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Green Lungs of Ulm: 6 parks and gardens ideal for relaxation or a stroll

April 11, 2025

Ulm, a city known for the tallest church steeple in the world, also hides extraordinary green treasures. For locals and tourists looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, we've put together a guide to six of the most beautiful parks and gardens in this charming German city. Each of these places offers a unique experience, combining natural, historical and recreational values. Whether you dream of a peaceful stroll among flowers, an active outing with the family, or an educational adventure in the world of plants, Ulm has something for you. We invite you to discover the city's green lungs, which will delight any nature lover and family leisure enthusiast.

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Friedrichsau and the Botanical Garden - the green pearls of Ulm

Our journey through the green corners of Ulm begins with Friedrichsau - a vast park that is the true recreational heart of the city. Located on the banks of the Danube River, this picturesque area offers countless opportunities for recreation and outdoor activities. Friedrichsau is not just a park, but a recreational complex that will cater to every member of the family.

Strolling through the alleys of Friedrichsau, we can admire the lush vegetation, old majestic trees and colorful flower beds. The park is home to a small zoo and aquarium, which are a special attraction for the little ones. Children will be delighted to observe exotic animals up close. For those who love active recreation, there are numerous biking and walking paths, as well as barbecue areas, perfect for a family picnic.

One of the most charming features of the park are the scenic alleys stretching along the Danube River, offering beautiful views of the river and surrounding nature. It's the perfect place for a romantic stroll or a relaxing bike ride. Friedrichsau is also a popular gathering place for the local community, where various events and festivals are often held.

Another green gem of Ulm is the Botanical Garden of the University of Ulm. This is a place that combines educational value with natural beauty. The garden, although not very extensive, impresses with its wealth of plant species from different climatic zones.

The Botanical Garden is a true paradise for flora lovers. Visitors have the opportunity to admire carefully designed collections of plants, including a fascinating 'herbal pharmacy', where you can learn about the medicinal properties of various species. Of particular interest are the beautiful lilies, stunning in their intensity of color.

For families with children there is a special playground, where the little ones can let off steam while parents relax in the shade of the trees. There is also a cafe in the garden, where you can relax with a cup of coffee or a snack.

Both Friedrichsau and the Botanical Garden offer excellent opportunities for relaxation and nature education. Friedrichsau impresses with its vastness and variety of attractions, while the Botanical Garden captivates with its tranquility and abundance of plant species. Both places are easily accessible and offer free entry, making them ideal destinations for family outings or quiet weekend strolls.

Unique experiences in Tast-. und Riechgarten and Glacis Park

Continuing our green journey through Ulm, we can't leave out two unique places: the Tast- und Riechgarten and Glacis Park. Each offers a unique experience that will long be remembered by visitors.

Tast- und Riechgarten, or the Garden of Touch and Scent, is an extraordinary place that engages all the senses. Located in the heart of the old town, at Schweinmarkt 6, it is an oasis of calm and contemplation. This small but carefully designed sensory garden invites you to explore nature in a different way than usual.

At Tast- und Riechgarten, we can experience a variety of plant textures, smells and shapes. It is an ideal place for families with children who want to develop the sensory sensitivity of the little ones. Walking through the garden, we can touch different species of plants, smell aromatic herbs and flowers, and even taste some edible plants. This is not only a pleasure for the senses, but also an educational adventure.

The garden is especially recommended for visually impaired people, for whom special plaques with descriptions in Braille have been prepared. It is an example of the inclusive approach to the design of public spaces in Ulm.

Moving on to Park Glacis, we move to the vast green space surrounding the old city walls of Neu-Ulm. This park is the true lungs of the city, offering residents and tourists a wide range of recreational and leisure opportunities.

Park Glacis impresses with its diversity. Here you will find both well-kept lawns ideal for a picnic and dense groves providing shelter from the sun on hot days. Walking along the old fortress walls, we can admire the combination of history and modern park landscape.

For the active, there are biking and jogging paths, as well as places to play Pétanque, popular in Germany. Families with children will appreciate the large, shaded playground, where toddlers can run wild while parents relax on nearby benches.

One of the greatest assets of Glacis Park is its historical context. Walking through the park, we can learn about the history of Ulm and Neu-Ulm using interactive tours available via a mobile app. This is a great way to combine active recreation with historical education.

Comparing Tast- und Riechgarten with Park Glacis, we see two different approaches to designing green spaces in the city. Tast- und Riechgarten is an intimate, intimate place focused on experiencing nature with all the senses, ideal for a short, relaxing stop while exploring the old city. Park Glacis, on the other hand, is an expansive space offering extensive recreational opportunities, ideal for longer stays and active recreation.

Both places are free and easily accessible, making them popular with locals and tourists alike. Whether we are looking for quiet contemplation of nature or active outdoor recreation, Tast- und Riechgarten and Park Glacis are sure to meet our expectations.

Rosengarten and Tiergarten Ulm - the romantic and wild face of the city

To conclude our green journey in Ulm, we will visit two unique sites: the romantic Rosengarten and the fascinating Tiergarten Ulm. These two sites, although different in nature, perfectly complement the city's recreational offerings, offering unique experiences for both lovers of quiet relaxation and nature enthusiasts.

The Rosengarten, or Rose Garden, is a true gem among Ulm's parks. Located at Adlerbastei 2, right on the banks of the Danube River, it is the perfect place for a romantic stroll or a moment of relaxation surrounded by the beauty of nature. This meticulously designed and maintained garden delights with an abundance of colors and fragrances, especially during the rose blooming season.

Walking through the alleys of Rosengarten, we can admire countless varieties of roses, but also many other species of flowers that create a harmonious composition. The garden is equipped with numerous benches, which encourage us to relax and contemplate the surrounding beauty. A special highlight of the place is the picturesque view of the Danube, which extends from the garden.

Rosengarten is not only a place for flower lovers. It is also a popular location for photo shoots, especially among brides and grooms in love. The atmosphere of the garden is conducive to romantic meetings and relaxing walks, especially on warm summer evenings.

Moving on to the Tiergarten Ulm, we are transported into the world of wildlife. It's a place that combines the functions of a zoo and a recreational park, offering a fascinating experience for the whole family.

Tiergarten Ulm, although not a large zoo, impresses with the variety of animal species on display. A special attraction are the beautifully decorated aquariums, where we can admire the fascinating underwater world. For the youngest there is a mini zoo with pets that can be stroked and fed.

In addition to the animal exhibits, the Tiergarten offers extensive park areas ideal for walks and picnics. There are children's playgrounds, cafes and refreshment centers where you can relax and eat after exploring. The park around the zoo is a great place for active recreation - you can bike, jog or just enjoy nature.

Comparing Rosengarten and Tiergarten Ulm, we see two different approaches to creating green spaces in the city. Rosengarten is a place of contemplation and tranquility, ideal for those seeking respite in beautiful, well-maintained surroundings. The Tiergarten, on the other hand, is a space full of life and movement, perfect for families with children and nature lovers.

Both places have their own unique strengths. Rosengarten impresses with its aesthetics and tranquility, while offering beautiful views of the Danube River. Tiergarten, on the other hand, provides nature education combined with entertainment, making it an ideal destination for the whole family.

Both Rosengarten and Tiergarten Ulm are easily accessible and offer attractive admission prices (Rosengarten is free, while Tiergarten has affordable ticket prices). This makes both places popular with locals and tourists year-round.

To sum up our tour of Ulm's green lungs, it's worth noting that the city offers an incredibly diverse array of parks and gardens. From sprawling recreational areas like Friedrichsau, to educational botanical gardens, to the romantic corners of Rosengarten and the fascinating animal world in Tiergarten, there is something for everyone. These green oases not only improve the quality of life of the residents, but are also a significant tourist attraction, highlighting the charm and character of this historic German city.

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