Former State Garden Show Grounds | Images & Sculpture Path Amberg

Between the old town and floodplain landscape lies the former state garden show grounds – today Amberg's green living room by the Vils. Where the Bavarian State Garden Show took place in 1996 under the motto "Living by the River", visitors can expect an extensive recreational area with natural riverbanks, outdoor art, play and leisure areas, as well as short paths to cultural and event venues. The distinctive sculpture path with 26 works stretches like a red ribbon through the grounds, accompanied by meadows, groups of trees, and walkways to the water. Highlights include the Kneipp facility at Sebastian Kneipp Square, the historical motte Schanzhübl as an archaeological monument, and – as a luminous accent – the Vesuna Tower. Thanks to its proximity to the old town, the Amberger Congress Centrum (ACC), and the Kurfürstenbad, access is convenient, parking is well signposted, and the area can even be reached from the water with the Amberger flatboats. Those who want to combine nature, art, and urban flair will find a varied backdrop for walks, family outings, photo tours, and relaxed hours by the river.

Images and Photo Spots at the Former State Garden Show Grounds Amberg

The search queries for "photos" and "images" lead directly to the strongest motifs of the grounds: water, art, and openness. An ideal starting point is the sculpture path, which is designed as a circular route of about 3.5 kilometers and begins or ends at the historical Stadtbrille. 26 works by 23 artists set different accents throughout the year – sometimes delicate and transparent in backlight, sometimes monumental with clear contours. Early in the morning, the gaze wanders over dew-soaked meadows, the Vils reflects the first colors of the sky, and metal or stone surfaces react to the gentle light. At noon, contrasting images with rich green tones emerge, while in the golden hour, warm reflections model the lines of the sculptures. Particularly atmospheric is the area at Drahthammerwiese: Here, meadow edges, riverside vegetation, and water come together, and the flatboats photogenically enter the frame. Those who enjoy movement in the motif wait for an arrival or departure and use the low viewpoint just above the water's surface along the river paths. The Vesuna Tower offers different effects depending on the time of day; as a "light sculpture," it develops its own aura at dusk. For detail-loving close-ups, surface structures of individual works along the sculpture path are just as suitable as the edges of the Kneipp arm basins, where spring-fresh water splashes. In the floodplains, the sightlines are broad: a good moment to try wide-angle perspectives that emphasize the depth of the landscape. Families will find lively motifs with water and climbing elements at the pirate playground – recommended as a rest point on popular cycling routes along the Vils. Out of respect for other guests, please do not obstruct play areas with tripods, maintain a distance of discretion, and pay attention to signage. Those who want to combine urban scenery and park should plan a route from the Stadtbrille towards Vilsauen and take historical walls as the first frame before the scenery opens up into the expanse of the former garden show park. This way, image series can be created in a short time that condense Amberg's character between the Middle Ages, river landscape, and contemporary art.

History and Development: State Garden Show 1996 – Living by the River

The current recreational area dates back to the Bavarian State Garden Show 1996. Under the guiding principle "Living by the River," access, quality of stay, and ecological condition of the Vils were fundamentally improved. The show attracted around 1.1 million guests to a 33-hectare area from April 26 to October 6, 1996 – an impulse that continues to resonate today. The goal was to weave nature and city more closely together: floodplain areas were upgraded, riverbanks renaturalized, and retention areas created. At the same time, cultural and urban planning companions emerged that continue to shape the district today, including the Dultplatz as a folk festival area and the Amberger Congress Centrum (ACC) as an event venue on the park's edge. A defining chapter of the city's historical narrative is the transformation of the former sewage treatment plant: instead of an industrial facility, the youth center "Klärwerk" now stands here as a place for cultural and youth work – an example of sustainable repurposing. Art has played a significant role from the very beginning. Some of the sculptures and installations were created as part of the garden show, while others were added later; together they form the Amberger Sculpture Path, thematically connecting the grounds and functioning as an open-air museum. History is also present in the grounds not only in more recent forms: the motte Schanzhübl, a medieval mound designated as an archaeological monument, brings archaeological depth to the park landscape. Those who want to trace the garden show era can recognize the planning intention in today's network of paths and sightlines: open spaces for leisure and encounters, gentle interventions at the riverbanks to let water, meadows, and city walls communicate with each other. The flatboats, those shallow wooden boats that once transported salt and iron, were revived during the garden show – today, flatboat trips are firmly established as a tourist experience and emotionally connect the floodplain landscape to the old town. Thus, the former state garden show grounds continue to combine ecological enhancement, cultural identity, and everyday recreation.

Sculpture Path, Vesuna Tower, and Art in the Green

The sculpture path is the artistic backbone of the park: 26 works by 23 artists, accessible year-round, linked by a circular route of about 3.5 kilometers. The course begins or ends at the Stadtbrille and leads through meadows, along the Vils, and past sports and leisure areas. The mix of materials – metal, stone, wood – reacts sensitively to weather, light, and seasons: in spring, young leaves set soft backgrounds, in summer, shadow edges highlight the volumes, in autumn, warm tones contrast the coolness of steel, and in winter, reduced lines appear particularly graphic. A special work is the Vesuna Tower: a light sculpture that was handed over to Amberg in 1996 as a Franco-German friendship project. The design, planning, and realization were the responsibility of the artist Wilhelm Koch; the symbolic gesture anchors the theme of light as a connecting element in the park. The tower unfolds its effect especially at dusk when the surroundings become quieter and the vertical placement becomes a landmark in the floodplain landscape. The path also brushes against historical markers such as the motte Schanzhübl, whose geometric form – a truncated pyramid-shaped hill with a plateau – contrasts with the free nature. It is worthwhile to see the sculpture path not only as a linear route but as an invitation to branch off: short detours to the riverbank, to groups of trees, or into open meadow areas change the perspective on the same works. For families, the tiering is ideal: children can move between stations without having to cover long distances and find play and rest points along the way. Those who appreciate art mediation can take the brochure from the city of Amberg for the sculpture path; it places the contexts of creation, provides background on materials, and names the participating artists. The open design of the path makes the grounds a lively exhibition space – never the same, always in dialogue with weather and season. Thus, the sculpture path is more than decoration: it structures paths, creates identity, and offers anchor points for photography, education, and conscious breaks in the green.

Flatboat Trips, Vilsauen, and Leisure Activities Around the Grounds

The Vils is the quiet main character of the grounds. You can best feel this from the water: public flatboat trips start in the old town at the Schiffbrücke and dock at Drahthammerwiese in the former state garden show grounds. During the season – usually from May to October – the flatboats operate on weekends and holidays at hourly intervals, sometimes with additional weekdays in the summer months; groups can book special trips. The route leads downstream under the Stadtbrille, past riverbanks, meadows, and weir structures, thus linking urban experience and floodplain tranquility. Those who prefer to walk or cycle will find a dense network of river paths and crossings; sections are part of the regional Five Rivers Cycle Path, which is considered a low-gradient family route. For breaks, meadows and seating areas are available, and at the pirate playground near the Vils, children's urge to move can be combined with a rest. Sports areas, skate, and bike areas nearby make the area additionally attractive for young people. Wellness enthusiasts are recommended to take a detour to the Kneipp facility at Sebastian Kneipp Square behind the Kurfürstenbad: water treading and arm basins are fed from the nearby Fürsten spring, complemented since 2021 by a barrier-free arm basin. The cold, spring-fresh water is particularly refreshing in summer; a signposted herb spiral explains local medicinal plants – a beautiful, educational addition to the nature experience. In short: whether you have an hour or half a day, the grounds offer low-threshold activities that work without much effort. Those planning culture for an evening can attend the program at the ACC and use the break or the conclusion for a short park walk – river paths and bridges are just a few steps away. Thus, the former garden show grounds show themselves as a link: it connects city and river, activity and leisure, family and culture, and invites you to determine the rhythm of your own time – by water, on foot, or on two wheels.

Access and Parking: Dultplatz, ACC, and Kurfürstenbad

Accessibility is one of the great advantages of the area. From Amberg train station, you can reach the Vilsauen within a few minutes on foot through the city center; from there, the paths open up to the former garden show grounds. Those arriving by car can orient themselves to the city's parking guidance system: live displays indicate capacities in parking garages and on parking spaces. Particularly convenient are the Dultplatz (opposite the grounds on Bruno-Hofer-Strasse), the parking garage at Kurfürstenbad on Schießstätteweg, and parking spaces around the Amberger Congress Centrum (ACC). The ACC provides online information on access from the A6 (exit Amberg-East, B85) and parking options – including the Kurfürsten underground garage and accessible parking spaces at the artist entrance and Ernst-Michl-Platz. For events, it is advisable to check the ACC guidelines, as demand increases for larger events; the parking guidance system then helps to quickly navigate to alternative options such as Kräuterwiese or Ziegeltor. Those who want to leave the car behind can combine train and footpath or use the city bus; the youth center "Klärwerk" at Bruno-Hofer-Strasse 8 – an address that spatially locates the garden show area – is connected by line 3. Bicycles can be securely parked along the paths; on the Five Rivers Cycle Path, the area is an ideal stopover. For travel groups, coordination with the tourist information is worthwhile, especially if a flatboat trip is planned and the boarding and disembarking at Schiffbrücke or Drahthammerwiese needs to be coordinated. Tip: In summer heat, floodplain trees provide shade; drinking water and sun hats enhance the quality of stay – and those seeking refreshment can find it in the Kneipp arm basin or in the leisure area of the nearby Kurfürstenbad. Thus, the journey can flexibly fit into any day's plan, from a short visit to a combined culture and nature program.

Experiences, Reviews, and Practical Tips for Your Visit

The grounds enjoy a reputation in Amberg as a "beautiful place to let your soul dangle" – an assessment that aligns with the view on site: wide meadows, natural riverbanks, short paths. The art gives structure to the walk, the Kneipp facility provides refreshment, and those seeking a water experience can board the flatboat in the old town and reach Drahthammerwiese relaxed from the river. Families praise the space for movement, cyclists appreciate the low-gradient routes along the Vils. Practical tips help avoid misunderstandings: in public green spaces, the regulations of the city's green space statute apply; dog owners should therefore pay attention to leash requirements and signage, and playgrounds are generally dog-free. Barbecuing is generally not permitted on green spaces; designated barbecue areas are located outside. Those needing accessible offers can find them at the ACC; the paths in the park are mostly paved, and since 2021, there is a barrier-free arm basin at the Kneipp facility. For photographers, consideration is recommended during peak times – for example, during events at Dultplatz or in the ACC – when visitor flows increase. The best lighting conditions occur in the morning and late afternoon; during high water or after strong winds, some river paths may be temporarily closed, and corresponding notices from the city should be observed. Seasonal additions make the visit varied: in spring, the herb beds at the Kneipp facility are replanted, in summer, the leisure area of the Kurfürstenbad invites, and during folk festival time, Dultplatz transforms into a lively area just a few steps from the quiet floodplains. Those who want to combine culture, nature, and photography should plan a route: start at the Stadtbrille, sculpture path clockwise, detour to the Vesuna Tower, continue to Drahthammerwiese, pause by the water or in the shade, then return via the Kneipp facility towards Kurfürstenbad – with or without a conclusion in the ACC program. This way, a complete Amberg day can be created from a few building blocks, making the spirit of the state garden show – living by the river – still palpable today.

Sources:

• Garden Shows – 1996 Amberg (Data, Motto, 33 ha, 1.1 million visitors) – LGS.de
• State Garden Show Amberg 1996 – Wikipedia
• City of Amberg – Sculpture Path (3.5 km, 26 works, Start/End Stadtbrille)
• Koch Studio – Vesuna Tower (Light Sculpture, Handed Over 1996)
• Motte Schanzhübl – Wikipedia (Archaeological Monument in the Grounds)
• Kneipp Association Amberg – Kneipp Facility (Arm and Water Treading Basins; Barrier-Free Arm Basin)
• Tourist Information Amberg – Flatboat Trips (Old Town – Drahthammerwiese)
• Onetz – Flatboat Season and Times (Report, 2025)
• ACC Amberg – Access & Parking (Parking, Underground Garage, Access)
• Parking Guidance System City of Amberg – Live Occupancy and Parking Garages
• Kurfürstenbad Amberg – Info & Parking (Parking Garage at Kurfürstenbad)
• City of Amberg – Youth Center Klärwerk (Location, Accessibility)
• City Law Amberg – including Green Space Statute
• Onetz – Rest Tip Pirate Playground at the LGS Grounds (Five Rivers Cycle Path)