The World's Most Diverse Rose Garden in Sangerhausen

June 28, 2025, 12:30 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

In the city of Sangerhausen in Saxony-Anhalt, there is a unique German world record holder. The Europa-Rosarium there boasts the most diverse collection of roses on the planet. Tens of thousands of plants are on display, and the cultivation of rare varieties is also a focus here. This has been the case for more than 120 years. TRAVELBOOK visited the site to find out what else you can expect to see in bloom during a visit.

Small town, big world record: In Sangerhausen, Saxony-Anhalt, there is a very special botanical garden. It is home to only one specific genus of plants, but in such an astonishing variety and diversity that the Europa-Rosarium, as the park is called, boasts the title of the most species-rich rose collection on our planet. For over 120 years, the plant has been cultivated and bred here, making Sangerhausen a popular destination for plant enthusiasts.

According to the official website, the Europa-Rosarium—proudly bearing this floral title since 1993—was founded in 1903 by dedicated local rose breeders. A spokesperson for the city of Sangerhausen told TRAVELBOOK: “Originally, a place was sought where historical varieties could be cultivated. Back then, they started on one and a half hectares.” Since then, the Rosarium has grown rapidly, surviving both world wars unscathed. Today, it covers an area of 13 hectares and houses 8,700 rose species and varieties. Especially in the warm season, about 80,000 rose bushes delight visitors. The Rosarium also boasts another record: it has the largest wild rose collection in the world. Additionally, there is a collection of 300 tree and shrub species.

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Moreover, the Europa-Rosarium Sangerhausen remains dedicated to the care and preservation of historical and endangered rose varieties. In 2003, it received the prestigious “Award of Garden Excellence” from the World Federation of Rose Societies, which has been awarded since 1995. “On the occasion of this anniversary, several themed gardens were also created in the following years.” Additionally, the Rosarium is proud to be a leading member of the Europe-wide network “Gartenträume,” a fair that has been held since 1997.

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Since 1993, Sangerhausen has officially called itself the “Mountain and Rose City” due to its unique botanical garden. The first title refers to the 825-year tradition of copper shale mining that can be traced here. The floral nickname was bestowed by the Association of German Rose Friends. It’s no wonder that this place has long become a dream destination for lovers. You can have a civil wedding ceremony in the local wedding pavilion and then celebrate among countless floral dreams. For those making last-minute plans: There are still some dates available for 2025.

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283 Meters Deep

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A highlight is the annual rose sale to private breeders. They have the opportunity to acquire rare varieties from the Europa-Rosarium Sangerhausen in small quantities. These can also be shipped by mail for an additional fee. The special park is not only interesting for private visitors but also for scientists. Since 2005, the Rosarium has operated a rose gene bank, which receives both German and European funding.

If you want to find out what else is blooming in Sangerhausen, you have the opportunity to visit the Rosarium daily throughout the year. However, since the opening hours vary depending on the season, please check the official website before your visit. The same applies to prices; during the current peak season from June to August, admission for adults is 15 euros. Special conditions apply for guided tours and travel groups. Various concert offerings and exhibitions round out the experience. “The rose garden is, of course, the city’s flagship. It attracts about 100,000 visitors annually,” explains the spokesperson for Sangerhausen.

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And everywhere else in Sangerhausen, which was first mentioned in documents in 991, you will find roses on every building. Those interested in the mining tradition can also experience it nearby at the Wettelrode shaft. Here, a mine elevator takes you 283 meters deep, followed by a ride on the mine train for a total 75-minute tour. The official Rosarium website also offers combination tickets that grant entry to both attractions.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TRAVELBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@travelbook.de.