Cologne is a city that is known for its rich history and friendly people. There are many things to do in Cologne. However, it’s also home to some wonderful green spaces that are perfect for a relaxing day out. If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, here are five of the best parks and green spaces in Cologne.

1- Hiroshima-Nagasaki Park

Hiroshima-Nagasaki Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of Cologne, Germany. The park is named after the two Japanese cities that were destroyed by atomic bombs during World War II. The park is a fitting tribute to the victims of the bombings, and it is also a reminder of the importance of peace and international cooperation. It is home to a variety of trees and plants, as well as a large pond. Visitors can also find a statue of Buddha, which was donated by the city of Hiroshima. The park is a popular spot for picnics, walks, and fishing, and it is also a popular venue for events and concerts. In short, Hiroshima-Nagasaki Park is a peaceful oasis in the middle of a busy city.

The park also has an off-lead section (hundefreilaufflächen in German) where your dogs can run free, play with their furry-friends or just play ball. In summer, it can get very warm in the park. So don’t forget to bring water for them.  

2- Volksgarten

Cologne’s Volksgarten is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. Originally built as a private garden, it was opened to the public in 1854. Today, it is one of the most popular parks in the city, and it’s easy to see why. The park is spacious and well-tended, with a lovely pond and plenty of benches for visitors to relax on. You’ll also find table tennis (ping pong) tables in one corner of the park. The highlight of the park, however, is its stunning rose garden. With over 3,000 roses of every imaginable colour, it’s a veritable feast for the senses. Whether you’re looking for a place to take a relaxing stroll or simply want to enjoy some of Cologne’s most beautiful flowers, the Volksgarten is well worth a visit.

The park also has a cosy little biergarten called Hellers. It is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the park, it’s the perfect place to sit back and relax with a cold beer on a hot summer day. The biergarten has a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, and the beers are always cold and refreshing. The menu features a good selection of local and international beers. They also have some wines and spirits on offer.  If you’re feeling hungry, the biergarten offers a small selection of snacks, including pretzels, sausage, and cheese. In addition to the excellent food and drink, the biergarten also has a lovely view of the park and the city beyond. 

In addition, there is an enclosed dog park making it a great place to bring your four-legged fur family for a day of fun.

3- Klettenberg park

Klettenberg park is one of the most popular parks in Cologne, Germany. Situated in the north-west of the city, the park covers an area of around 38 hectares. It is home to a wide variety of trees and plants, as well as a number of sculptures and monuments. The park also has a playground, a tennis court and a football pitch. In addition, there is a small lake where visitors can go for a paddle in a canoe or rowboat. Klettenberg park is the perfect place to relax and get in touch with the outdoors. So if you’re ever in Cologne, make sure to pay a visit to this beautiful park.

If you have a dog and want to let him/ her run free, this is not the right park for you. However, the nearby Beethovenpark has an off-lead section for dogs.

4- Beethoven park

If you’re looking for a place to relax and take in some lovely scenery, then Beethoven Park is the perfect spot. This park is situated right in the heart of the city, and it offers great views of the skyline. The park is also home to a variety of different things, including a playground, a pond, and a number of sculptures. And, of course, no visit to Beethoven Park would be complete without taking a selfie with the statue of the great composer himself! So if you’re ever in Cologne, be sure to check out Beethoven Park – you won’t be disappointed.

5- Lindenthaler Tier Park

One of the highlights of Cologne is the Lindenthaler Tier Park. This massive park with a zoo is home to over 250 animals. Visitors can wander through the different habitats, getting up close and personal with some of the world’s most amazing creatures. There’s also a large playground for kids, as well as a cafe and picnic area for adults. In short, Lindenthaler Tier Park is the perfect place to spend a day in Cologne.

The zoo is very busy on weekends and public holidays. Many kindergartens and elementary schools take their children to the zoo to spend the morning in nature.

The park also gives you the opportunity to be a tree sponsor. The dry summers of the last few years have severely affected the trees in the zoo. Numerous trees were no longer stable and therefore had to be felled, which is very noticeable in the Lindenthaler Tierpark. A high tree population is important for the zoo, as the trees provide shade and improve air quality. The trees also provide food for birds and serve as breeding grounds. Becoming a tree sponsor helps massively with the preservation of the zoo!

6- Forstbotanischer Garten

The forest Botanical Garden is one of the most famous gardens in Cologne, Germany. It is also known as the Friedenwald. The garden was established in 1864 by the city’s forest administrator, Julius Schomaker. The garden covers an area of 52 hectares and is home to more than 4,000 species of plants from all over the world. The garden is divided into three main sections: the arboretum, the herbaceous garden, and the rose garden. The arboretum is home to a wide variety of trees from all over the world, including a number of rare and endangered species. The herbaceous garden is a beautifully landscaped space that features a wide range of flowers and plants. The rose garden is one of the most popular places in the garden, with more than 1,000 different varieties of roses on display. Visitors to the garden can also enjoy a number of other attractions, such as the greenhouse, the butterfly house, and the bird aviary.

Guided tours take place every first Wednesday of the month at 2:30 p.m. and every third Saturday of the month at 3 p.m. The meeting point is the shelter mushroom in the centre of the forest botanical garden. Guided tours on specific topics (e.g. rhododendrons, wild animals) for groups, school classes and kindergartens are offered by arrangement.

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the forest botanical garden.

7- Stadtgarten park

Stadtgarten park is one of the most popular places in Cologne. Situated in the heart of the city, the park is a great place to relax and enjoy the fresh air. The park is also home to a beer garden and music venue making it a great place to just chill with your friends and family. In the evening time, you’ll see loads of parakeets flying around. Stadtgarten also hosts an amazing Christmas market during the Christmas market season. 

8- Zooflorastrasse  

Zooflorastrasse in Cologne is a haven for dog lovers. This long, straight stretch is lined with trees and grassy areas, making it the perfect place to walk your four-legged friend off-lead. It extends from the Zoo area to Niehl. There are also spots where you can take a picnic blanket and enjoy the weather during spring, summer and early autumn months. 

FYI, there are plenty of rabbits in the area. Make sure your dog doesn’t just run off chasing one.

9- Rheinpark

Rheinpark is one of Cologne’s most popular parks, and it’s not hard to see why. It was created for the Federal Horticultural Show in 1957 and is still largely the same today. The park is situated on the banks of the Rhine River, offering stunning views of the city skyline. It’s also a great place to take a leisurely stroll or have a picnic lunch. The park isn’t just for humans; it’s also a haven for dogs. There are plenty of open spaces for dogs to run around, and there are even a cafe where owners can enjoy a cup of coffee while their four-legged friends socialise. So whether you’re looking for a place to relax or a place to play with your pup, Rheinpark is definitely worth a visit. And thanks to its central location, Rheinpark is just a short walk from many of Cologne’s top attractions. 

In the middle of the park, under the Zoobrücke, there is a public family park with a streetball and basketball field, two trampolines, a climbing wall and lanes for BMX and skateboarding. You’ll also find a mini car track and a minigolf course. 

Also, from March to October, there are narrow-gauge trains that make their rounds through the park on a two-kilometre stretch.

And there you have it! The best parks in Cologne. We hope you find it useful. If you’re in Cologne for a longer period and have some extra time for nearby trips, check out our post on the best day trips from Cologne. If you’re in the city with your partner, we’ve also put together a list of romantic things to do in Cologne. Enjoy your stay!