The Niddatal public park, also known as Niddapark, is the largest and most famous public park in Frankfurt, covering around 168 hectares. The Nidda, which borders the park to the north, gives it its name. The area is a landscape conservation area and is part of Frankfurt's Green Belt. The park borders Nordweststadt and Römerstadt to the north, Ginnheim to the east, Bockenheim and Hausen to the south and Praunheim to the west. Its natural appearance, as if it were far away from big city life, makes it a paradise for runners, walkers and cyclists. To the west, the park opens up with a wonderful view over seemingly endless flower and herb meadows with groups of trees, crossed by narrow paths and bordered by groves and bushes. In the distance, the Taunus and Feldberg rise up - or, to the southeast, the Europaturm and the Frankfurt skyline.
The first ideas for the park arose in 1914 with the aim of creating a park for various leisure activities. The project was first started in the 1960s as part of the application for the Federal Garden Show in 1969. However, the city distanced itself from the event for financial reasons. The idea of the Niddatal public park was realized for the Federal Garden Show, which was held for the first time in Frankfurt in 1989. A nationwide ideas competition was announced for this in 1981, which was won by Norfried Pohl from Berlin. According to his design, the design of the site is based on the principle that nature and people should be given their due. The Federal Garden Show proved to be an economic failure. After the elaborately designed plantings were dismantled, the area was opened to the public as a public park in 1990. The only reminders of the garden show are the water play park, which was completely renovated in 2013, the linden tree avenue and the sandstone bastions.
Today the park is a popular destination for runners, walkers, cyclists, dog owners, families and weekend trippers. The Nightingale Grove, the Praunheimer Grove and the Niedwiesen are grouped around the extensive, natural meadows in the center. Meadows and woodland alternate with spacious play areas, water playgrounds, allotments and sports fields. In the southern third of the park, recreational athletes can do their exercises in the fresh air on a fitness course.
SERVICE
NIDDATAL VOLKSPARK
Size: 168 hectares
Set up: after the Federal Garden Show (1989), redesigned in 1990 to its current form, water playground completely renovated in 2013
Catering: several restaurants in the central and western areas
WC: not available
Barrier-free: yes (park paths), there are stairs at some bastions
Opening times: always accessible
Admission: free
Protection: landscape conservation area, the green space regulations applyInternal Link
Most important rules: keep dogs on a leash (except in the dog run)