Germany Trip Plan:
4th Hessian State Garden Show in Bad Nauheim
You are invited to look, experience and join in on Hesse's largest garden festival, held from April 24th to October 3rd 2010 in Bad Nauheim. Enjoy the peace and splendor of the historic town's Spa Park, experience high-quality garden art and choose from 1,500 events in the newly revamped Goldstein Park.
Note: This is a trip plan (self-driving, stay in a vacation apartment, explore on your own)
Duration: 7 days
Recommended Destination Airport: Frankfurt Airport
Trip Plan Details:
You are invited to look, experience and join in on Hesse's largest garden festival, held from April 24th to October 3rd 2010 in Bad Nauheim. Enjoy the peace and splendor of the historic town's Spa Park, experience high-quality garden art and choose from over 1,500 events in the newly revamped Goldstein Park.
With the exploration of new worlds also came an interest in the cultivation of exotic flowers and plants. Since the 18th century the love for gardens & plants became an ever growing trend in Germany. As the variety of plants available grew so became the need to share experience and knowledge with fellow horticulturalists. As more and bigger spaces were needed to cultivate and display those nature treasures, the solution was to have professional horticultural shows hosted by and for the communities and states nationwide. A great deal of effort and money is given to every garden show, which in some cases can take up to 10 years to prepare and establish. Over the years those garden shows became worldwide renowned mega events, drawing huge numbers of garden lovers from all over the world to the colorful shows and cultural programs.
Cost Estimate:
We compiled some starting prices and rough estimates to help you better with your Germany trip planning.
| Lodging: | starting at $545 for 2 persons / 7 days |
| Admissions: | starting at $250 for 2 persons / 7 days |
| Car Rental: | starting at $420 / 7 days |
| Gas: | starting at $150 / 7 days |
| Estimated Total Cost: | 2 persons, starting at $1365 / 2 days |
| 4 persons, starting at $1688 / 4 days |
Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Germany
After your arrival at Frankfurt International Airport it's only a short drive to your fully equipped vacation apartment. Depending on your preferences you can stay in the middle of the action or a bit more quiet in the beautiful landscape of the Hochtaunus region.
The extensive Landesgartenschau
program was developed for almost all generations and many tastes. On top, every weekend special events themes will be featured, giving you the opportunity to join in and use the more quiet weekdays to enjoy the multiple floral displays, stretching out on a total of 38 ha cultivated parks and gardens.
Day 2: Bad Nauheim and the traditional Spa Park
Use the full day to discover the historical heart of Bad Nauheim and its Spa Park. The old part of town charms with its beautifully preserved half-timbered houses, narrow lanes and cozy sidewalk cafes and restaurants. In the pedestrian zone you will see buildings which display the splendid architecture from the art nouveau and neoclassical periods. They mark the most prosperous times of Bad Nauheim - when the aristocrats, rich and famous came for the healing power of the springs and to play in the famous casino.
The huge, lovely Spa Park is maintained in its historical context and evolved in the sense of historic gardens. You will enjoy a leisurely stroll along groups of trees, beautiful shrubs, rolling meadows and stunning flower beds. Embedded in this lush landscape are the art nouveau style Kurhaus, Sprudelhof and of course the Casino. One of the main attractions in the park is the flower swirl. Planting beds with spring and summer blossoms play on the visual axis from the Kurhaus to Sprudelhof. The different planting strips result in a total area of 2,000 square meters and turn the lawn into a unique spa sea of flowers. If you want to keep fit and keep your kids busy, how about a round on the 18-hole miniature golf course? Maybe you enjoy a game of chess on the new fields or try your skills on the petanque-pitch.
Day 3: Elvis traces in Bad Nauheim and the flower shows in the Goldstein Park
A visit to Bad Nauheim is a must for Elvis fans. Numerous points of interest in Elvis's life in Bad Nauheim have been preserved, such as the former Hotel Grunewald and the villa in Goethe-Strasse. Two favorite photographic sites are the bridge over the Usa River where Elvis was once photographed and the Burgpforte, or castle entrance, where the album cover for A Big Hunk O' Love
was shot.
In the afternoon discover the Goldstein Park, which was developed into an attractive public park with dense forest and open meadows. Enjoy the flower-shows, which take place in the Saline Building, part of the historical building ensemble on the square of the old laundry houses. The mysterious glowing salt wall
forms the backdrop of the flower room. Enjoy the breathtaking variety of summer flowers, perennials plants, pot and tub plants. Be enchanted by the work of the best florists in Germany and experience the constantly changing arrangements.
Day 4: Colorful music and a cozy beer garden on the Gardeners Market
The month of June is dedicated to the broad range of music. On the first weekend, about 100 alpine horn blowers are welcomed on stage in the spa town Bad Nauheim. A weekend later the Hessian Music Association will take the center stage in the Goldstein Park. Expect not less than about 60 different bands, making this a real festival of music in the middle of all the floral displays. The spectrum of the music ranges from classical to gospel, jazz, swing through to choral music. Also, the music of unforgettable Elvis Presley should not be missed. Expect a great show and famous musicians on stage, rocking the park. Let's not forget the kids. Special entertainment and active shows will be featured especially for them. Highlight is a children's musical, suitable even for the youngest audience.
At the central exhibition area in the Goldstein Park the Gardeners Market is open daily throughout all 163 days of the State Garden Show. Gardeners, craftspeople and artists not only show their skills but you can buy their exclusive designs to take home. End the day in the cozy beer garden in the middle of the Gardeners Market. You can listen and watch music and cabaret performances, indulge in local food and cool drinks, and watch the colorful market life around you.
Day 5: Rose Festival in Steinfurth; Bad Nauheim's Light & Sound installations
In July, the weekend highlights revolve around the theme of light
. At nightfall you will experience beautiful illuminations, which will show the Spa Park and the Goldstein Park in a completely different light. To add to the magic, small classical concerts are staged on various spots. Before you let yourself be enchanted by the light displays, experience on any day during the months of the State Garden Show, the sound installations in the clearing of the Forest Park Goldstein. You will hear voices of African birds and the roar of a waterfall. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere on a park bench before more action is coming your way.
The Square Dance Championship might be the right thing for you, guaranteeing lots of fun and excitement! Another weekend in July will be dedicated to the Rose, the queen of flowers. This very popular Rose Festival takes place every 2 years in Steinfurth, a town district of Bad Nauheim. Did you know that Steinfurth is Germany's oldest rose town? They are proud to cultivate Roses of all colors and fragrances in their show gardens, ready to be once again admired by their countless fans.
Day 6: Ernst-Ludwig-Regatta and family sport on the lake
On two weekends in September, it will be all about sports. Besides lovely gardens, shady woods and lush meadows, the element water is featured in both of the parks and that's where the focus lies in this month. In addition to the traditional and very popular Ernst-Ludwig-Regatta it is also a family sports festival with many possibilities to join in the friendly competitions, all revolving around Bad Nauheim's lovely lakes and ponds. The Hessian Sailing Association will participate and initiate many activities and surely win more hearts for the fantastic sailing sport.
Finally, at the end of September, the best German florists will determine their German masters and receive the Golden Rose 2010
for their skills and determination. An absolute highlight for all garden fans!
Day 7: Departure
It doesn't really matter which month you will spend your vacation in beautiful Bad Nauheim, there is always plenty to see and do; especially throughout the State Garden Show, between April 24 and October 3, 2010. A great opportunity to join the Germans celebrating their passion for colorful gardens in any way possible!
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Where to Stay?
We feature nice vacation rentals and holiday apartments in destinations that are part of this trip plan. Click on a picture of the destination below where you would like to stay, then browse the vacation apartments, pick one you like, and fill out the Check Availability form with your desired travel dates. If you would like to stay in different locations please submit multiple inquiries, specifying the desired travel dates for each vacation apartment where you would like to stay. We will back to you with a free quote quickly (typically within 1-2 business days.)
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How to maximize your savings and spend less during your Germany vacation?
You can cut down your vacation costs significantly by following these simple rules:
- Instead of eating out in restaurants most of the time your vacation rental apartment comes with a fully equipped kitchen. By preparing your breakfast and dinner yourself you can save lots of money, but you can also live a more authentic Germany vacation by trying out local foods and recipes. (see some German recipe suggestions.)
- Use public transportation instead of a rental car. We provide you with links and details on how to get around using public transportation. Check out the corresponding Live Like a German travel guide for more details.