Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord Germany
Howdy! Y’all it won’t be long before I am out of European travel posts! I have been trying to make these posts last for a while and spread them out on my blog (well that, and I don’t blog on a regular schedule tbh) If you didn’t know, I did a study abroad in Germany this time last year. I thought today it would be fun to talk about one of my favorite places I visited in Germany: Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord! My landscape architecture peeps out there are probably nerding out because this park really set a precedent for post-industrial landscape architecture! I’m super excited to share my landschaftspark experience!
I think what makes post-industrial landscapes so enchanting in a way is that they don’t apologize for what the land was once used for, but rather embrace the history and explore the beauty that is redeemed by the idea of fourth nature. I know, I know. You came to my blog because of a sharpie tie-dye shirt, and now I’m over here talking about a fourth nature! I must be off my rocker! But I think the idea of fourth nature is very important in our society currently because of all the talk climate change and Green New Deal. Fourth Nature is the idea of nature reclaiming the land amongst man-made built environments.
Lanschaftspark is an old coal and steel production plant that was transformed into a park. It was designed to embrace the park’s former history rather than reject it. All of the functions within the park are based on the old industrial uses. You can literally spend all day in this park and probably still have more to see! When we went to visit one of the girls had hurt her ankle and had to be carried up all the flights of steps to the Furnace. Good thing we had strong guys in our group! We also did a little scavenger hunt map. Honestly, there is so much to do at this park you will have a blast. Plus it is absolutely beautiful seeing the juxtaposition of the old industrial plant to the luscious plants.
Just a few of the activities you can have fun doing include:
- Europe’s largest artificial diving center (inside one of the old industrial tubs)
- Blast Furnace viewing tower
- High Ropes Course
- Walking
- Exploring the Gardens
- Cycling
- Playing on all the different fun equipment that the park has built-in
- Light show at Night
Information to Know:
- Open 24/7
- FREE
- Visitor Center is open Monday thru Friday: 9am to 6pm
- Blast Furnace Viewing is open unless the wind and weather makes it unsafe to climb up
- Light Show is Friday-Sunday at night
- You can also stay at the old administration building that was converted into a youth hostel for 23 Euros a night.
