Within the borders of Frankfurt’s city center, it’s not as easy to find some green spots, especially if you don’t know where to look for them.
Between Konstablerwache and Berger Straße (a very nice street in Bornheim with pretty cafés and shops) the Bethmannpark is a hidden gem.
As the park is surrounded by a wall and only has a few entrance gates, it isn’t very obvious even if you pass by. But once you have found your way (just keep walking along the walls on Friedberger Landstraße or Friedberger Anlage), you will forget that major traffic roads pass by right next to the park.
The Bethmannpark has many neat flowerbeds and plant arrangements along the broad walkways. Many benches invite you to sit down and relax, especially on sunny days, and it’s fun to watch groups of elder men playing outdoor chess on a huge chessboard on the ground. There is also a playground for children.
The biggest surprise, however, is waiting behind some other white walls and a large wooden gate within the middle of park:
The “Garten des himmlischen Friedens” (Translation: garden of heavenly peace, in memory of the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989), a little Chinese garden which is even more quiet than the Bethmannpark and it will capture you with its magic right away.
Original Chinese Pavilions, a pond with water lilies, a little waterfall and very old trees create a very calming atmosphere.
If you like photo sessions, the park offers the perfect scenery, too.
