The Rheinpark was established in 1913 and today is a beloved attraction for the citizens of Cologne. The park has several features such as the Claudius-Therme, an exclusive thermal bath, or a play area for the children. The Rheinpark was used as the venue for the national garden show and representative traces of this event remain even today. Sculptures and plastics are on view as you stroll around. The Tanzbrunnen, which is also a part of the garden also entices you with many open-air events and concerts.
Steeped in legend, countless songs and stories have been written about the picturesque Rhine River. The inhabitants of Cologne may not have found the Nibelungen gold, which was said to shimmer at the bottom of the Rhine, but the river has still provided the city with economic influence. Cologne has been a river-port ever since the Romans founded their city of Colonia on the bank of the Rhine. Nowadays, more than ten million tons of goods are turned over in the docks each year.
The Stadtwald stretches over more than 200 hectares, and is a major green lung. Visitors entering the eastern part can recover from the stresses of every-day life among a plantation of trees which are over a hundred years old. A variety of leisure activities is possible: the wildlife enclosures are open to the public and rowing-boats can be hired for use on the pond. A large play-area offers fun for younger visitors. In the western and more recent part of the park there is the six-hectare Adenauer pond with a jogging-track. Several restaurants and beer gardens offer a choice of refreshments.
Located next to the Cologne Zoological Garden, the Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln is a beautiful green expanse covering 11.5 hectares (28.4 acres). The garden was founded in 1863 and was designed for different landscaping styles, including German, English and Italian Renaissance. The entrance is grand, with iron gates, a palace-like reception building and an impressive fountain. There are also various greenhouses, including a tropical house, cactus house and a sub-tropical house. Strolling through this gorgeous park is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon.
The Cologne Zoological Garden, also called the Kölner Zoo, is Germany's third oldest zoo and remains one of the city's top attractions. It was founded in 1860 and the elephant house was the first building to be opened. Over the years, the zoo has grown in size and is well known for its conservation efforts. You'll discover animals from around the world, including Big Cats and primates. Make sure you check out its great exhibits like the elephant park, the aquarium and the Rainforest Hall.
In the Flittard district, the visitor can enjoy the miniature landscaping of the Japanese gardens. The gardens are admittedly quite a long way out of the city center on the right-hand side of the Rhine, but it is certainly worth the detour. These magnificent gardens are part of the Carl-Duisberg-Park, which belongs to Leverkusen and contain blossoming camellias, magnolias and flowering cherry-trees. The gardens are divided into different areas; a tea-garden, a landscape garden and the miniature landscape. The visitor wanders under red gateways and over bridges, past Buddhas, dragons and ducks(both live and in bronze).
The Haus des Waldes in Gut Leidenhausen is worth a visit by all nature-lovers. There are explanations, for the scientifically-minded, of the ecological circulation of the forest, and of what woodland ecosystems are to be found near the Rhine. One area of the museum is also dedicated to the infamous disappearance of the forests.
The Wolkenberg mountain is located to the northwest of the Drachenfels. This mountain, which is 324 kilometers (201 miles) high today, must have once been the highest mountain in the Siebengebirge range. Due to quarrying, a large part of the tip was taken away, so it is no longer the highest mountain in the range. The Wolkenburg, which was built in the 12th Century, was left to ruin after the knightly order died out. This piece of evidence of late Romantic building customs can still be admired today.
Arboretum Park Härle dates from the year 1870 when a mighty country house was created in half-timbered English architectural style. Today, Arboretum Park Härle features over 800 kinds of shrubs and trees. It has a wide collection of Taxus, Juniperus, Thuja and Chamaecyparis. Roses and beautiful varieties of Cornus controversa, Acer griseum, Juniperus deppeana, Cupressus sempevirens and Pseudotsuga menziesii are also found at Arboretum Park Härle. This arboretum is sectioned into three unique parts- the newly created park, old park and the sprawling woods adorned with fruit trees and lawn. Arboretum Park Härle remains open to visitors twice in warmer months between March and October. Tourists can explore Arboretum Park Härle through various guided tours organized by the park.
The Kletterwald Bonn is a great way to spend a day with the family or friends, challenging yourself and generally having fun in the outdoor. With four courses of varying degrees of difficulty, it's a great way to enjoy nature within easy access to the city. Kids will especially enjoy the Children's course with plenty of fun activities to keep them occupied, one of the most popular being riding the Bobby car over a wobbly bridge will probably make them shout with excitement. The Kletterwald Bonn has special holiday hours and is open from 12.00pm to 8.00pm everyday. Why not make the most of your entrance card? After an exciting day exploring the courses, you can even relax at the Hallen-Freibad Hardtbergbad beach. The price is included in your ticket. For details, visit the website.
The "Seven Mountains" are located to the east of Bonn, on the right side of the Rhine. From more than 40 hills, these seven are easy to recognize. All the hills are remains of the Siebengebirge volcano, which formed the shape of this area about more than 20 million years ago. The highest mountain in this range is the Große Ölberg, with the TV mast at its summit, but the best known mountain is the Petersberg on whose summit the former guest house of the government is located. Just as well known is the Drachenfels, which is a popular day trip. In addition, the Wolkenburg, Löwenburg, Lohrberg, Nonnenstromberg, Perlenhardt, and the Stenzelberg also belong to the Siebengebirge mountain range.
Jugendfarm is a youth and children’s service camp and a sprawling farm. This facility was established with the aim to provide good education and physical training to children with special needs as well as otherwise. The farm is a great place where children can understand how to take care of a pet animal, feed them, bathe them, do craft and drawing activities, play and work together with other children. The farm is also a great place for a class field trip and they also host birthday parties for children.