Family fun at Luisenpark

Story and photos by Megan Finley Contributing writer
When the temperatures rise, Luisenpark is a popular place for Mannheim visitors to picnic, play or just to kick back and relax.
When the temperatures rise, Luisenpark is a popular place for Mannheim visitors to picnic, play or just to kick back and relax.

If you are anything like myself, then you might feel a little giddy every time you look at the weekend weather forecast and see a glorious prediction of mild temperatures and sunshine. This weekend my family and I decided to plan a one day, no-frills excursion only 50 minutes away to Luisenpark, Mannheim.

Luisenpark has something to offer for every age. We were completely amused with the large-mouth fish following our gondola on the Kutzerweiher Lake forming a side channel of the old Neckar River within the park. Gondolas are pulled by an underwater rope, making a large loop around the peaceful lake.  Flamingos, pelicans, swans, ducks and fish are in abundance, creating a perfect home at Luisenpark.

The park is a beautiful site for concerts, operas, musical shows and plays within its stage area, filled with 1,000 seats. Flower gardens are in great abundance that include Chinese gardens, a Chinese tea house and restaurant. Many folks were enjoying a bite to eat and a drink at the outdoor tables, taking in the sun.

We made ourselves comfortable in a gorgeous meadow area close to the playgrounds and model farm, complete with domestic animals. Do not forget to visit the bird aviaries, butterfly house, salt and fresh water aquariums.

Towering over Luisenpark at 205 meters, is a communication tower complete with a rotating restaurant.

After enjoying a picnic lunch and game of ball, we decided to walk the park’s well manicured paths to a beer garden for a quick ice cream before heading back to Kaiserslautern.

Whether you are looking for the perfect picnic location or just searching for a change of scenery, the opportunities for outdoor enjoyment at Luisenpark are in great abundance. For more information, visit www.luisenpark.de.

Visitors enjoying a picnic at Luisenpark.
Visitors enjoying a picnic at Luisenpark.