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Signature of important garden architects in Europe

The historic park, designed around 1850 in the style of an English landscape garden, with six distinct park areas, is an important part of Bad Elster's Royal Gardens and is considered one of the most beautiful park landscapes in Germany. Combined with the impressive spa architecture of the Wilhelminian and Art Nouveau periods, this harmonious ensemble is created by Europe's most important garden architects. Thousands of visitors travel to Bad Elster each year, especially for the famous rhododendron blooms.

With the Elsterbad's proclamation as a Royal Saxon State Spa in 1848, the park began to take shape with the initial designs of Eduard Petzold, a student of Prince Pückler. Later, Dresden's Director of Horticulture Max Bertram, Royal Saxon Horticultural Inspector Paul Schindel, Gustav Allinger, and Herrmann Schüttauf laid out architecturally attractive parks and diverse themed gardens on an area of ​​more than 50 hectares, which to this day form a prestigious setting for the center, consisting of the Royal Kurhaus, the historic Albert Bath, and the magnificent King Albert Theater.

After 1945, the park's attractiveness was enhanced with additional beautiful rhododendron plantings and the creation of a wooded garden. The entire historic spa park has been a listed building since 1980. Between 1996 and 2000, a large part of the park was extensively renovated, strictly adhering to historical plans and specifications, so that today, the historic garden architecture can largely be experienced again.

Elke Sternitzky is the head gardener for the Saxon State Spas and, together with her team, shapes the distinctive appearance of the Royal Gardens. She and 14 gardeners maintain and redesign approximately 35 hectares each year. Around 40.000 seasonal plants, from pansies and tulips to hyacinths and summer begonias, are planted twice a year. Their work is based not only on creativity and experience, but also on historical planting plans that define the character of the Royal Gardens.

Sternitzky knows "her" garden realm inside and out: in 1986, after completing her training as a landscape gardener in Bad Elster, she began working in the horticulture department, which she took over as head of in 2006. At the same time, she completed a master's degree in Dresden-Pillnitz, graduating in 2007 as the top student in all of Saxony. With a keen sense for tradition and impact, she continuously develops the gardens.

Since 2018, she has also supported the horticultural guidance of the “Bad Elster Light World“As dusk falls, artistic illuminations transform the parkland and historic spa architecture into an atmospheric backdrop of light, water, and texture. “That sets us apart from other parks,” she says. Her enthusiasm is palpable as she walks through the blooming grounds. “Then I think: In my next life, I’m going to be a gardener.” It’s an effort that is clearly visible and makes Bad Elster a truly special experience.