August 19, 2025, 4:47 am | Read time: 3 minutes

When Günther Ziegler (76), founder of the playground construction company “Ziegler Playgrounds from A–Z,” looks out his office window, he sees what long existed only in his mind: an enchanted dream world made of wood. “The park is meant to inspire both children and adults to imaginative play, movement, and dreaming,” Ziegler says in an interview with BILD. The park came into being “almost incidentally” over the past few years.

On the site of a former clay pit, a fairy-tale adventure world has emerged on three hectares, inviting exploration with 20 nature-inspired themed worlds. Wood–especially robinia, also known as “false acacia”–is the dominant building material. It connects in the name “ArkaZien” with the idyll of Arcadia; the large Z comes from the family name Ziegler.

Also interesting: The 25 Best Amusement Parks in Germany

Sustainability Consistently Implemented

The park’s construction took 13 years and was carried out almost exclusively with natural materials. The company’s approximately 100 employees worked on the large-scale project alongside their regular daily business. Special focus was placed on environmental protection: recycled old building materials, green roofs, insect-friendly planting, and energy-saving LED lighting are central elements of the concept.

Those hoping for classic rides or loud entertainment will not find them here–intentionally. Instead, visitors can play, explore, and climb in various areas: from the jungle to a lizard castle, a willow maze, a gold panning facility, or the fishing village. A marketplace with small shops is also included.

“ArkaZien” not only forgoes roller coasters but also typical amusement park food. You won’t find cola and fries–the gastronomy offers regional, predominantly vegetarian dishes served on reusable tableware. The goal: the smallest possible ecological footprint.

Limited Admission–Start with Test Operation

For the opening on September 3, Ziegler plans a test phase with limited access. “Initially, we want to limit the daily visitor count to 1,500 people–also to gain experience in real operation,” he explains. There are 300 parking spaces available directly at the site. Tickets are available from 13 euros, also in digital form to save paper. “ArkaZien” will be closed during the winter months–the park is meant to live with nature.

Here you will find content from third-party providers

To interact with or display third-party content, we need your consent.

Activate

In order to display embedded content, your consent to the processing of personal data, which can be revoked at any time (via the switch or via “Revoke tracking and cookies” at the bottom of the page), is required. Data may be transferred to third countries such as the USA (Art. 49 para. 1 lit. a GDPR). By switching to “on” you agree. You can find more information here.

Long-term growth is planned: The nature-connected concept is to be expanded–with even more space for dreams made of wood and imagination.