The Palmengarten is a natural wonderland just outsidethe heart of Frankfurt. Though its name means “palm garden,” this 22-hectare(54-acre) garden complex offers plants of all varieties alongside funactivities for kids.
Spend an afternoon strolling through its rose garden,or head to one of its greenhouses and spot huge cacti and plants from aroundthe globe.
The Palmengarten was opened to thepublic in 1871. Visit some of its 19th century relics such as thePalm House, an iron-and-glass greenhouse built in 1869. Enjoy its historicarchitecture and soak in the vibrant colours and aromas of a fantasticcollection of tropical plants. For some more visual delights, explore thegalleries around the Palm House, which features contemporary and plant-themed exhibitions.
Be sure to stop by one of thePalmengarten’s gems, the Goethe Garden. This intriguing plot pays tribute tothe famous Frankfurt author, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who happened to be anenthusiastic gardener. Keep an eye out for the occasional ginkgo tree herethey were one of Goethe’s favourite plants.
After enjoying the garden’s naturalbeauty, take the kids to the Great Pond for a pleasant boat cruise. For anafternoon of active fun, visit the park’s 18-hole miniature golf course.
On warm summer afternoons, take a seatat the beer garden and enjoy a cool glass of sweet apple wine. Soak in the lastrays of sun with some public jazz performances or bring a picnic dinner andwatch a chamber opera performed in the garden’s outdoor theatre.
The Palmengarten is quite large, howeveran electric train provides transport around the grounds quite regularly. Thegarden has two entrances, each within a short walk of a U-Bahn station and abus station. Parking is available around its northeast entrance.
The Palmengarten is open every day,though there is a fee to enter. Prepare for extra costs for boat rental, minigolf, rides and performances.
