Nature and culture combine beautifully in one of the oldest public parks in Germany.
Dusseldorf’s Hofgarten dates back to the 16th century, making it one of the first public parks in Germany. The current design was laid out by the celebrated landscape architect Maximilian Weyhe, the genius behind many of the city’s green spaces, whose statue can be admired today in the park that was to become his lasting legacy to his adopted city.
Covering around 28 hectares stretching from the banks of the Rhine to Jacobistrasse, the park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to take time out from the bustle of the city centre. Just a short walk from the old town and the Rhine Promenade delivers you into a natural oasis filled with ancient trees and colourful flowerbeds. Families bring picnics or fire up the on-site barbeques, groups of friends gossip on the lawns, couples hold hands on park benches, kids make friends with ducks and swans on the ponds, office workers grab a peaceful lunch break and shoppers take the weight off their feet under a shady tree.
Visitors will enjoy a leisurely stroll along the elegant promenades to admire the sculptures and monuments, many by famous artists. See if you can spot the familiar lines of Henry Moore’s two-part reclining figure, or the Roaring Stag by the German artist Josef Pallenberg, famous for his lifelike animal sculptures. Another favourite is Max Blondat’s charming Märchenbrunnen Fountain, or Fairy Tale Fountain, which depicts three children gazing at frogs.
In the eastern corner of the park is Schloss Jägerhof, a former hunting lodge, now a splendid museum dedicated to the German poet Goethe. Here you can see photographs, manuscripts and other artifacts relating to the life and work of this influential cultural figure. The official Goethe Museum website will give you all the information you need on opening times and admission prices, as well as some interesting background material to enhance your visit.
On Sundays during the summer months the Hofgarten hosts regular outdoor concerts, from brass bands and jazz to classical orchestral programmes. Check the Dusseldorf tourism website for full details.
