Hidden among the streets of Hamburg-Lokstedt lies a secret haven. A haven for rhododendrons and history. This is the Lűttge-Garten.
The Lűttge-Garten isn’t just any garden. It’s a meticulously crafted rhododendron park a testament to the vision of garden architect Gustav Lűttge. He envisioned a space showcasing the incredible variety of rhododendron species. He began in 1958. He even started breeding new varieties himself.
Lűttge’s fascination began in 1952. He met rhododendron breeder Dietrich Hobbie. Hobbie’s collection ignited Lűttge’s passion. The city of Hamburg offered Lűttge a plot of land. He even acquired an adjacent plot for his home. This small garden is roughly 110 meters long a trapezoid shape covering approximately 3900 square meters. It’s nestled between the streets Schwübb Hinter der Lieth and Liethwisch.
Lűttge designed the garden in two parts. A formal section near his house featured stone-walled flowerbeds. The park-like section boasts about 110 different rhododendron varieties. Many bear the mark of Lűttge’s breeding work. His untimely death in 1964 sadly prevented him from fully realizing his ambitions.
Following Lűttge’s passing the garden fell into disrepair. It became overgrown and neglected. But more than two decades later a change came. In 2004 the Friends of the Lűttge-Garten in Hamburg-Lokstedt e V was formed. This group worked tirelessly. They renatured restored and revived the garden. They made it more accessible to the public starting in 2008.
Since 2011 the Lűttge-Garten has been a protected landmark. In 2020 the Hamburg-Eimsbüttel district council funded a conservation and development plan. They ensured the garden would thrive for generations to come.
More than just a garden the Lűttge-Garten is a living tribute. A tribute to Gustav Lűttge’s vision. It’s a place of beauty resilience and a testament to community effort. So take a moment to appreciate this hidden gem of Hamburg. Discover the colorful blooms and the rich history. This is the Lűttge-Garten. Remember its story.