Herbstfest with Arboretum Illumination Ellerhoop

«Most beautiful garden in the North»

The Arboretum Ellerhoop-Thiensen calls itself the «most beautiful garden in the North» — and indeed, it is one of Northern Germany's most distinguished botanical parks. Across approximately 18 hectares, over 4,000 species of woody plants grow, including themed gardens for Asia, the Mediterranean region, heath, and moorland. The park is located in Ellerhoop in the Pinneberg district, about 30 kilometers northwest of Hamburg. It is supported by a non-profit association.

Autumn as the Main Season

October is the season of colours at the Arboretum: Maple, oak, Ginkgo, Liquidambar, and numerous Japanese trees unfold their red, orange, and yellow foliage. The Herbstfest continues this natural spectacle with light effects — a format rarely seen in this form in Schleswig-Holstein.

Evening Illumination

While the Arboretum normally closes at 6 PM, it remains open until 8 PM on the Herbstfest weekend. At dusk, the paths are staged with light art — spotlights illuminate striking trees, fairy lights wind through the themed gardens, and mood lighting accentuates the Asian and Mediterranean areas. The effect is meditative and festive: a garden in warm autumn light that transforms into a light sculpture as night falls.

Family Programme and Café

The Arboretum Café offers hot drinks (mulled wine, punch, coffee), cakes, and small snacks. For families, there is a children's programme with craft activities centred around autumn leaves and natural materials. Those spending the day in the park should plan an afternoon visit and stay for the illumination into the evening hours.

Ellerhoop in the Pinneberg District

Ellerhoop is a small municipality in the Pinneberg district, located on the B5 federal road and the A23 motorway (Tornesch exit). The Arboretum is a destination for school classes, garden enthusiast tours, and day-trippers from the Hamburg area. Visitors to the Herbstfest often combine their park visit with the sights of Pinneberg or a cycling tour through northern Holstein.