Experience nature, parks and gardens

Fortresses are far more than imposing walls and stone testaments to the past. Anyone who looks a little closer will discover fascinating natural spaces, blooming gardens, and a surprising variety of flora and fauna surrounding these historical sites.

Their location alone makes many fortresses special destinations: high above valleys, embedded in mountain passes or impressively situated by rivers and coasts, they combine history, landscape and spectacular views.

Even within the mighty fortress walls, green oars await: quiet courtyards, manicured parks and historic gardens invite you to stroll, linger and discover. Particularly beautiful examples of the combination of nature experience and fortress culture are the Klenzepark in the Bavarian State Fortress Ingolstadt (DE) as well as the Argotti Botanic Gardens in Malta.

How attractive fortified towns are for garden and nature lovers as well is shown by state and federal garden shows in places such as Koblenz (2011), Torgau (2023), Büdingen-Upper Hesse (2027) and Ulm (2030).

FORTE CULTURA invites you to experience these special places anew: as inspiring destinations where European history, impressive architecture and vibrant nature merge to create unforgettable cultural experiences. Relax in the Glacis Park the former Federal fortress Ulm or walk along fortification walls on the Rhine (Mainz, Koblenz, Germersheim, Remagen), Waal (’'s-Hertogenbosch, Bergen op Zoom, Geertruidenberg, Willemstad, Ravenstein), the Elbe (Torgau, Dresden, Magdeburg), the Danube (Ulm, Ingolstadt, Komárom) or the bug (Medzhybizh).