Hamburg
Hamburg is Germany’s second‑largest city, with about 1.9 million residents and a metro region of 5.3 million.
The Elbe River and its extensive network of canals dominate Hamburg’s urban layout. Hamburg has been historically a major port for more than a thousand years because of the maritime route linking the North Sea via the Elbe River. Today, Hamburg is Germany’s largest seaport by far and remains the major gateway for German industry, including automotive, machinery, and chemicals.
Hamburg is one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities with a strong expat presence due to logistics and maritime industries, as well as being Germany’s media capital and Europe’s largest musical theatre hub after London. Hamburg also has a higher migrant population compared to other major German cities. Hamburg’s diversity is visible in food, different ethnic neighbourhoods, festivals, and languages heard on the street.
Hamburg is a major rail transport hub that has excellent rail links to major European cities and regional trains linking other German cities. Hamburg is 1 hour and 45 minutes by high-speed train to Germany’s largest city, Berlin. Within the city, Hamburg has a very efficient public transport network consisting of metro (U‑Bahn), suburban rail (S‑Bahn), buses, and ferries.
One of Hamburg’s major tourist attractions is Inner & Outer Alster Lakes, formed by damming the Alster River, which offer lake cruise services, sailing, boating, scenic waterfront promenade walking, and dining, right in the city centre.
In a nutshell, Hamburg is a cosmopolitan city with excellent water access, a lot of green spaces, full of modern creative energy, yet with a somewhat relaxed vibe.
Planten un Blomen Park
“Planten un Blomen” translates to “Plants and Flowers” in English. The name reflects exactly what the park is known for — lush gardens, botanical diversity, and floral displays.
Located just outside Stephansplatz metro station, Planten un Blomen is Hamburg’s signature inner‑city park. This 47‑hectare green space was originally part of Hamburg’s old fortifications; it evolved through multiple International Garden Shows (IGA) to its modern layout and themed zones.
One of the park’s themed zones is the Japanese Garden, the largest Japanese garden in Europe, which is an excellent display of superb Japanese landscaping and garden design, complete with water features and serene pathways.
Being so accessible and with free entry year-round, it is no wonder that the park is one of Europe’s most inviting urban parks for both locals and visitors alike.
The Walk
The most convenient public transport to get to Planten un Blomen Park is by taking the metro train to Stephansplatz metro station or the suburban train to Dammtor train station. The park is within a 2-minute walk from each of these stations.
While in the park, take a walk on the walking paths around the 2 man-made lakes, Wallgraben and Parksee, and enjoy the greenery by the waters.
Also, do not miss walking through the serene pathways in the Japanese Garden and enjoy the peace and tranquility offered by its superb Japanese-style garden and landscaping.
Want to discover more great walking locations? Check out the “By the Waters” blogs.
The most convenient public transport to get to Planten un Blomen Park is by taking the metro train to Stephansplatz metro station or the suburban train to Dammtor train station. The park is within a 2-minute walk from each of these stations.