Two Shores Garden

The Garden of the Two Shores (Jardin des Deux Rives) is a remarkable place that can rightfully be called unique. This expansive park is not just a green space, but a true cross-border project spanning the banks of the Rhine and connecting the French city of Strasbourg with the German city of Kehl. It is a symbol of European unity and good neighborliness embodied in landscape design.

Occupying an impressive 60 hectares, the Garden of the Two Shores offers visitors a chance to enjoy nature and take a break from the city's hustle and bustle. It was created as a symbol of friendship and close cooperation between France and Germany, and this idea permeates its entire atmosphere. Here, you can stroll along well-kept paths while admiring views of the river and the opposite bank.

One of the main highlights and the park's signature feature is its elegant suspension bridge. It serves not only as an architectural ornament but also performs an important function, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to freely cross the Rhine and, thus, symbolically and literally move between two countries. A walk across this bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the garden itself and the surrounding landscapes.

Since the Garden of the Two Shores is an extensive public park located across two countries, it may not have a single dedicated contact center. You can reach the park from the French city of Strasbourg as well as from the German side in the city of Kehl by crossing the picturesque pedestrian bridge over the Rhine.

For the most up-to-date information on events, hours for individual pavilions (if any), or temporary access restrictions, it is recommended to visit the official tourism portals of Strasbourg and Kehl.

A variety of pleasant activities await visitors at the Garden of the Two Shores. First and foremost, of course, are leisurely walks through its vast territory, where you can enjoy the picturesque landscapes created by the German landscape architect Rüdiger. The main adventure is crossing the Rhine via the famous suspension bridge, also known as the Europe Bridge. Just a few steps and you find yourself in another country—a truly unique experience!

Beyond active walking, the Garden of the Two Shores offers excellent opportunities for peaceful relaxation. You can settle down on one of the many green lawns, admiring panoramic views of the majestic Rhine and the opposite shore. Landscape art enthusiasts will appreciate the park's thoughtful design, where every detail emphasizes the idea of unity and friendship between nations. This is a place where you can not only rest your body but also soak in the spirit of European neighborliness, moving between France and Germany in just a few minutes.

The Garden of the Two Shores is conveniently located on the eastern edge of Strasbourg, right on the border with Germany, making it easily accessible for visitors. One of the simplest and fastest ways to reach the park from the center of Strasbourg is by public transport. The trip to the park takes about 15 minutes, allowing you to quickly swap the city bustle for the tranquility of this cross-border green zone.

If you are traveling by car, reaching the Garden of the Two Shores is also quite straightforward. You should follow the road signs toward the German city of Kehl or directly to "Jardin des Deux Rives." The park is in close proximity to the Rhine River, which serves as the natural border between France and Germany, making navigation quite simple.

For those who prefer more active travel, there is an excellent opportunity to reach the Garden of the Two Shores by bike. Strasbourg is well-known for its extensive network of cycling paths, which will make your ride to the park pleasant and scenic. This is not only an eco-friendly but also a very enjoyable way to take in the sights on your way to this unique destination.

The idea for this unique cross-border park, known as the Garden of the Two Shores, was born in 1995. This ambitious project was initiated by Michel Krieger. The main concept was for the park to become a living symbol of strengthening good neighborly relations between France and Germany—countries with a complex shared history—demonstrating a commitment to peaceful coexistence.

The task of bringing this noble idea to life was entrusted to the talented German landscape architect from Düsseldorf, Rüdiger. It was he who managed to create a harmonious space that naturally unites the two banks of the Rhine. The most vital element connecting the French and German parts of the park is the bridge. It was no accident that it was named the Europe Bridge, once again emphasizing the profound idea of European unity that lies at the heart of the entire project.

Thus, the Garden of the Two Shores is more than just a scenic spot for relaxation. It has transformed into a powerful symbol of overcoming historical divisions and national borders. This park clearly demonstrates how two neighboring nations can not only coexist peacefully but also successfully implement joint projects aimed at strengthening friendship and mutual understanding in the heart of Europe.

To fully enjoy the Garden of the Two Shores and its unique atmosphere, we recommend setting aside about 2–3 hours for your visit. This will be enough time to take a leisurely stroll through its scenic alleys, which stretch across both sides of the Rhine, and to cross the famous pedestrian bridge connecting Strasbourg, France, with the German city of Kehl.

During these few hours, you will have time to appreciate the thoughtful landscape design, relax on one of the green lawns, and, of course, take memorable photos with the Rhine and the bridge connecting the two nations as your backdrop. This will allow you to get a fairly complete impression of this cross-border attraction without rushing, soaking up its special energy.

Of course, if your plans also include exploring other sights in Strasbourg or on the German side in Kehl, the total time spent in this area should be increased. However, the Garden of the Two Shores itself, for a focused visit, fits perfectly within a two-to-three-hour walk.

The Garden of the Two Shores is a public park and, as a rule, access to its main grounds is open to visitors year-round. Usually, no advance booking or registration is required for walks in such parks. Entry to the park itself is most likely free.

Since exact information regarding the operating hours of individual facilities within the garden (such as cafes or pavilions, if any) may vary, and to check for any temporary restrictions or special events, it is highly recommended to verify current details on the official tourism websites of Strasbourg and the German city of Kehl, or consult local information sources before your visit. The park itself is most likely accessible during daylight hours.

Visiting the Garden of the Two Shores is a wonderful adventure in itself, but Strasbourg and its surroundings have much more to offer. Exploring nearby attractions will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this unique region, discover new facets of its history and culture, and add variety to your travel experience.

Near the Garden of the Two Shores, there are several interesting places that can complement your walk. Each has its own unique aura and deserves the attention of a curious traveler. Below is a list of some of them, along with approximate distances.