Serene Von-Eicken-Park beckons you. Its tranquil beauty hides a rich history. In 1819 Carl Heinrich von Eicken a Hamburg tobacco entrepreneur created this green space. He designed it as a garden for his still existing villa.
The park’s charm lies not only in its beauty. It also boasts a fascinating water feature. The Schillingsbek a small stream flows through it. This stream originates near Hagenbeck’s Tierpark. It meanders for 1.9 kilometers before meeting the Kollau. Within Von-Eicken-Park the Schillingsbek forms two pond-like widenings. The first serves as a rainwater retention basin.
Recently the retention basin underwent renovations. This was part of a compensatory measure. Now the Schillingsbek flows in a new stream bed. This allows the stream section to fulfill important ecological functions. Small fish and microorganisms thrive here. The water quality has significantly improved. This is thanks to the rerouting of rainwater from surrounding built-up areas. Also preventing duck feeding and leaf litter helped.
The park’s biodiversity is remarkable. Many waterfowl live around the pond. From a lovely seat near the Schillingsbek’s new bed you can observe greylag geese mallards common pochards and tufted ducks. Following the stream eastward leads to a second pond Feddersenteich. Here you leave Von-Eicken-Park. You can still follow the Schillingsbek through open meadows. It’s easy to forget you’re in the heart of a bustling city.
Close to the villa is a children’s playground. It sits in the shade of a roughly 150-year-old oak tree. Other majestic trees add to the park’s allure. These include two powerful copper beeches old plane trees a tulip tree winged nut trees and bald cypresses by the pond. Von-Eicken-Park a significant historical green space is a testament to Hamburg’s thoughtful integration of nature and urban life. It’s a place where history and nature beautifully intertwine. Its story unfolds with every rustle of leaves every gentle flow of the Schillingsbek. And every playful squeal of a child in the playground. Enjoy this hidden treasure.