The anticipation is palpable as the moment everyone in Neuss and beyond has been waiting for draws ever closer: the Landesgartenschau startet soon! This eagerly awaited regional garden show, set to transform the city, is more than just an exhibition of flora; it's a testament to urban renewal, ecological foresight, and community spirit. From April 16th to October 11th, 2026, Neuss will become a vibrant hub, inviting visitors to explore a unique landscape reborn from an unexpected past.
Far from a typical garden show, the Landesgartenschau in Neuss distinguishes itself by its audacious transformation of a former horse racing track into a sprawling, modern city park. This ambitious project epitomizes innovation in urban planning, turning what Mayor Reiner Breuer (SPD) once called a "Lost Place"—a spatially delimited and disused area—into a dynamic space for recreation, leisure, culture, and tradition. Preparations are in full swing, with final touches being meticulously applied to ensure everything is perfect for the grand opening ceremony, which will be attended by Minister-President Hendrik Wüst.
From Racetrack to Oasis: The Unique Transformation of Neuss
What makes the Neuss Landesgartenschau truly special is its origin story. Unlike many garden shows that revitalize industrial brownfields, this project started with the venerable horse racing track, a site that had seen its last racehorses thunder across its sands in late 2019. This distinctive starting point presented both challenges and unparalleled opportunities for creative landscape design and historical integration. The vision was not to erase the past but to weave it into the fabric of the future, creating a place that honors its heritage while embracing new purposes.
Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future: Visitors will find that the racing track's history is not merely acknowledged but celebrated. Numerous distinctive features have been carefully preserved and repurposed. The prominent grandstand building, visible from afar, stands as a majestic reminder of bygone days. The powerful floodlight system, once illuminating evening races, now lights pathways and features within the new park. Even the small tower along the track and the circular sand track itself have been given new life. The latter is set to become a vital dry biotop, providing essential habitat for a diverse array of animals and plants, showcasing a remarkable example of ecological repurposing.
The historical narrative extends even to the park's playful elements. One of the children's playgrounds features two plastic riding horses, facing forward as if anticipating a race, inviting children to climb and imagine. Former stable doors have found new purpose at the skater pavilion, part of the extensive sports facilities on the 38-hectare site. These thoughtful integrations ensure that the spirit of the old racetrack lives on, transformed but not forgotten, providing a fascinating layer of discovery for all who visit.
A Blooming Paradise: What to Expect from the Green Spectacle
True to its nature as a garden show, the Landesgartenschau promises an explosion of horticultural beauty and innovative green solutions. The organizers have dedicated over 20,000 square meters to flowering displays, creating a breathtaking tapestry of colors and scents that will evolve with the seasons. As the Landesgartenschau startet, tulips currently dominate the landscape, painting vast areas with their vibrant hues. Looking ahead, 1,000 square meters will be dedicated to roses, expected to burst into bloom around late May or early June, depending on the weather, adding another layer of visual splendor.
Beyond the cultivated beds, sustainability and ecological diversity are central themes. An impressive 13,000 square meters are planned for meadow seeding, contributing to biodiversity and offering natural, low-maintenance landscapes. These meadows will not only be beautiful but also provide crucial habitats for insects and small wildlife, embodying the show's commitment to ecological balance.
Horticultural Excellence and Climate Adaptation: The Landesgartenschau is also a platform for horticultural innovation. The professional associations of the North Rhine-Westphalia Horticultural Association (Landesverband Gartenbau NRW) are presenting two dedicated exhibition contributions, with nearly 60 member businesses participating. Nurseries and ornamental plant growers showcase their expertise across an area exceeding 1,500 square meters, focusing specifically on how urban greening can contribute to climate adaptation. Visitors will discover various "micro-forests" featuring climate-resilient trees, offering practical insights and inspiration for creating sustainable green spaces in urban environments. This focus on future-proof planting is a critical aspect, demonstrating how horticulture can play a vital role in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
Adding another layer of interest, a specific section of the park is dedicated to the theme of grave design (Grabgestaltung). Here, cemetery gardeners present modern and thoughtful design possibilities for graves, blending art, remembrance, and horticulture in a sensitive and innovative way.
Fun for All Ages: Activities, Playgrounds, and Sports
The Landesgartenschau in Neuss is designed to be an inclusive destination, offering a wide array of activities that cater to all ages and interests. It’s a place where families can spend quality time together, where sports enthusiasts can stay active, and where children can unleash their imagination in creatively designed play areas. The entire grounds are meticulously designed to be barrier-free, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
Playgrounds for Every Imagination:
- Racetrack Playground: Featuring the aforementioned plastic horses, this playground playfully integrates the site's equestrian history, inviting children to climb, ride, and dream.
- Roman Playground: Neuss has a rich Roman history, and this playground celebrates it with a small city gate and an engaging water and mud area, perfect for sensory play and exploration.
- Rabbit Playground: Designed for adventure, this area encourages children to explore through wooden structures and tunnels, mimicking the winding paths of a rabbit warren.
Active Pursuits and Sport Facilities:
For those looking to engage in sports or maintain their fitness, the Landesgartenschau offers excellent facilities:
- A dedicated basketball court.
- Two outdoor fitness areas, equipped for various exercises.
- A vibrant beach volleyball area.
- A skate park for enthusiasts. A practical tip for skaters: Remember to bring your own skateboard, as there is no rental service for sports and play equipment on site.
This diverse range of activities ensures that every visitor, whether seeking tranquility among the blooms or an energetic afternoon, will find something to enjoy.
Planning Your Visit: Routes, Timing, and Practical Tips
To help visitors navigate the extensive 38-hectare site and make the most of their experience, the organizers have proposed three distinct routes, each leading to different highlights of the Landesgartenschau. These circular paths vary in length: 1 kilometer, 1.5 kilometers, and 2.5 kilometers. While these routes offer a structured way to see key attractions, the organizers emphasize that they don't cover everything. To truly immerse yourself in all that the Landesgartenschau has to offer, a full day is highly recommended.
Getting There: Neuss is well-connected, and the city park is easily accessible. Visitors arriving by public transport can reach the grounds conveniently via the Stadtbahn, disembarking near the old town. From there, a pleasant stroll past a giant Ferris wheel leads directly to the expansive new city park, promising delightful views even before entry.
Maximizing Your Day:
- Allocate Enough Time: Don't rush it. A full day allows for leisurely exploration, enjoying the different themed gardens, participating in activities, and perhaps even catching a cultural event.
- Check the Schedule: While the core attractions are permanent, the Landesgartenschau will undoubtedly host a dynamic program of events, workshops, and performances throughout its 179-day run. Checking the official event calendar before your visit can help you tailor your day to include specific interests.
- Pack Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Depending on the weather, bring sun protection or rain gear. For sports enthusiasts, remember your skateboard or other personal equipment.
- Stay Hydrated and Refreshed: While specific details on food vendors aren't in the provided context, garden shows typically offer ample opportunities for refreshments. Plan for breaks to relax and refuel.
The Landesgartenschau in Neuss is poised to attract thousands of tourists and spectators from across North Rhine-Westphalia and beyond. Its long duration, from mid-April to mid-October, means that each visit will offer a different perspective as the seasons change and new flowers come into bloom. It’s an evolving landscape, promising fresh discoveries with every return.
The Landesgartenschau startet represents a remarkable achievement in urban development and environmental design. It's a vibrant demonstration of how creative vision can transform disused spaces into thriving community assets, blending history with innovation and recreation with ecological responsibility. Neuss is not just hosting a garden show; it's unveiling a new chapter for its urban landscape, inviting everyone to witness and enjoy this extraordinary transformation. Make sure to plan your visit and experience this blooming spectacle for yourself.