As you approach the park, a sense of history washes over you. This is Friedenspark, a 4.5-hectare green haven in the heart of Cologne. It wasn’t always called Friedenspark – it was originally nameless, a silent witness to the first years of the 20th century. In 1914, it was given the name Hindenburgpark. This park was born from a desire to transform the fortresses that once guarded the city. It was garden architect Fritz Encke who envisioned this peaceful space. He incorporated the walls and moats of the ancient Fort I, now known as the Rheinschanze, into his design, creating an evocative blend of nature and history. You can still see the overgrowth of the fortress walls, a testament to the park’s transformation. In 1985, the park was finally renamed to Friedenspark, reflecting its peaceful spirit.
Skulpturenpark Stammheim
A golden winged pug surveys the Rhine. That’s how many remember the Skulpturenpark Stammheim. This isn’t just any park. It’s