Surrounded by bird sanctuaries, surrounded by beautiful nature and very close to the historic town center, the Gartenschaupark Rietberg is well worth a visit. In 2008, the 40-hectare site was the venue for the State Garden Show. Since then, it has not only retained its beauty and charm, but has also undergone continuous further development. The former motto "Making dreams grow" still applies today.
At the central entrance to the park, which is located directly opposite the Rietberg bus station, large lakes and lush flowerbeds in the shape of drops catch the eye. Here, girls and boys can explore the Schilfwald playground, which combines nine-metre-high reed and cane trunks with ropes and nets. Finally, the bright red Seppeler Bridge takes families to the other side of the Obersee, or more precisely to a small spruce forest. Daring adventurers can make their way up to 13 meters into the treetops when they master the seven courses of the Schnurstracks climbing park.
Those who then climb the 18-metre-high observation tower in the popular Forum Natur are rewarded with a unique view over the wet meadows of the "Rietberger Emsniederung" nature reserve, which is important throughout Europe: a small herd of water buffalo lives here on a meadow of several hectares with open stables and a water basin. The wet meadows provide the water-loving animals with an ideal habitat. They stimulate biodiversity, keep the pasture short and eat woody growth and reeds. In this way, they ensure that storks, great egrets and other rare birds can rest and breed there.
Northern part of Neuenkirchen Park
But a tour of the Rietberg Garden Show Park doesn't end there: travelers continue through the 200 square metre nature garden of the Community for Nature and Environmental Protection (GNU) - which has its own beekeeping stand and nesting places for birds - before reaching the northern part of the park, Neuenkirchen. This impresses as a colorful adventure area with many sports and play options.
Guests can whizz down a slide tower, hit balls on the mini golf course and burn off energy on the playgrounds. What they will remember above all is the huge picnic area with large building blocks, where young builders create little wonders.
Diverse event program
During major events such as the Rietberg Open Air, the Volksbank Arena in this part of the park is also filled with culture fans. Concerts, comedy evenings and cinema screenings take place at regular intervals on the open-air stage. Depending on the seating, 2200 guests can fit into the outdoor area of the location.
Speaking of events: the Emsbräustübchen is recommended for smaller groups. The park team organizes public and private gourmet seminars in the show brewery at the park's Mitte entrance. These include coffee and beer tastings and a brewing course.
