You want to get some healthy dose of movement outdoors and live in the city? Choose one of our list of best parks in Essen!
Grugapark
Of course our 1. as one of the most beautiful parks in Europe had to be the famous Grugapark. With its central location, mesmerising gardens and countless interesting spots it is a perfect location to spend your free time. Since the weather in Essen tends to be cloudy, this park can get very busy once sun shows up.
This is the only park on our list that charges entry fee (to prices: https://www.grugapark.de/besuchen/besuchen_1.en.html). For frequent visitors we recommend purchasing a seasonal ticket.
Perfect for: jogging, walks, yoga, rollerskating, activities with kids
Interesting spots:
- Thermal Spa – swimming, Aqua-Fitness-Courses
- Spot for boule
- Low ropes Course
- Barefoot paths
- Many different playgrounds for kids
- Beach volleyball court
- Badminton court
- Outdoor giant chess board
- Playhouse for kids
- Trampolines
- Table tennis
- Path for rollerskating
Beware: slacklining is forbidden here, as it’s not good for trees health
Krupp-Park
This relatively new park opened in 2009 offers long walking and biking paths, big meadows and couple of new sport courts. Fish populated lake, lots of open space and a charming industial landscape of ruhr tech campus (especially at sunset) make the visit here very enjoyable.
Perfect for: biking, jogging, badminton, football, beach volleyball, skating, kite flying, skating
Interesting spots:
- Beach volleyball court,
- Basketball court,
- Football court,
- Fitness area,
- Skatepark
- Playground for kids
Hallopark
Hallopark with its biggest meadow in Essen and forest part traversed by many narrow pathways offers soothing environment for active relax. If a dose of solitude is what you are looking for, this place is your refuge.
Perfect for: hiking, dog walking, frisbee, badminton
Interesting spots:
- Chess / cards playtable with seats
- Ping-pong table
- Playground for kids
- Dog park
- Airfield for model aircrafts
Löwental
This is more of a big playground than an actual park, but it gives a lot of opportunities for recreation. Uniqe location at the bend of river Ruhr provides an additional opportunity to try out some water sports like stand-up paddleboard or canoeing.
Perfect for: calistenics, stand-up paddleboard, canoeing, activities with kids
Interesting spots:
- Calisthenics Park
- Skatepark
- Beach volleyball field
- Basketball field
- Stand-up paddle rental
- Playground for kids with sandbox
Niederfeldsee
This man made – yet full of life – lake is a very popular hangout spot for local communities. Especially in sommer it serves as a favourite rest spot for bikers and other sport enthusiasts, as the longest bike lane in Germany cuts through this park. Running races are held here quite frequently, as – fun fact – the route around the lake is exactly 1km. If you decide to jog there too, beware of the geese! (but seriously – they are friendly).
Perfect for: biking, skatig, running, jogging, stairclimbing, boulen (rent at Radmosphere),
Interestig spots:
- Spot for boule
- Giant chess board
Btw. I am living near NIederfeldsee. If you happen to be at the Radmosphäre let me know and we’ll grab a coffee!
Brehminsel
Not quite an island, since its connected to the land, but still a lovely spot for some outdoor fun. Here you can escape city noise and sunbathe on a beautiful meadow after nice workout.
Perfect for: activities with kids, yoga, slacklining, calisthenics, football
Interesting spots:
- Playground for kids
- Soccer field
- Pedal boat rental
Siepental
It’s a beatiful valley with big meadows and playgrounds to play. Your four-legged friend will also be happy to visit here with 2 awesome dog parks available. Also, trees blooming in the spring are a fairytale sight to see!
Perfect for: activities with kids, skating, jogging
Highlights:
- Playground for kids with longest slide in Essen
- 2 spacious dog parks
- Community garden
City Garden
At the very center of Essen you will find this small green oasis with a little lake. Certainly not big enough for a bike trip but a refreshing jogging round after work will do its job.
Perfect for: jogging, yoga, lunchtime stroll, skating
Highlights:
- Spot for boule
- Kids playground with tire swings and metal slides
Helenenpark
This bushy and a bit chaotic park is a choice for you if you look for piece and quiet. Introverts will surely find much-needed solitude here. Also take your dog with you!
Perfect for: biking, rollerskating, dog walks
Highlights:
- Secluded playground for kids with bog sandbox
- Outdoor tennis courts (Tennisclub Helene)
- Big dog park