July 2025 | Color

A Visit to the Rosenhöhe in Darmstadt

Fujifilm X-T5 | Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f1.2 (75mm) | 1/750 sec | f/5.6 | ISO 125

The Rosenhöhe (Rose Heights) park in Darmstadt, Germany, is a popular destination for walking, botanical interest, and reflection for locals and tourists. The park was first developed in the early 19th century as an English-style landscape garden under Grand Duke Ludwig I of Hesse. It was meant to be a pleasure garden for the ducal family.

The park’s name comes from the many roses planted there. Over 200 varieties are arranged in geometric patterns, surrounded by benches and pergolas. It is wonderful.

Yellow Roses growing on a pergola.
X-T5 | Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f1.2 (75mm) | 1/1700 sec | f/3.2 | ISO 125

The main entrance of the park is flanked by two larger-than-life stone lions. It is aptly named the Lion Gate (Löwentor).

The Lion Gate
Fujifilm X-T5 | Fujinon 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR | 48.6mm (73mm) | 1/300 sec | f/5.6 | ISO 125

This frog lives in a small pond with several of his buddies. You could hear them from afar. The water lilies are not just lovely, but also provide shelter.

Water Lillies
Fujifilm X-T5 | Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f1.2 | 50mm (75mm) | 1/480 sec | f/5.6 | ISO 125

Water Lillies
Fujifilm X-T5 | Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f1.2 | 50mm (75mm) | 1/680 sec | f/4 | ISO 125

You won’t find only roses in this park. There were a few red poppies that looked like crumbled paper, and the pretty rose bug was hanging out in a rose. The colors are just gorgeous.