The Hamburg City Park: Nature and culture in the heart of the Hanseatic city
The Hamburg Stadtpark is a green paradise in the middle of Hamburg, offering extensive meadows, dense forests, lakes, and a variety of leisure and sports facilities to provide you with a place of peace, fun, and relaxation. With over 148 hectares, it is one of the most important and largest green spaces in the city, yet the numerous opportunities it offers may not be immediately apparent.
The Hamburg City Park is a public park located in the Winterhude district, north of the city center. It stretches along Hindenburgstraße and the Südring and was opened on July 1, 1914. From the beginning, it served as a public park, offering recreation and leisure opportunities for people of all social classes. Planning began in 1901, initiated by Fritz Schumacher and Friedrich Sperber, as well as the garden architect Otto Linne, who collaborated to combine elements of English landscape gardens and French architectural gardens.
During World War II, the City Park was heavily damaged, and many facilities had to be rebuilt after the war. In the post-war years, money and effort were invested to create new attractions and modernize existing facilities. It is now known as a hub for diverse activities: including leisurely walks around the City Park lake, stargazing at the planetarium, concerts at the open-air stage, and much more.
In addition to old oaks, beeches, and maple trees, there are exotic plants to discover such as magnolias and hydrangeas. Additionally, there are special garden areas, like the rose garden, which has been restored to its former glory through comprehensive renovation work.
In the rose garden, over 300 different varieties of roses await you, blooming in a variety of colors, offering a colorful and fragrant experience. Furthermore, regular events revolving around the rose take place, where you can learn all about the care and cultivation of this noble flower. The Garden of the Senses is also worth a visit, as it was designed specifically for blind and visually impaired individuals, offering them the opportunity to experience plants and flowers through touch and smell. You can find it east of the Rest Garden and north of the Country House Path.
Other specially designed green spaces include the botanical nature trail, where you can learn about various native and exotic plant species, and the Alpinum Garden, where you'll find alpine plants in a simulated mountain landscape. Also of interest is the Hydrangea Garden, which is especially worth a visit in July and August due to the bloom of different hydrangea varieties, or the Hedge Maze.
TIP: Especially in spring and summer, the park is in full bloom, making it a paradise for nature lovers and hobby photographers.
Among the most important regular events are the open-air concerts at the outdoor stage, featuring national and international artists. These concerts attract thousands of visitors every year and provide a unique atmosphere under the open sky.
In addition, there are sports events such as the annual City Park Open, a popular running event that also attracts many participants and spectators.
In spring and summer, the rose gardens and flower shows are a highlight for garden enthusiasts. In autumn, Oktoberfest and harvest festivals take place, captivating attendees with seasonal specialties and traditional music. In winter, the park transforms into a winter wonderland with ice skating rinks and a festive Christmas market.
Discover impressive sculptures, fountains, and memorials scattered throughout the park. Some of the most well-known include the "Bathing Women" by Georg Kolbe and the Penguin Fountain by August Gaul.
Monument | Description | Artist |
Bathing Women (Georg Kolbe) | Two Muschelkalk sculptures of bent women flanking the beginning of the axis from Stadtparksee | Georg Kolbe |
Penguin Fountain (August Gaul) | Fountain with penguin sculptures from 1912 | August Gaul |
Lying Dog (Ludwig Wilhelm Wichmann) | Bronze sculpture of a lying dog, originally a grave decoration | Ludwig Wilhelm Wichmann |
Diana on the Hind (Georg Wrba) | Bronze sculpture of a Diana on a hind, created in 1910 | Georg Wrba |
Heinrich Heine Monument (Hugo Lederer) | Bronze sculpture honoring the poet Heinrich Heine, erected in 1913 and later melted down but replaced by a new creation | Hugo Lederer |
Bowl (Hugo Lederer) | 1912 Kunststein bowl, a gift to the Stadtpark | Hugo Lederer |
In addition to cultural and nature-related attractions, the city park offers numerous opportunities for sports activities.
The extensive paths and trails of the city park are ideal for you if you are a jogger or cyclist. Look forward to varied routes through forests, along meadows, and around the city park lake.
In the city park, there are numerous sports fields and fitness areas that you can use for free:
The Hamburg City Park is also an interesting destination for families, which is why on sunny days you can hear children's laughter from almost everywhere. There are several playgrounds with a variety of play equipment, a paddling pool, and other opportunities for children to let off steam.
Tip: Some of the playgrounds in the park are equipped with elaborate climbing structures and rope courses that offer older children and teenagers exciting challenges.
Located right next to the large playground, there is a paddling pool in the summer. The little ones can play and splash around in the shallow water to cool off from the summer temperatures. Additionally, there are smaller paddling areas that are ideal for toddlers. These areas are safe and specially designed to meet the needs of the youngest visitors.
You are not dependent on bringing your own food and drinks. The city park offers a variety of dining options that can also be visited independently of a visit to the park.
Opening hours, Admission & Co.
General opening hours and entrance fees
Area | Opening Hours | Entrance |
City Park in general |
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Planetarium |
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City Park Lake Swimming Pool |
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Mini Golf |
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Restaurant/Cafe | Opening Hours |
Cafe Summer Terraces |
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Cafe at the Paddling Pool |
Conclusion: Hamburg Stadtpark - relaxation, fun, and culture combined
Plenty of attractions and leisure activities: That's what the city park in Hamburg has to offer. Whether you are interested in the historical sculptures, want to take a swim in the city park lake, or simply relax on the spacious lawns - you just have to decide.
FAQ - Hamburg City Park
There are several ways to rent bicycles. Various providers offer rental bikes that can be rented by the hour or for the whole day.
The city park offers designated barbecue areas that can be used for free. These areas are equipped with barbecue stations and provide enough space for a cozy outdoor barbecue.
The planetarium in Hamburg's Stadtpark offers a variety of astronomical shows, laser shows, concerts, and a spectacular view over the park and the city from the observation platform.