Volkspark Dutzendteich

Did the Dutzendteich always have two parts? No. Volkspark Dutzendteich is a story of transformation. This vast park surrounding the Großer and Kleiner Dutzendteich, as well as the Silbersee, has seen dramatic changes over the centuries. Volkspark Dutzendteich started as a simple recreation area. In the 17th century, it became a popular destination for outings. The first beer garden opened in 1638. A quaint inn, the “Wirtshaus am Dutzendteich,” was built in 1713. By the 19th century, visitors enjoyed boating, ice skating and sledding. Volkspark Dutzendteich’s development continued with the establishment of the “Dutzendteich-Park-Actiengesellschaft” in 1823. This company aimed to preserve and enhance the area’s recreational value. Transportation improved with the arrival of the Dutzendteich train station in 1870, followed by horse-drawn trams and eventually electric trams. More guesthouses sprung up around Volkspark Dutzendteich. The old inn was replaced by the “Park-Café-Wanner” in 1899. The area around Volkspark Dutzendteich was incorporated into Nuremberg between 1899 and 1905. The Bavarian State Exhibition in 1906 brought a unique attraction to Volkspark Dutzendteich. A lighthouse with an elevator and viewing platform. This popular landmark, sadly, met its demise in 1935, demolished to make way for the Nazi Congress Hall. The Tiergarten, Nuremberg’s zoo, was established on part of the exhibition grounds in 1912. The Nazi era brought significant changes to Volkspark Dutzendteich. The area was chosen for the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, partly due to its excellent transport links. The lake was divided by the “Große Straße,” creating the small and large Dutzendteich. The construction of the never-completed German Stadium resulted in the Silbersee. After World War II, Volkspark Dutzendteich was reclaimed as a recreational area. The Silbersee, initially used as a landfill, now forms part of the park along with the Silberbuck, a hill created from the debris. Today, Volkspark Dutzendteich is a bustling hub of activity. Walking, cycling, skating, and jogging paths wind around the water. Boat rentals are available in the summer, and ice skating is popular in the winter. The park also hosts large events like the Norisring DTM race and the Rock im Park music festival.