Surrounded by bird sanctuaries, nestled amid beautiful natural scenery, and very close to the historic city center—which is well worth a visit—lies the Rietberg Garden Show Park. In 2008, the 40-hectare site hosted the State Garden Show. Since then, it has not only retained its beauty and charm but has also continued to evolve. The original motto, “Let dreams grow,” still holds true today.
Right at the central park entrance, located directly across from the Rietberg bus station, spacious lakes and lush, flower-filled beds shaped like drops catch the eye. Here, boys and girls can explore the Schilfwald playground, which combines nine-meter-high reeds and rushes with ropes and nets. The bright red Seppeler Bridge then leads families to the other side of the Obersee—more precisely, into a small spruce forest. Daring adventurers can climb up to 13 meters high into the treetops there as they tackle the seven courses of the Schnurstracks climbing park.
Those who then climb the 18-meter-high observation tower at the popular Forum Natur are rewarded with a unique view over the wet meadows of the “Rietberger Emsniederung” nature reserve, which is of European significance: A small herd of water buffalo lives here on a meadow spanning several hectares, complete with an open pen and a water trough. The wet meadows provide an ideal habitat for these water-loving animals. They enhance biodiversity, keep the pasture short, and eat shrubs and reeds. In this way, they ensure that storks, great white egrets, and other rare birds can rest and nest there.
Northern Part of Neuenkirchen Park
But a tour of the Rietberg Garden Show Park isn’t over yet: Visitors continue on through the 200-square-meter nature garden maintained by the Association for Nature and Environmental Protection (GNU)—which features its own beehive and nesting sites for birds—before arriving at the northern part of the park in Neuenkirchen. This area stands out as a colorful recreational zone with plenty of sports and play options.
Here, guests whiz down a slide tower, hit balls on the mini-golf course, and burn off energy on the playgrounds. But what they’ll remember most is the huge picnic lawn with large building blocks, where young architects create little marvels.
Diverse Event Program
During major events like the Rietberg Open Air, the Volksbank Arena in this part of the park is also filled with culture enthusiasts. Concerts, comedy nights, and movie screenings take place regularly on the open-air stage. Depending on the seating arrangement, the venue’s outdoor area can accommodate 2,200 guests.
Speaking of events: For smaller groups, the Emsbräustübchen is a great option. The park team organizes both public and private tasting seminars at the show brewery near the park’s central entrance. These include coffee and beer tastings as well as a brewing course.
