The 2011 Small Garden Show, held under the theme "Nature in Kitzingen" (NIK), was a highlight for the town. It went down in the town’s history and remains one of Kitzingen’s biggest events to this day. The Garden Show left behind not only lasting memories, but also a unique legacy: a living piece of nature right in the heart of the town, directly on the River Main.
Garden show grounds
New face for the Main side
© Hilmar Hein
A place to meet and relax has been created on around nine hectares between the Main bridges. Formerly a gravelled wasteland, overgrown and neglected. Today, the city balcony opens up the area to the river, colourful flower and shrub beds invite you to linger, and the integration garden promotes togetherness. Playgrounds for all age groups, a cycle path and footpath as well as open spaces now characterise the image of the eastern side of the Main - and show how lively the legacy of the garden show is.
Utilisation today
The park runs along the banks of the Main in Etwashausen, with seven distinct garden areas reflecting the town’s rich horticultural heritage. The newly created ‘Stadtbalkon’ (city balcony), the showpiece of the garden exhibition grounds, hosts a variety of events such as receptions, concerts, weddings and the popular ‘StadtSchoppen’ get-togethers. In the northern section, several play areas for young and old have been created amidst lush perennial beds. Amidst the colourful flora, there are plenty of secluded seating areas where visitors can relax.
The Förderverein Gartenschaugelände Kitzingen e.V. maintains the landscaped grounds in a sustainable manner. Thanks to great voluntary commitment and the work of the town gardeners, the maintenance can be successfully realised. In summer, the "Musical Morning Pint" is regularly organised on the town balcony.