Botanical Garden University of Duisburg-Essen
A sprawling green oasis in Essen, Grugapark offers botanical gardens, a petting zoo, sculptures, and recreational spaces for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Botanical Garden University of Duisburg-Essen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling green oasis in Essen, Grugapark offers botanical gardens, a petting zoo, sculptures, and recreational spaces for all ages.
"Grugapark Essen is a must-visit for its beauty, diverse attractions, and family-friendly atmosphere."
🎯 Full Day Exploration
The park is vast! Allocate a full day to truly discover its many wonders.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
With a €5 entry fee, it's a great value for a full day of enjoyment. Students may get discounts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Botanical Gardens
Various sections within the park
Discover diverse plant collections, including a serene bonsai garden and vibrant flower beds.

The Waterfall & Geological Wall
Near the main entrance
Experience the power of a waterfall up close and marvel at the ancient rock strata of the Geological Wall.

Humorous Sculptures
Scattered throughout the park
Encounter whimsical and artistic sculptures that add a playful touch to your stroll.

Bee House
Designated area
Learn about bees and purchase organic skincare products and charming bee-themed souvenirs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Grugapark Essen
Respectful Exploration is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Full Day Exploration
The park is vast! Allocate a full day to truly discover its many wonders.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
With a €5 entry fee, it's a great value for a full day of enjoyment. Students may get discounts.
🧺 Picnic & BBQ Ready
Designated areas are available for picnics and barbecues, perfect for a family outing.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Full Day Exploration
The park is vast! Allocate a full day to truly discover its many wonders.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
With a €5 entry fee, it's a great value for a full day of enjoyment. Students may get discounts.
🧺 Picnic & BBQ Ready
Designated areas are available for picnics and barbecues, perfect for a family outing.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Beauty
Bring your camera or phone to capture the stunning landscapes and unique sculptures. :iphone:
🤫 Be Mindful of Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance and avoid feeding them, especially birds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Grugapark Essen is widely praised for its beauty, diverse attractions, and family-friendly atmosphere, offering a relaxing escape with stunning views and recreational opportunities. While most visitors enjoy the park's natural charm and value, some concerns have been raised regarding the welfare of birds in certain enclosures and occasional inconsistent staff interactions.
"Relaxing and exciting at the same time. I’d love to highlight my favorite elements and aspects.
3 elements:
1) The waterfall. You can get really up close and still be safe. A win win.
2) The Geological Wall. Rock strata, coal mines, seams and seismic shifts. 15 meters wide and created around a century ago. Wow. Absolutely amazing and touching.
3) The Mendel flower bed of hereditary tree. Such clarity. Adorable.
3 aspects:
1) The park is dotted with humorous sculptures.
2) The park balances vast open spaces with intimate and shaded nooks.
3) The park is culturally diverse. It incorporates aesthetic ideals from around the world and different eras in time.
Fans of bees, don’t miss the bee house where you can buy organic skincare products, from soaps to creams. Candles are available, too. And the cutest bee fluffies (stuffed animals)!"
Handan Bao
"Pretty views most definitely!! There is one con however that absolutely took this review from 5 to 3 starts, and thats the treatment of the birds. It is very obvious that they aren’t fed well because they’re all either sick or want no interaction with humans at all. It was such a horror scene seeing featherless birds on display. Besides that the views were wonderful and I had a nice time."
Minatullah Hama
"Definitely one of the best parks in Essen. There is 5 euro entry fee but the park is so big that you can spend an entire day there. Its ideal for family picnics."
alveena mir
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Grugapark Essen is easily accessible by public transport. You can take trams or buses to stations near the park entrances. Driving is also an option, with parking available, though it can get busy.
Yes, Grugapark Essen is well-connected by public transport. Several tram and bus lines stop within walking distance of the park's entrances, making it convenient to reach without a car.
There are parking facilities available at Grugapark Essen. However, during peak times or special events, parking can become limited, so arriving early is recommended.
Cycling to Grugapark Essen is a pleasant option, with dedicated bike paths in the surrounding areas. There are usually bike racks available near the entrances for secure parking. :bike:
Grugapark Essen is located in the eastern part of the city, not directly in the absolute city center, but it's easily reachable from there via public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard entry fee for Grugapark Essen is €5. This fee allows access to the entire park for the day.
Yes, students can often get a discount on the entry fee. It's always a good idea to inquire at the ticket counter about any available group rates or special discounts.
Grugapark Essen generally has long opening hours, often from early morning until late evening, especially during summer. It's best to check the official website for the most current hours, as they can vary seasonally. :clock1:
While tickets are readily available at the entrance, it's advisable to check the official Grugapark Essen website to see if online ticket purchasing is an option, which can sometimes save time. :ticket:
Grugapark Essen is generally open year-round, though specific attractions or facilities within the park might have seasonal operating times. The park itself remains a beautiful place to visit in all seasons. :evergreen_tree:
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Grugapark boasts a variety of attractions including botanical gardens, a petting zoo, an aviary, playgrounds, barbecue areas, and unique sculptures.
Absolutely! Grugapark is very family-friendly, with numerous playgrounds, open spaces for running, and a petting zoo that kids adore.
Yes, Grugapark has designated areas for picnics and barbecues, making it an ideal spot for a family outing or a gathering with friends.
Grugapark often hosts special events, including the popular 'Parkleuchten' (Park Lights) festival, which transforms the park into a magical illuminated wonderland.
You can expect a rich variety of flora, including diverse botanical collections, themed gardens like the bonsai garden, and seasonal flower displays. The park also features water elements like a waterfall.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Grugapark Essen typically has cafes and restaurants where you can purchase food and drinks. These offer convenient options for refueling during your visit. :coffee:
You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks, especially for picnics. There are many lovely spots throughout the park to enjoy your meal.
The food options usually include typical park fare like snacks, light meals, ice cream, and beverages. Specific offerings can vary between the different food outlets within the park. :ice_cream:
While specific menus can change, most cafes in public parks aim to offer a range of options, which may include vegetarian or vegan choices. It's best to check with the staff upon arrival. :leafy_green:
At the Bee House, you can purchase organic skincare products like soaps and creams, as well as candles and bee-themed stuffed animals.
📸 📸 Photography
The botanical gardens, the waterfall, the geological wall, and the various sculptures offer fantastic photo opportunities. The 'Parkleuchten' event is also a photographer's dream.
Photography is generally allowed in most public areas of Grugapark Essen for personal use. However, always be respectful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography in certain exhibits. :camerawithflash:
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks to ensure the safety and privacy of visitors. It's advisable to check the park's regulations or contact them directly if you have specific drone photography needs. :noentrysign:
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. However, the park is picturesque throughout the day, and special events like 'Parkleuchten' offer unique nighttime photo opportunities.
Yes, you can take photos of the animals, but always do so respectfully. Avoid using flash photography, which can disturb them, and maintain a safe distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for the whimsical sculptures scattered throughout the park, which add an element of fun and discovery for younger visitors. The variety of attractions ensures that there's something to capture every child's imagination, from the animal encounters to the simple joy of running free in nature.
🚶♀️ Couples and Day-Trippers
Day-trippers will find Grugapark an excellent escape. Its accessibility via public transport and the reasonable entry fee make it an easy and rewarding destination. You can easily spend a full day here, exploring the gardens, enjoying a picnic, and soaking in the natural beauty without feeling rushed.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts and Garden Lovers
Beyond the curated gardens, the park offers naturalistic landscapes, water features like a waterfall, and opportunities to observe local wildlife. It's a place to connect with nature, learn about different plant species, and enjoy the tranquility of a well-maintained green space.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Botanical Diversity
Beyond the general flora, specific areas like the Mendel flower bed of hereditary trees offer a glimpse into botanical heritage and clarity in nature's design [^Reviews]. The park's commitment to showcasing diverse plant life makes it a significant green space for both relaxation and learning. Whether you're a seasoned botanist or a casual visitor, the sheer variety and beauty of the plant life are sure to impress.
It's worth noting that while the park is a sanctuary for plants, visitors are reminded to appreciate them without touching or disturbing them, ensuring their preservation for future enjoyment. The careful curation of these botanical spaces contributes significantly to the park's overall appeal and educational value.
A Day of Family Fun and Recreation
The park's design thoughtfully balances vast open areas with more intimate, shaded nooks, providing both opportunities for active play and quiet relaxation. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of family preferences. Visitors often highlight the humorous sculptures scattered throughout the park, which add an element of surprise and delight for younger explorers [^Reviews].
Planning a visit with children is made easier by the park's amenities. While the entry fee is modest, the value for a full day of family entertainment is immense. Remember to pack essentials like snacks, drinks, and comfortable shoes for a seamless and enjoyable family adventure. The park's commitment to providing a safe and engaging environment for all ages is a key reason for its popularity among local families.
Understanding Visitor Experiences and Park Management
However, some reviews point to areas for improvement, particularly concerning the treatment of birds in certain enclosures. Concerns have been raised about the health and well-being of some birds, with visitors noting visible signs of distress or illness [^Reviews]. This aspect has led to disappointment for some, detracting from an otherwise positive experience.
There have also been instances of inconsistent staff interactions, with one review detailing a negative encounter with a park employee that left visitors feeling unwelcome [^Reviews]. While the park aims to provide a positive experience for all, these isolated incidents suggest a need for ongoing staff training in customer service and diversity inclusivity to ensure all visitors feel respected and valued. Despite these criticisms, the park's natural beauty and recreational opportunities continue to draw many visitors.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit