Six hidden parks

We show you Düsseldorf's green side

In addition to the large and well-known green spaces such as the Hofgarten or the Rheinpark, Düsseldorf has numerous smaller, sometimes hidden parks that are worth discovering.

Old Bilk cemetery

Even though no burials have taken place here for over a hundred years, the site, which is now used as a park, still bears the name "Alter Bilker Friedhof". Yet it is a very lively place. There is a water playground and opportunities to play table tennis and boules. In summer, magnificent old trees provide shade, and sun worshippers can make themselves comfortable on the large meadows.

IHZ Park

One of the most hidden green spaces in Düsseldorf is certainly the IHZ Park. Situated between tall residential and office buildings, it is known mainly to direct residents. Its focal point is an elongated lake, where numerous waterfowl have settled. The park is framed by a two-row linden avenue, which is a wonderful place to stroll.

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East Park

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Ostpark was still "in the open countryside", surrounded by no buildings. Today, it serves as a local recreation area for residents of the neighboring districts of Grafenberg and Gerresheim. They appreciate the wide arcs of paths along picturesque groves and the view of the pond, which takes up almost a third of the park.

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Rhine Park Bilk

A harbor crane from 1894 reminds us that the Rheinpark Bilk did not always offer solid ground. Like the Landtag and the Rhine Tower, the park was built on the site of a filled-in harbor basin. With purposefully planted trees, gentle elevations that allow new lines of sight, and plenty of meadow space, the park stretches between the architecturally striking buildings.

Spee's ditch

In a sense, Napoleon had a hand in the design of Spee's moat. For the bastion fortifications that had been razed under him and handed over to the city in 1811 were to be redesigned into a "water ring" that would surround the center of Düsseldorf. However, the plans were only partially realized. Maximilian Weyhe transformed the fortress grounds into an elegant park ensemble dominated by bodies of water.

Zoopark

Why Zoopark, when Düsseldorf doesn't have a zoological garden? The green space owes its name to the former zoo that existed on this site. It was destroyed in a bombing raid in 1943 and not rebuilt. However, many old trees have been preserved. Together with the small lake, they now form a green oasis that is a popular destination for recreation seekers, joggers, children's groups and dog owners in the densely populated neighborhood.

More about parks in Düsseldorf

Title image: Düsseldorf Tourism