Frankfurt may be one of the worlds busiest and biggest financial centres but it is also a city blessed with inviting parks and beautiful natural settings. Lush green spaces can be found throughout the city and these areas create an inviting urban escape. Like the historic structures that line the city’s streets, these natural landscapes have played a role in the city’s rich history.
There are more than forty parks in Frankfurt with over fifty lakes and ponds to enjoy. In addition, the beautifully maintained green spaces along the Main River create an excellent place for a riverbank stroll. Some parks like the Volkspark Niddatal offer a less manicured and more untamed setting while the Palmengarten botanical gardens feature planned landscapes and greenhouses for tropical plants. Bethmannpark features beautiful flower gardens and is famous for its peaceful Chinese gardens with its ponds, bridges and dragon statues.
One of the most interesting parks in the city is The Green Belt. Accounting for almost a third of the city space, this five kilometre strip of manicured green space creates a semi-circle around central Frankfurt. The magnificent park follows the course of the old city walls of medieval times and is now a beautiful setting filled with tree lined pathways, lovely fountains and many sculptures and monuments.
A park that is popular with families and youngsters in particular is the Forest Playground Goethe Tower. The park is situated near Germany’s tallest wooden observation tower which overlooks the Green Belt. This playground and park also features a wading pool, and playground equipment with an extra-long slide for young children to enjoy.
