Architect

Luz Landschaftsarchitektur

Type of Area

Large river with natural banks
Stream with natural banks

Land/water interaction

Promenade
Embankment
Terrace/steps

Built Environment Types

Moderately built
Moderate green

Scale of Impact

District/ neighbourhood
City

Intervention Scale (Spatial)

Small site

Project Types

Riverfront development
Public space regeneration
Flood protection

Urban/ Rural
Urban fringe

Visibility and Openness

Fully enclosed
Fully contained view

The Green Ring.

The Green Ring in Ladenburg was voted Germany’s most beautiful park in 2006. The 3.5km green ring project aimed to create a public open space in the town and to connect it to the Neckar river. The project also aimed to revitalise the Kandelbach and Loosegraben streams and improve flood protection measures. The ecological function of the river was restored by the addition of a fish ladder. 

The project formed part of the state of Baden-Württemberg’s green project development aimed at improving green spaces, urban redevelopment and flood protection measures. The Green ring stretches around the entire city centre of Landenburg and connects previously separate islands to form communal green space in a harmonious unit. 

The ring thus creates a place for relaxation and plenty of space for leisure activities, alternating quiet zones with more active recreational spaces that encourages socialising for young and old. The facilities includes a public pool, a mini-golf course, playgrounds and a large sandy beach, which adds to the holiday mood of the place in summer. 

Viewing spots enhance the enjoyment of the river. The paths were cut into the higher terrain next to the river and sandy river beaches were cleared of vegetation to create new river views. The beach area orientation also allows people to be able to view the sunset across the river. 

A new system of pathways connects existing pathways to the river and attracts walkers, inline-skaters, cyclists and water enthusiasts to this beautiful riverine landscape set in the middle of fields and meadows. Picnicking and playing are allowed in the meadow area and many cultural and festival events are held here. It is also a popular meeting point for clubs and so can become overcrowded in the summer.