“Flower Splendor & Forest Idyll”: The Bad Lippspringe Garden Show Park remains true to the theme of the 2017 State Garden Show. Emerging from the successful exhibition that drew around 600,000 visitors, it has since combined colorful garden design and artistic landscape architecture in Kaiser-Karls-Park with a staged forest backdrop. This setting offers not only sensorially rich themed gardens but also expansive play areas nestled among trees that are decades old—a unique interplay of nature and design.
As soon as they enter the 30-hectare grounds in this health resort known for its therapeutic climate, visitors are greeted by the imposing fountain. With its artistic interplay of water and light, it captures everyone’s attention. But the true splendor of color unfolds along the Flower Promenade: More than 70,000 flowers adorn the flower beds, carefully arranged by landscape gardeners. Especially in spring, columbines, wallflowers, daisies, ranunculus, and pansies enchant visitors with their wide variety of hues. Complemented by tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and ornamental alliums, a natural masterpiece unfolds here that captivates all who behold it.
Art in the Park
Behind the Flower Promenade, another world of discovery opens up: Those who reach the end and step onto the barefoot trail can feel different surfaces underfoot, such as stone, sand, or mulch. After this sensory experience, the path leads into the wooded areas of the park, including Dünental, where thematically designed spaces for rest and relaxation invite visitors to pause and reflect. A special highlight is the Garden of Faith, where seven religions and worldviews come together. Not far away are the gardens of the sister cities Newbridge and Templin, as well as the Scent and Sound Garden. The Reading Garden offers a quiet retreat for book lovers.
An impressive example of the connection between art and nature is the bog oak sculpture in the garden of the sister city Newbridge. Created by artist Brian O’Loughlin from a 5,000-year-old Irish bog oak, it symbolizes the deep connection between the past and the present. This artistic signature runs throughout the entire garden show park.
The two play areas in the northern part of the park, dedicated to elves and trolls, are particularly imaginative. Here, young adventurers can climb across net structures, rest in floating cocoons, or conquer the six-meter-high troll castle before hurtling down a tube slide. The Gruffalo Trail sparks literary enthusiasm: Five oversized wooden figures from the well-known children’s book line the path and invite visitors on a playful journey of discovery. The Gruffalo himself is the friendly host.
Annual Event Highlights
In addition to the permanent attractions, seasonal events ensure that every visit offers a fresh experience. Whether it’s “Sand Worlds,” park illuminations, or the Pumpkin Festival—the Garden Show Park transforms into a magical stage for special occasions. During “Sand Worlds,” for example, impressive sand sculptures adorn the paths. In 2024, soccer stars and trophies from the European Championship drew crowds, while the year before, models of regional landmarks such as Sparrenburg Castle, the Hermann Monument, and Paderborn Cathedral were faithfully recreated in sand. The World Heritage Site of Corvey in Höxter, with its Carolingian westwork, was also artfully brought to life here.
A visit to the park can be perfectly combined with a tour of Bad Lippspringe. This charming little town, with a population of around 17,000, delights visitors with its historic sights. The medieval ruins of Lippspringe Castle, Arminius Park, and the Arminius Spring are just a few of the highlights. Particularly popular is the Fountain Temple with its elegant white columns, which is one of the town’s most photographed landmarks.
