The countdown is on, UEFA EURO 2024 starts in far less than 100 days and we look forward to seeing you, football fans from all over Europe. So that you can relax between the games in the Arena Düsseldorf and the events around the Fan Zones, we have selected six green oases in Düsseldorf. Best of all, all spots can be reached in about 15 minutes from the old town.

Central, urban & full of surprises

At the end of the Kö the Hofgarten begins. It is the most centrally located green space in Düsseldorf and invites football fans with a need for peace and quiet to relax. With an area of almost 28 hectares, it stretches from the Jägerhofpalast to Heinrich-Heine-Allee and borders the Ehrenhof, where the Kunstpalast and the NRW Forum are located. Speaking of which: In Pong, the café of the NRW Forum, not only the tarte flambée bar is open in summer, but DJs from the countries participating in the European Championships regularly play. By the way, the counterpart of the Pong is called Ping and is the café of the Theatre Museum, which is very idyllically located at the other end of the Hofgarten. DJs will also be waiting for you at Ping during UEFA EURO 2024.

Kick it on the Rhine

Directly on the Rhine between the Old Town and the Arena Düsseldorf lies the Golzheim Rheinpark, where generations of Düsseldorf residents have trained their young footballers and bar teams hold tournaments. A good place for all football fans to get active or to cheer on amateur footballers. The park is around 23 hectares in size and runs along the Rhine between Cecilienallee and Robert-Lehr-Ufer. Thus, the Golzheim Rheinpark is located on the running route from the old town to the stadium where the UEFA EURO 2024 matches will be played. If you want, you can start at the Fortuna Büdchen on Joseph-Beuys-Ufer, kick a ball in Golzheim Park and stroll on to the stadium for a football match with a short stop in the Nordpark.

Just take a deep breath

After the game is before the game and both are moments that sometimes require a breather. Only a 20-minute walk from the Arena Düsseldorf is the Nordpark. Its symmetry and clarity are characteristic, and there is hardly any uncontrolled growth. This is especially true for the Japanese Garden, which transports a purist design language into nature. Every tree, every stone is carefully selected and arranged. Black pines are topiary and their cloud-like structures are reflected in the pond, creating a fairytale atmosphere – an oasis of silence and aesthetics. It's the perfect retreat to regain your balance after an emotionally charged game before throwing yourself back into the fun-filled hustle and bustle of UEFA EURO 2024.

Urban Jungle

From the north to the south to the Südpark, Düsseldorf's largest green space. Dense trees, tall meadows, allotment gardeners' association, petting zoo, dike lake, themed gardens and barbecue areas - the 70 hectares are diverse, spacious and probably the Südpark is one of the few safe spaces if you want to escape the football fever for a few hours. And that's only 15 minutes away from the Fan Zone Schauspielhaus. You get on the 701 at Schadowstraße, drive to Gangelsplatz, walk down Emmastraße and inevitably end up in Südpark. To the left are large meadows, where you can meet musicians, yogis, footballers and sun worshippers. If you feel like taking a long walk, you can continue to the dome greenhouse of the Heinrich Heine University in the Botanical Garden or in the direction of the farm in the Südpark. If you just want to have a beer in peace, keep to the right at the entrance after Emmastraße. There is the Kurhaus with a large beer garden. The boathouse with terrace on a small lake is just a stone's throw away. Both restaurants serve Alt vom Uerige and Hosen Hell, the beer of the Toten Hosen. Cheers!

Paging

Fancy a change of perspective? Then hop on your bike and from the old town through the Hofgarten over the Oberkassler Bridge to the Rhine meadows, in just ten minutes. From the Rhine meadows you have a great view of the fan zone Burgplatz and can relax and watch the hustle and bustle in the old town. But you can also get active and play a game of football yourself or watch the Rhine sheep graze. For example, you can rent bicycles with the Düsseldorf BikeCard and receive other discounts such as free admission to selected museums. If you like it more comfortable, take the subway at Heinrich-Heine-Allee and after two stops you are on the other side of the Rhine.
More information about the Düsseldorf BikeCard.

Pearl on the Rhine

The Rhine is the blue ribbon that characterizes Düsseldorf. You should definitely take advantage of this between UEFA EURO 2024 football matches and swap the pitch turf for a sandy beach. Let's go to the paradise beach at the Media Harbour – preferably by bike in just ten minutes. The flat sandy beach directly on the Rhine not only offers summery vibes in the urban Media Harbour, but also a beautiful view of the skyline with the TV tower towering high into the sky. Cycling is recommended because you need to bring drinks and snacks. There is no gastronomy in the immediate vicinity. (Please remember your garbage and dispose of it.)

We'll keep you up to date on the latest UEFA EURO 2024 events. For more information , please visit visitduesseldorf.de.

Text: Cynthia Blasberg
Photos: Dusseldorf Tourism