Hamburg City Park ⇒ Nature & Relaxation in the Heart of the City

The Hamburg City Park is a green paradise in the heart of Hamburg, offering extensive meadows, dense forests, lakes, and a variety of recreational and sports facilities, providing you with a place of peace, fun, and relaxation. Spanning over 148 hectares, it is one of the most important and largest green spaces in the city, but the numerous possibilities it offers might not come to mind right away.

• Diverse attractions: From the impressive planetarium to the historic open-air stage, there is much to discover.
• Leisure activities: Whether jogging, cycling, boating, or just relaxing on the large lawns – the city park has something to offer for everyone.
• Family-friendly: Playgrounds, splash pools, and child-friendly facilities make the park an ideal destination for families.
• Natural beauty: Explore the diverse plant life, including magnificent magnolias and colorful hydrangeas.
• Cultural events: Regular open-air concerts and other events provide a varied program.

The Hamburg Stadtpark is a public park located in the Winterhude district, north of the city center. It stretches along Hindenburgstraße and Südring and was inaugurated on July 1, 1914. From the very beginning, it served as a people's park, providing relaxation and leisure opportunities for all social classes. Planning began in 1901, initiated by Fritz Schumacher and Friedrich Sperber, along with landscape architect Otto Linne, who collaborated to combine elements of English landscape gardens and French architectural gardens.

The Stadtpark Through the Ages

During World War II, the Stadtpark was heavily damaged, and many facilities had to be rebuilt after the war. In the post-war years, money and labor were invested to create new attractions and modernize existing facilities. Today, it is known as a center for diverse activities: These include extensive walks around the Stadtpark lake, stargazing at the planetarium, concerts at the open-air stage, and much more.

The Hamburg City Park offers a variety of recreational activities suitable for all ages and interests. You can jog, bike, row, or simply relax on the wide lawns. The park lake invites swimming and boating in the summer, and there is even a barbecue area for sociable outdoor moments.

The Open-Air Stage: Festival Atmosphere Under the Sky

The open-air stage in Hamburg City Park is one of the oldest and largest open-air stages in Germany. It opened in 1915 and can accommodate up to 4,000 spectators. In the summer, concerts, theater performances, and other cultural events from various genres take place regularly. The special atmosphere under the open sky makes every concert an unforgettable experience that you will rave about for a long time.

The Hamburg Planetarium: The Stars Within Reach

The Hamburg Planetarium is located in the former water tower, where it invites visitors to spectacular shows and exhibitions. It is one of the most modern of its kind in Europe and shows you the wonders of the universe. These are complemented by music shows and special events that always make your visit worthwhile.

Into the Cool Water: The City Park Lake

A proper park also includes a lake – and the Hamburg City Park has one! Whether you want to dip your toes in the water, swim a few laps, or go boating: you have plenty of options.

You can visit a boat rental and rent rowboats or paddle boats to explore the lake. Alternatively, you can also jump into the cool water, as there is a designated swimming area for safe swimming adventures. Once you're done, grab your picnic blanket and make yourself comfortable under the sun to read a book, play ball games with your loved ones, or grill some delicious snacks.

Picnic and Barbecue Areas: Eating in the Open Air

Throughout the City Park, there are numerous picnic and barbecue areas that are ideal for a family outing. The spots near the park lake are particularly popular, offering a beautiful view.

Next to old oaks, beeches, and maples, there are exotic plants such as magnolias and hydrangeas waiting to be discovered. Additionally, there are special garden areas, like the rose garden, which has been revitalized through extensive renovation work.

In the rose garden, over 300 different rose varieties await you, blooming in the most diverse colors. It offers a vibrant and fragrant experience. Furthermore, events related to roses are regularly organized, where you can learn everything about the care and cultivation of this noble flower. The Garden of Senses is also worth a visit, especially for those who cannot see. It was specifically designed for blind and visually impaired people, giving them the opportunity to experience plants and flowers through touch and smell. You can find it east of the quiet garden and north of Landhausweg.

Other specially designed green spaces include the botanical educational path, where you can learn about various native and exotic plant species, and the Alpinum garden, which features alpine plants set in a recreated mountainous landscape. The hydrangea garden is also interesting, especially in July and August when the various hydrangea species are in bloom, or you can explore the hedge maze.

TIP: Especially in spring and summer, the park showcases its 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 each year and provide a unique atmosphere in the open air.

Furthermore, there are sporting events such as the annual Stadtpark Open, a popular running event that attracts many participants and visitors.

What seasonal events take place in Stadtpark Hamburg?

In spring and summer, the rose gardens and flower shows are a highlight for gardening enthusiasts. In autumn, Oktoberfest and harvest festivals take place, delighting visitors 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 distributed throughout the park. Among the most famous are the "Bathing Women" by Georg Kolbe and the Penguin Fountain by August Gaul.

Overview of the Memorials in Hamburg City Park

In addition to cultural and nature-related attractions, the city park offers numerous opportunities for sporting activities.

Diverse Routes for Jogging and Cycling

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.

Popular Routes

• Main Paths: Well-developed paths suitable for beginners.
• Forest Trails: More challenging routes for experienced runners and cyclists.
• Lakeside Trail: A popular route around the city park lake that offers stunning views.

Sports Fields and Fitness Areas: Get Fit

In the city park, there are numerous sports fields and fitness areas that you can use for free:

• Football Fields: Well-maintained fields for spontaneous games and organized tournaments.
• Basketball Courts: Popular among youth and ideal for exciting matches.
• Outdoor Fitness Equipment: These devices are perfect for a comprehensive workout in the fresh air.

The Hamburg Stadtpark is also an interesting destination for families, which is why laughter from children can be heard almost everywhere, especially on sunny days. There are several playgrounds with a variety of play equipment, a wading pool, and other options for you to really let loose with the kids.

• Large Playground by the Wading Pool: This large playground is located right next to the wading pool and is particularly popular with families. Children can climb, swing, and play in the sand to their heart's content, while parents can relax in the adjacent café by the pool and enjoy a cup of coffee. The wading pool provides a welcome refreshment in summer.
• Playground on Otto-Wels-Straße: Another large playground that stands out with its diverse climbing options and slides. There is also a large sand area and many swings that provide plenty of entertainment.
• Playground by the Sunbathing Area: This playground is ideal for families who want to spend the day in the sunbathing area. Besides classic play equipment like slides and swings, there is also a small rope garden and balance beams.
• Adventure Playground: For slightly older children, the adventure playground offers many exciting opportunities for climbing and exploring. Large climbing frames, zip lines, and hanging courses ensure that boredom is not an option.
• Nature Playground: This playground incorporates natural elements like tree trunks, stones, and water features, promoting creative and free play in nature.

Tip: Some of the playgrounds in the park are equipped with elaborate climbing structures and rope gardens that offer exciting challenges for older children and teenagers.

Water Fun for the Little Ones

Located right next to the large playground, there is a wading pool in the summer. The little ones can play and splash around in the shallow water to cool off from the summer heat. Additionally, there are further smaller wading areas that are ideal for toddlers. These areas are safe and specifically designed to meet the needs of the youngest children.

You don't have to rely on bringing your own food and drinks. The city park offers a range of dining options that can also be visited independently of a park visit.

• Café Sommerterrassen: This café offers breakfast, North German dishes, and pasta in a cozy atmosphere right by the Goldbek Canal. It has a summer terrace and heated awnings for cooler days.
• Café am Planschbecken: Ideal for families, this café offers coffee, cake, and ice cream specialties. It is located right next to the largest playground in the park and also hosts corporate and family events.
• Parkvilla: An elegant restaurant and café that offers a selection of upscale dishes and coffee specialties. It is located on Otto-Wels-Strasse and provides a pleasant atmosphere to linger.
• Landhaus Walter: This historic restaurant offers a wide range of German dishes, from beet foam soup to grilled veal chop, and features a large beer garden and a lounge terrace.
• Sierichs Biergarten: Situated in the heart of the city park, this beer garden offers a wonderful view of the city park lake and the planetarium. Here, you can find a selection of drinks and light meals, perfect for a relaxing evening in the park.
• Schmidtchen im Planetarium: This café not only offers various coffee specialties and cakes but also small snacks, making it ideal for a break after a visit to the planetarium.

Many paths and entrances are designed to be wheelchair accessible, and there are barrier-free toilet facilities at several locations within the park. Additionally, the main attractions such as the planetarium and the catering establishments are easily accessible.

How safe is Hamburg Stadtpark?

To ensure you feel safe during the evening hours, Hamburg Stadtpark is equipped with lighting in the main areas and along the main paths. The secondary paths and remote areas are less well lit. If you are not familiar with these areas, it’s best to stay within the well-lit areas and follow the signs.

To enhance safety, there are regular patrols by the park ranger service and the police. Emergency numbers are displayed clearly, and you can quickly call for help in emergencies.

Are there guided tours offered in Stadtpark Hamburg?

Guided tours are conducted by various organizations, including the Stadtparkverein and private providers. They offer an excellent opportunity to learn more about the park's flora and fauna, its historical buildings and sculptures, as well as the park's history.

What is the cost of participating in a guided tour?

Costs vary depending on the provider and type of tour, ranging from 5 to 15 euros per person. Private tours or theme-specific tours may be more expensive. However, some offerings, especially those from the Stadtparkverein, are also available free of charge or for a small donation. Further important information

Important rules to keep in mind

To ensure everyone enjoys the park, we recommend adhering to the following rules for a peaceful coexistence:

• Dogs are allowed, but you must keep them on a leash.
• Grilling is only permitted in designated areas.
• Swimming in the Stadtpark lake is only allowed in the designated swimming zones.
• Playing loud music and other disruptive activities are prohibited.
• Trash must be disposed of in the designated containers.

How to get to Stadtpark Hamburg

• By car: Coming from the west, take the A7 highway and exit at Stellingen, then follow the signs to Ring 2/City Nord. Coming from the east, take the A1 over the Elbe bridges and follow the signs to the center, then Barmbek/City Nord. Parking is available along Überseering in City Nord, from where it is a short walk of about 5-10 minutes to the park. Parking fees vary, but are generally moderate.
• By public transport: The nearest train stations are "Alte Wöhr" (S1), "Saarlandstraße" (U3), and "Borgweg" (U3). From these stops, you can easily reach the park on foot in 5 to 15 minutes. Additionally, bus lines 6, 20, and 118 provide good connections to the park. Another convenient option is using the city bike rental stations that are available in and around the park.

General Opening Hours and Admission Prices

Opening Hours of Restaurants and Cafés in Hamburg City Park

Numerous attractions and recreational opportunities: That is the city park in Hamburg. Whether you are interested in the historic sculptures, want to take a swim in the city park lake, or simply wish to relax on the expansive lawns – you just have to decide.