The green city on the Rhine
Green architecture in Düsseldorf
An organic building growing out of the urban space like the foundation of a green pyramid, a ribbon of flowers and parks running right through the Rhine metropolis and sunbathing with an after-work drink on the Rhine meadows: Düsseldorf is one of the greenest cities in Germany.
Green places and projects in Düsseldorf
- The Kö-Bogen II building, designed by the architectural firm Ingenhoven, is Europe’s largest green facade, with more than 30,000 hornbeams.
- Düsseldorf has a total of nine large parks and countless gardens and smaller parks. The city is part of the Road of Garden Art.
- The Rhine meadows are a meeting point for people to enjoy the wide view of the Rhine, the skyline and the sunset with music, drinks and friends.
- Insider tips for garden lovers: the enchanted rose garden near the Stadtmuseum in the Palais Spee, the Japanese garden in the Nordpark, the rococo garden of Benrath Palace and the Dickebusch, a beautiful English-style forest park on the Lower Rhine.
- Many varieties of fruit and vegetable are grown in the Düsseldorf district of Hamm, which supplies the city and surrounding area with fresh, regional produce.
A green belt through the city
Düsseldorf’s parks are the city’s green axis. With a bird’s-eye view from the 180-metre-high Rhine
Tower, the parks look like a chain of islands between streets and canyons of houses. The tranquillity
and aesthetics of themed gardens, fountains, castles and greenhouses make the hum of the busy city fade away. There is hardly a Düsseldorf resident who is not within easy reach of a green space to relax in the heart of the city.
Recommendations for parks and gardens
One of the highlights of Düsseldorf’s urban jungle is the Japanese Garden in the Nordpark. Every
stone, every lantern and every fountain has a deeper, symbolic meaning. Artfully pruned, many trees take on a mystical form – a place to meditate and recharge your batteries. In spring, the cherry blossoms shine here, as well as in Südpark and at the EKŌ House of Japanese Culture. For romantics on a first date, a walk in the rose garden at the Stadtmuseum in Palais Spee is worthwhile. The entrance to the park with its old trees and sculptures is through a wrought-iron gate at the back of the building. The rococo garden at Benrath Palace is even more magical.
Green oasis on the Rhine
Close to the Ehrenhof’s art institutions, visitors will find the Rheingärtchen – the little Rhine garden
– with a view of Germany’s longest river. A favourite flowery spot for those who want to take
a short break from busy boulevards. The Rhine meadows provide the buzz of voices,
draught beer, snatches of music and sunsets – the meeting place par excellence for those taking a
rest from sightseeing or chilling out after work before heading for the Old Town for drinks.
A trip around the world in the Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden in the south of Düsseldorf takes you on a journey around the world in 80
minutes. From the lavender fields of Provence to North America’s swamps and into the Chinese
winter blossom. A real star is the wollemi tree from Australia, long thought to be extinct, which
now grows in Düsseldorf and has even developed flowers there – a small sensation.
Europe’s greenest façade
The Kö-Bogen II in Düsseldorf’s city centre is a paradigm of sustainability. Europe’s greenest
façade is covered by 30,000 hornbeams in 3,500 troughs. The hedges improve the microclimate in
and around the building by architect Christoph Ingenhoven and absorb as much CO₂ as 80 large
deciduous trees. Situated on top of part of the building is a walkable green space.
Forest experiences
A little outside the city limits, nature lovers can roam through the extensive and virtually unspoilt
Grafenberg forest, where they can meet red deer, mouflon and roe deer. One of the most beautiful
racecourses in Germany is also located in the forest – for all those who want to enjoy the race
day on the grandstand at the weekend with cake, champagne or beer.
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