Illumination — Light Magic in the Park der Gärten 2026

Light Art Meets Garden Architecture

The Illumination — Light Magic in the Park der Gärten is one of North Germany's most ambitious light installation formats. Across the 14 hectares of Park der Gärten in Bad Zwischenahn-Rostrup, themed gardens, sculptures, water features, and avenues are showcased with artistic lighting that bathes the grounds in a new light in the evening.

2026 Edition — Five Weeks of Evening Magic

The 2026 edition runs from Friday, August 7, to Sunday, September 13, 2026 — thus, five weeks during the late summer evenings when the days get shorter and the light installations can unfold their full effect. The Illumination is open in the evenings, in addition to the regular garden opening hours.

What to See

Thousands of light sources — from LED strips and colored spotlights to projected patterns — shape the individual themed gardens. Water features reflect the light, sculptures are illuminated, and the tree canopies are silhouetted in color against the night sky. Changing colors and rhythms give each of the different garden areas its own character.

Park der Gärten — North Germany's Garden Highlight

Park der Gärten is among the most important permanent sites for modern garden culture in Germany. With the Illumination, it reveals a side not visible during the day — a perfect complement to a visit during the garden year and a popular date-night format for couples and families.