Castle parks, botanical gardens, nature parks – each has its own unique charm and plays an important role in preserving rare plant and animal species. Our international Green PearlsⓇ partners have given us their personal recommendations for the most beautiful parks in Germany, Europe, Asia and South America. Some of them are world famous, others are real insider tips. But see for yourself!

Schwanseepark in Bavaria combines nature and fairytale castles

Beneath the famous royal castle of Hohenschwangau lies Schwanseepark. The plans for the English-style palace garden were drawn up in 1837 by garden architect Carl August Sckell. His uncle Ludwig Sckell had previously designed the English Garden in Munich. A characteristic of this style of garden design is its closeness to nature. Instead of fences, hedges and geometry, you’ll find undulating landscapes, lakes and vast lawns.

Once a year, the landscapers at Swan Lake Park mow the park’s meadows to create a species-rich seedbed. The sustainable hotel Das Rübezahl near Hohenschwangau Castle has now sown these seeds around the hotel’s own mountain hut, the Rohrkopfhütte. The results will be seen next year.

“Flower Island” Mainau in Lake Constance is a Year-Round Attraction

If you want to immerse yourself in a sea of flowers, Mainau Island is the place to be! Famous among flower lovers, the island is one of the most popular destinations in the Lake Constance region. The island is about 20 kilometers from Naturresort Gerbehof. You can get there by boat, bicycle, public transport or your own car (there is a pedestrian and car bridge to the mainland). The flower season starts every spring with an orchid show where you can admire over 3000 orchids. However, the island’s parks are a year-round attraction. Check the website to see what’s in bloom.

Phuket’s Botanical Garden is home to exotic aquatic plants

Located about 45 minutes from the sustainable resort of Keemala, the Phuket Botanical Garden hosts many exotic plant species. You’ll walk through jungle vines, gaze at vibrant flower heads, and feel like you’re in another world. The plants here enjoy warm temperatures and humidity all year round.  You can also be enchanted by the Thai flora in the garden and forest surrounding Keemala itself. During the construction of the resort, care was taken to preserve the tropical nature as well as the natural lien of the landscape and not to cut down any trees. As a result, the villas appear to be in the middle of an “Enchanted forest”.

Orchid garden in Peru presents ten new species to science

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel has the world’s largest collection of native orchid species in their natural habitat and is a major supporter of orchid research. There are 372 different species on the property, many of which are exclusive to Peru. “Ten species of orchids have been newly discovered by science,” they proudly tell us. In August 2023, some of Inkaterra’s orchids were even featured in an exhibition in Singapore. As a guest, you can explore the orchid garden with a nature guide and also observe birds and butterflies attracted to the flowers.

Mljet National Park in Croatia is peace and adventure at the same time

“For those looking for a captivating adventure, a catamaran ride away lies the Mljet National Park, where saltwater lakes and a tranquil monastery are waiting to be discovered,” says ECO-APARTHOTEL THE DREAMER’S CLUB on the island of Korčula. In Mljet you will find lush Mediterranean vegetation and sandy beaches. You can explore the National Park on foot or by bike and find many quiet corners.

The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Dolomites are a mountain range in the Italian Alps. Their distinctive feature is the dolomite rock from which the mountains are made. In the heart of the UNESCO Natural Park of the Dolomites, the Paradiso Pure.Living Hotel is located at an altitude of 2000 meters on the Alpe di Siusi. “The most famous peaks, Sassolungo, Sassopiatto, Santner and Rosengarten, form the bizarre shape of the horizon in this area,” says the hotel. “Our natural park offers great opportunities for winter mountain sports, summer hiking, biking, climbing and meditation in panoramic landscapes.”

Nagelfluh Nature Park – Discover unspoiled nature

The Nagelfluh Nature Park is located directly at the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu and is one of the many nature experiences that open up directly in front of the sustainable hotel. The nature park crosses borders and is located in both Germany and Austria. There are 24 kilometers of mountains, 13 peaks, forests, lakes and rivers in this unique natural area. You can explore the park on your own or book a tour with a park ranger.

Twietmeyer Park Garden is a Private Insider Tip

A lesser-known park is Parkgarten Twietmeyer, near the eco-hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe. “The garden is private and can be visited by appointment or used for photo shoots,” say Maren and Kristin Okelmann. “Several times a year there are plant markets or wine festivals. Combined with a short vacation with us, we think it would be great.”

Trauttmannsdorff Castle near Merano is home to a variety of parks

The gardens around Trauttmannsdorff Castle are famous. There are a total of 80 gardens with four different themes: “Mediterranean Flair,” “Geometric Beds,” “Miniature Forests,” and “Native Plants.” Due to the difference in altitude of 100 meters within the park, there are wonderful viewpoints. We recommend the Hotel Weihrerhof on the Ritten as a green destination nearby. The family-run (and family-friendly) hotel lays in the midst of nature on a bathing lake, surrounded by natural forest.

The Brocken Garden protects rare alpine plants

Finally, the Naturresort Schindelbruch in the southern Harz Mountains recommended the Brocken Garden. The botanical garden has existed on the forested summit of the Brocken since 1890. There are about 1500 species of plants to marvel at – from all the high mountains of the world! The Brocken is renowned for its extreme temperature fluctuations, constant weather changes, fog and hurricanes – the plants are uniquely adapted to these extreme conditions and produce, for example, their own antifreeze.

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