Grugapark Essen is Essen's botanical garden. It is the green heart of the former industrial city and was opened in 1929. Having survived the Second World War, the garden has transformed into one of the main attractions of the city. The garden collection brings together flowering plants from all over the world. It comprises an exceptional group of conifers that includes the oldest Japanese cedar plants in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. Another particularly ancient cultivation is the magnificent rose garden, enriched by an enchanting pond covered with water lilies. Visiting the garden of the Westphalian cottage it is then possible to observe the traditional crops of vegetables and medicinal and aromatic herbs. The shrub section hosts thousands of rare and exotic specimens from Asia, the Americas and Europe. In the Alpinum area there are mountain plants typical of the Apennines, the Carpathians and the Caucasus. The wooded valleys area is ideal for lounging on a green lawn, surrounded by swamp oaks and American liquidambars. Another perfect place for a break is the Margarethensee pond. And again, you can walk in the Mediterranean orange grove admiring laurel plants, date palms and citrus trees. Particularly noteworthy are the modern greenhouses that contain not only tropical rainforest plants, but also typical desert life forms, such as succulents or specimens that live in African climates. Finally, in the bonsai garden it is possible to discover the world of miniature plants.

The park is open every day, from 7.30 in the morning until sunset.