One of my favorite things about Germany, is that there is something blooming every season. You’ll see bountiful tulip fields in the Spring, towering pumpkins in the Fall, and (of course) poppies in the Summer! You always have a seasonal event or activity to look forward to. If you are visiting during the Summer months, Goe Naturpark Frau Holle Land poppies are a must see.
When Are Poppies in Bloom?
In Germany, poppies generally begin to bloom in the last week of June. This is the ideal time to start visiting for picturesque views. Poppies will remain in bloom for the first few weeks of July. The bloom window is only a few short weeks!
Tip: We visited in the second week of July and there were tons of beautiful flowers blooming.
Where to Find Poppies?
When looking for the best poppies in Germany, it is important to note that the field locations rotate every year. This means that the poppies may not be in the exact same place each year. The cities, however, remain the same. The top three destinations to locate poppy fields are: Germerode, Grandenborn or Wendershausen. All of these locations can be found in North Hessen and offer a variety of poppy fields.
We chose to visit: Mohnblüte in Grandenborn. This location is the closest to our home in Wiesbaden and seemed to offer the most photo opportunities for visitors. Our drive to the town was about two and a half hours due to traffic, but the drive home was a breeze.
Navigation
Want visit the Grandenborn location as well?
Click Here for directions to the parking lot we used (Alternatively, you can type in: Wanderparkplatz zur Mohnblüte Ringgau).
Once you have arrived, enter Eisernes Pferd into your GPS to start your hike towards the poppies (this is the location for the giant horse).
Phone Won’t Work? Walk across the street from the car park & go straight ahead. You will see a road that leads into the fields. You want to walk up that path and then take the first right walking towards this bench.
Take a left at the bench and walk towards the large horse in the distance. You will take the next right to reach the horse.
Honestly, it is pretty hard to get lost in this area. All the trails you see, eventually lead back to town. Additionally, you can find large maps posted all around the city and the trails actually have wood signs with bright yellow words to direct you.
Viewing Options
We hiked to see the poppy fields and it was pretty easy. I would definitely say it is beginner friendly as all you have to do is follow the roads through the fields. If you plan to bring a stroller, you may have a bit of difficulty as many areas are gravel and mud.
Don’t feel like walking? You can also pay to ride in a wagon to see the poppies! These “Poppy Snails” are pulled behind a tractor and offer a thirty minute ride around the fields.
Cost: 3-5 Euros per person (Dependent on location)
- Germerode Times:
- 1100 – 1600
- Grandenborn Times:
- Tuesday- Friday: 1100, 1300 & 1500
- Saturday-Sunday: 1100 – 1600
Tip: Bring a mask if you plan to ride the “Poppy Snail.” Masks are required while riding in the wagons.
Another fun transportation option is a horse drawn carriage ride. This is only offered in Germerode and Wendershausen, but it looks like a lot of fun! Each carriage ride can hold up to eleven guests and must be booked with the company directly. Click here for booking information.
The Poppies
You may notice that many of the poppies are not the “traditional” red color you are accustomed to seeing in media.
Poppies actually come in many different colors! Pink is the most abundant color at the Grandenborn location, but I also saw a lot of orange and yellow poppies.
Another cool thing to look at are the poppies that have not bloomed yet. They will have large poppy pods at the top where the flowers will soon bloom.
Fun Fact: Did you know that some species of poppy are monocarpic? This means they die after flowering.
Wildflowers Galore
While touring the fields, you may notice that there are more than just poppies on display! Countless wildflowers, such as snapdragons, are dotted all around. It is a beautiful sight to see.
Photo Opportunities
Giant Horse
This photo opportunity is the easiest to spot from town. It is absolutely massive!
Hay Bale Bed
Directly across from the giant horse, you will find this adorable hay bale bed! The little T.V. on a stand really screams retro vibes if that is your aesthetic.
Poppy Window
I did not stop by this photo opportunity, but it looks cute from pictures I have seen online. Wander the hiking paths that line the fields and you will find it.
CAUTION: There are a lot of bees in the fields. They are generally friendly, but if you have a dog be mindful that the dog could catch one and get stung (Have the nearest emergency vet saved to your GPS/Phone). If you are allergic to bees or wasps, please bring your life saving medication incase you get stung (Have the nearest Emergency Department saved to your GPS/Phone).
Rules
I feel it is important to note that you cannot walk in the flower fields. They are beautiful, but they are not just for display. They are actually crops!
The main rules you should know:
- Do not walk in the fields. Walking on the paths to the displays is allowed. It is very clear where these paths are. Most of the walkways are gravel or dirt covered in hay.
- Do not take any flowers. The fields are crops grown by farmers and are not free for you to pick. Additionally, there are bees and animals living in the fields. Leave the flowers as you find them.
- Pick up after your pets. There are no doggie bags along the trails. Be sure to bring your own waste bags and dispose of them in the trash bins.
- Do not litter.
Stroll The Town
Once you are done viewing the poppies, head back to town and explore. I personally loved the quaint buildings and greeting the locals.
It also doesn’t hurt that there are adorable cows, horses and cats around every corner.
Additional Attractions
Poppy Cinema
During poppy season, the film People, Poppies & Myths plays on loop for visitors to enjoy. The film is just thirty minutes long and offered to guests at no additional cost.
- Germerode Location: Inside the Mohnkino.
- Grandenborn Location: The Village Community House.
Note: Masks are mandatory in cinemas during 2021.
Photo exhibition
This is not taking place in 2021 due to COVID-19, but it will be available again in the future.
Restrooms
After your hike, you may be in need of a bathroom break. Here are some easily accessible bathroom options:
- If you park where we recommended, there is a restroom inside the small wood building next to the parking lot.
- If you are closer to town, head over to the visitor center (where you catch your wagon ride). This is located next to the Der Teichof restaurant.
- You can also try at Der Teichof (which is next to the visitor center).
Hungry?
Pack a picnic! We saw sooooo many locals sitting down for a nice picnic in the poppy fields. There are picnic benches placed in various fields along the hiking route, just look for the cleared walkways! I personally think this is the best option for dining as it saves money and you are surrounded by 100s of poppies while you eat.
Try the local restaurants! Der Teichof is recommended for the Grandenborn location. We did not get to try any of their dishes as we arrived near closing time, but they do have quite a few poppy themed meals. They also allow dogs, which was a plus for me!
Nearby Attractions
Looking for something else to do in the area? There are endless hiking trails in this town as well as the surrounding areas. If you don’t want to hike, I would recommend checking out Burg Ludwigstein, Schloss Berlepsch Castle or the “Holleum” Mother Hulda Museum.
Blogs You May Enjoy:
Your Ultimate Guide to Picking Tulips in Germany
Strawberry Picking in Germany: Everything You Need to Know
Why You Need to Visit Germany’s Bird Castle – Vogelburg Guide
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