The Herrngarten is the "good Stubb" for the people of Darmstadt and a green lung in the heart of the city.
This largest and oldest park in Darmstadt was created in the 16th century by merging three larger and several smaller gardens. In 1766, Landgravine Karoline had it converted into an English park. In 1811, Grand Duke Ludewig I opened the Herrngarten to the public and since then it has been a popular destination:
the green, expansive park lawns are ideal for picnicking, reading, lazing around or meeting friends.
There are two separate playgrounds for the youngest children, offering age-appropriate activities A small pond with the largest fountain in the city brings the element of water, which is so important for the leisure feeling, into play There are several monuments worth seeing in the park - the tomb of Landgravine Caroline, the veterans' memorial, the Goethe monument and the memorial stone for Princess Elisabeth. Information about the monuments can be found on site on boards or here (pdf; 2.60 MB). In the warmer months, a café-restaurant with outdoor dining in the middle of the park offers a beer garden atmosphere. There is a small music pavilion on the café grounds, where promenade concerts are held...
Read moreHerrngarten is not a typical park one can find in Germany. I was there for the first time at the end of September 2019 with a large group of parents, along with kids, from an international school community and the park reminded me the ones I have visited in UK. The most striking difference I felt was the international background of people (other than that of our group). Of course, the majority of the people were local Germans, but they were very cheerful people enjoying their time in the park. While we were there, there was a group of a Christian community (I don't know which), including nuns, on a stage in the park. The group, including the nuns, sang nice songs and the spectators danced along with nuns (I have attached a video). The park itself is large and has interesting places including an artificial lake to have a small rest...
Read moreThe Herrngarten in Darmstadt is a lovely park that offers a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great place to visit with family, take a walk, and enjoy the fresh air and serene environment. The vibe during the day is very relaxing, making it perfect for unwinding or spending quality time outdoors.
However, I would recommend visiting during the daytime. In the evenings or after dark, some areas, particularly near the left entrance, are frequented by homeless individuals who seem to struggle with addiction. Seeing them can give a sense of insecurity, which might feel unpleasant for some visitors.
Overall, Herrngarten is a beautiful spot to enjoy nature and spend time with loved ones during the day. Highly recommended for a...
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