Cologne is blessed with many green spaces, especially public parks and landscaped gardens. Cologne has 2 park areas encircling the city and nearly the entire town, respectively, which were set aside as public recreation areas after World War I. Most notably are Volksgarten, Rheinpark, Hiroshima-Nagasaki and Stadtgarten parks where thousands of people come together to enjoy the sun, play and barbecue when the weather is fine. All these parks have an associated beer garden. Here are some of the famous parks of Cologne:
City Garden (Stadtgarten) at Venloer Strasse 40, Belgisches Viertel, Cologne, D-50672, Germany, DE
This park dates back to almost 200 years and hosts a number of recreational activities, events and concerts, especially during the summer months. It is open daily from dawn to dusk and the entry is free of charge.
Botanic Gardens at Amsterdamer Strasse 34, Riehl, Cologne, D-50735, Germany, DE
The gardens stretch to an area of about 25 acres and hosts many important and rare plant collections. Dating back to the middle of the 19th century, the gardens also have a number of glasshouses filled with exotic plants, ponds, fountains, colourful flower borders and a nearby cable car ride. It is open daily from 8 am in the morning to dusk and the entry is free of charge.
Japanese Gardens at Düsseldorfer Strasse, Teil des Carl-Duisberg-Parks, Leverkusen, Cologne, D-51061, Germany, DE
Located at the outskirts of Cologne, the Japanese gardens showcase a array of Japanese features like clipped trees, a teahouse, stone Buddhas and lanterns, ponds, and several brightly coloured bridges. Springs witness blossoming of cherry tress while autumn is beautiful when the maple leaves quickly change to dramatic, fiery colours. It is open daily from dawn to dusk and the entry is free of cost.
City Forest at Dürener Strasse, Lindenthal, Cologne, D-50931, Germany, DE
Cologne’s Stadtwald, lies on the outskirts and encloses a vast area of over 150 acres / 61 hectares. The cite takes pride in its variety of plant species, a boating pond, wildlife reserve and summer beer gardens.