclosure) like foxes, polecats, martens and even lynx. Farm animals such as ponies, sheep and goats can be fed by the children, although you are not recommended to bring your own feed, as appropriate animal fodder is for sale. The birds of prey exhibition is particularly worth seeing, with a falconer talking about the various types of birds and demonstrating hunting and flying techniques. Access: via the motorway intersection to the east (Autobahnkreuz Ost), take the A94 towards Passau, turn off at the junction for Parsdorf or Poing and follow the signposts to the wildlife park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alix Eberl |
Renaissance royal gardens |
Hofgartenstraße Innenstadt München, Bayern 80539 |
Facing Residenz Palace, the Hofgarten (royal garden) was commissioned by Duke Maximilian I and built between 1613-17. All its paths converge on the dodecahedral pavilion in the centre, which is crowned by a statue of Diana, one of Bavaria's most recognisable symbols. The Hofgarten is enclosed on two sides by a series of arcades which were originally decorated with murals. The only surviving painting is Peter von Cornelius' fascinating depiction of the story of the Bavarian royal family. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Micah Whitacre |
 Photo: Kasper Tornbjerg |
 Photo: sandranak |
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