The Karlsaue is the great south-central park of Kassel — a 150-hectare Baroque garden laid out in the 17th century by Landgrave Karl on the banks of the Fulda river. The grid of canals and the long sight-lines were designed to be best viewed from the Orangerie at the northern edge; the park widens out into a series of woodland walks and the Siebenbergen flower island, which charges a small admission in summer.
It is the city's favourite warm-day picnic spot. Boats can be rented on the canals, joggers and dog walkers fill the paths, and during documenta years the park is one of the principal exhibition venues. From the south end you can walk back into town along the Fulda or cross the river to climb up to GRIMMWELT.