[Photo from hamburg-travel.com]

The Planten un Blomen park in central Hamburg is a wonderful destination for families, romantic couples and those seeking relaxation. There is a botanical garden with a tropical greenhouse and the largest Japanese garden in Europe. Whether riding a pony or a tea ceremony in the Japanese garden, everyday life is far away from here.

Anyone who wants to take a break during their stay in the Hanseatic city simply must visit the Planten un Blomen park in Hamburg. Where Danish cannonballs flew centuries ago, a gorgeous green recreation area now extends from St. Pauli to the Alster. The green ring around Hamburg dates back to the ramparts demolished at the beginning of the 19th century. At first there was a zoological garden here, and in the 1930s the park was gradually converted into a freely accessible public recreation area. The Low German name, which essentially just means "plants and flowers", dates from this period.

End the day with the romantic water light-showsThe garden is more than just a traditional park with a lawn and barbecue area, although those are also available. In addition to the summer programme for young and old, the water light shows with music by the park's lake each day are a highlight. The half-hour light show with coloured fountains and regularly changing music programme takes place every night at 10.00pm from May to September. A cosy blanket and a bottle of wine are all you need for the right amount of romance.