Planten un Blomen, which means plants and flowers in the local dialect, is the green lung of central Hamburg. The tourism board describes it as stretching from St. Pauli to the Alster, and it is the place where locals go to walk, picnic, skate and sit by the water. The park has several distinct garden areas: a Japanese garden that is described as the largest of its kind in Europe, designed in 1988 and including a lake and a tea house; a rose garden with around three hundred varieties; an alpine garden; and tropical greenhouses of about 2,800 square metres divided into tropical, subtropical, cactus and fern houses. There are playgrounds for children, pony rides and a free programme of events such as puppet theatre and concerts. It is free to wander and a lovely contrast with the brick and water of the harbour.
Seasons and hours
The park is open daily from seven in the morning, closing at eight in the evening from October to March, ten in the evening in April and eleven in the evening from May to September. Tea ceremonies in the Japanese garden are held between May and September, and the roses are at their best in early summer.
The greenhouses are an attraction in winter, when the outside gardens are quiet. In winter the ice rink, which covers more than 4,300 square metres, is a popular destination, and in summer it becomes a roller and in-line skating rink.
The water light show
A thirty-minute spectacle of coloured fountains and music is held at the park lake. The tourism board gives the season as May to September, with one page stating May to October, so check the dates and the start time before you plan an evening around it. The show is a favourite with families and couples, and it is free to watch from the shore. Bring a layer for the evening and arrive a little early to find a place by the water.
Getting there and making the most of it: the park is at Marseiller Straße 8, with S-Bahn access at Dammtor and U-Bahn at Stephansplatz, Messehallen and St. Pauli. It sits within walking distance of the Hamburg main station area and the Kunsthalle side of town, so it is easy to fit between sights. Allow an hour for a quick loop or half a day if you want to see the greenhouses, the Japanese garden and the lake.
If you are visiting with children, the playgrounds make it an easy afternoon. In bad weather, the greenhouses are a warm, bright refuge, and in good weather a picnic from a nearby market is the best way to enjoy it. It is one of the best free things to do in Hamburg and a good break on a long sightseeing day.
What to expect
The experience
A free city park with themed gardens, greenhouses, a lake and a summer water-light show.
Best time
Early summer for the roses, or a summer evening for the water-light show.
How long
One hour for a loop, up to half a day with the greenhouses and gardens.
Tips
Check show dates and times, and bring a layer for the evening.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A calm green break between harbour and museum days.
- Families
- Playgrounds, pony rides and a free events programme make it easy with children.
- Couples
- A walk through the Japanese garden followed by the evening water show.
- Pair with
- The Kunsthalle, the Alster and the Michel.
- Time needed
- One to three hours.
Good questions
Is Planten un Blomen free?+
Yes, the park is free to walk, and many of its events are free. Check the venue for any special-event charges.
When does the water light show run?+
The tourism board gives the season as May to September, with one page saying May to October. Check the dates and time before you go.
What are the park opening hours?+
It opens daily from 7:00 and closes at 20:00 from October to March, 22:00 in April and 23:00 from May to September.
Is there a Japanese garden?+
Yes, designed in 1988 and described as the largest of its kind in Europe, with a lake and a tea house.
How do I get there?+
The park is at Marseiller Straße 8. Use Dammtor S-Bahn or Stephansplatz, Messehallen and St. Pauli U-Bahn stations.
