Tropical Islands Resort is an artificial tropical resort located about 60 kilometers south of Berlin and is housed within the largest free-standing dome in the world. This massive airplane-hanger-like structure is 360 meters long, 210 meters wide, 107 meters high, and is supported by 14,000 tons of steel. It is large enough to host 8 entire soccer fields. Even the New York Statue of Liberty (93 meters) could stand upright in it, and the Paris Eiffel Tower (322 meters) could lie in it. |
The Dome offers enough space for the skyline of Berlin's Potsdamer Platz including the Sony Centre, the gatehouse and the Daimler Chrysler skyscraper. |
At 5.5 million m³, it is one of the largest buildings on Earth by volume, and is the world's largest single hall without supporting pillars inside. The structure was commissioned as an airship hangar in November 2000, but the airship it was intended to house – the CL160 – was never built. The company went bankrupt in mid-2002. Two years later, Tropical Islands Resort was opened. |
Inside the dome is the world’s largest indoor rainforest with 30,000 trees, bushes and groundcover. There are carnivorous plants, banana trees, coffee bushes, jungle creepers and other exotic plants. A kilometre-long path winds through the forest and a bridge over the mangrove swamp gives great views. The windows on one side of the dome are transparent, allowing real sunshine to come in and nourish over 500 species of plants. |
Guests can lie on the 200 meter-long man-made beach, swim in the an artificial sea and enjoy warm 26 degrees Celsius weather all year round. The tropical sea is lined with sandy beaches and dotted with small tropical islands decorated with grass huts. Against the grey hangar wall is a backdrop of a blue sky with a few clouds. |
Surrounding the pools are re-creations of famous architectural wonders from Asia like Angkor Wat, the Balinese Temple Gate, a longhouse from Borneo, and a traditional Thai house. Ponds and canals wind their way around various activity sites, and large Buddha statues are everywhere. |
The complex is open year round, 24 hours a day, with a multitude of attractions to keep you busy. There is a swimming pool, large enough to accommodate up to 8,000 visitors a day, a 25 meter water slide, mini-golf course, restaurants serving gourmet meals, shopping pavilion, bars, daycares, and even overnight camping on Paradise beach. |
Tropical paradise even has some environmentally-conscious features, such as recycled water from the swimming pools being used to water the plant life found inside, which itself grows from custom-made soil made of sand, organic waste, clay, and tree bark. Natural UV light is also able to permeate through the dome and give plants access to sunlight and warmth.
|
And because of the humidity found within, water condensation periodically gathers inside the dome, which then falls back down producing spontaneous rain showers, further adding to the resorts tropical climate. The resort is located in the municipality of Krausnick, in Brandenburg, Germany, about 60 km south-southeast of Berlin and an hour’s drive away.
|
Beethoven’s 250th Birthday Will Be Something Special
Bethhoven's 250's birthday is fast approaching, and his hometown of Bonn, Germany has a few surprised in store for the occasion
These Floating Hotels Are An Aquatic World Away From Home
Although many of us are more than happy with vacationing on land, there are some of us that just want to take to the water. Here are 10 amazing floating hotels.
How an Insane King Built the World’s Most Beautiful Castle
Neuschwanstein is most recognized castle, famous for its fairy tale like appearance. But the history of this stunning castle is no fairy tale
These Places in Britain Are Ones That You'll Never Forget...
There's a lot more to the United Kingdom than just London, as these amazing destinations will prove to you. Take a look at 14 traveler hotspots in the UK.
5 Most Unusual Christmas Markets Around Europe
Visit the 5 most unique Christmas markets in Europe.
This is How Mountain Goats Defy Physics and Gravity
They're known to be able to defy the laws of physics, and today we'll discover exactly how they do that.
See the Sights of Europe With Our 20-Country Collection!
This collection of 20 countries will let you you drop in on each of them through the posts below and see what is most gorgeous about that country.
Weird Architecture: 12 Really Unusual Buildings
From a building that sings in the rain to one that looks like a pair of dancers, these weird and wonderful structures are sure to blow your mind.
What an Amazing HD Tour of the Great Wall of China!
This drone tour of the Great Wall of China doesn't disappoint at all. In fact, the HD footage is so crystal clear that it's (probably) better than going there!
9 Ancient Cities Your History Teacher Never Told You About
The world's history is filled with many civilizations that rose and fell, leaving behind ancient cities and a final monument to their legacy. You may have heard of some, but these cities are less-known, yet still as amazing.
5 Tips to Protect Yourself Against Thieves and Pickpockets
How to frustrate pickpockets and avoid getting robbed of your money and valuables abroad.
Fall in the Great Smoky Mountains is So Darn Beautiful...
This season is especially beautiful in the Smoky Mountains National Park...
The Tiniest Marvels: Enter Willard Wigan's Miniature World
Enter the fascinating world of Willard Wigan, the master of micro-sculpting.
First-Class Travel Looks Very Different on These Airlines
First-class air travel is one of the most luxurious modes of transport you can take, but the experience differs from airline to airline. Take a closer look.
Here Are the Most Important Archaeological Finds of 2023
2023 was an interesting year for archaeology.
These Are 7 of the Most Beautiful Gardens in the World
These must-see gardens from all over are among the most beautiful in the world.
How Grocery Stores Collect Your Data Without You Knowing
You are sharing much more data than you know at the local supermarket.
The 10 Attractions that’ll Make You Want to Fly to Monaco
The French Riviera awaits you in a tiny but wonderful city-state which will provide you with an exceptional holiday that you would not expect in France ...
Arabian Nights: The Magic of Saudi Arabia
Come with us to fly above and within the magic of Saudi Arabia.
25 of China's Hidden Treasures That All Visitors Must See
China is a land of beauty and mystery, filled with countless spots of natural, as well as man-made beauty.
Touch Down in These Incredible Island Airports!
Here are some of the most fantastic island airports that you could be landing in on your next exotic vacation!
14 Incredible Experiences in the City of Rio de Janeiro
If you're still on the fence about visiting Rio de Janeiro, here are 14 must-see sites and attractions that will surely convince you.
People Say That Bruges Is THE Place to See Lace Being Made
Bruges is renowned for its traditional lace-making, with its intricate patterns and designs. This is the story behind how it came to be what it is today.
Hard to Think of a Place More Lovely Than These Temples...
The island of the gods it is called, and it does seem blessed...
28 Places of Humbling Beauty You Can Find In Asia
Asia is a stunning and highly diverse continent with countless locations to explore. It's time for you to see 28 of the most humbling, beautiful places there.
Every City in the World Needs These Futuristic Innovations
We just discovered these amazingly futuristic things from other countries and wanted to share them with you.
These Legendary Sites Are Teeming with Mythical Stories
These real-world places have a rich connection to mythology.
Garden Envy: Stunning Photos from Fellow Plant Lovers
Soothe your soul with these beautiful gardening pictures shared by people from all over the world.
INTERACTIVE: Visit 11 Stunning Locations in MALTA!
The map you see before you has 11 marked locations. Click on any of these locations and you'll see their name and a beautiful video of each place
10 Majestic, Ornate Temples in Thailand Worth Visiting
If you're curious to know more, we're talking about the top ten most beautiful and impressive temples hidden in Thailand!
Life in Turkey’s Istanbul is Pretty Special – 15 Pictures
Istanbul in Turkey is a city of many wonderful contrasts as you will see in these striking pictures.
Wedding Outfits Around the World Are Anything But Boring
Here is a list of 15 of the most grandiose and exotic traditional wedding outfits you will ever see
Climb Aboard a Gondola For An Enchanting Venetian Ride...
Venice is an architectural and cultural treasure that is both part of Italy's and the wider world's heritage. Take a gondola ride through this beautiful city.
These Pictures Will Make You Desperately Crave the ‘70s
Rediscover the charm of the '70s with these delightful pictures.
10 Fascinating Places to Visit in Jordan
Jordan is a beautiful and exotic country. As you can imagine, it's home to many places that are worth visiting, such as the capital, Amman. Here are the top 10.
Thailand Never Looked More Enchanting than In This Video...
Never have I seen a video shot with more love for its subject matter. Thailand is indeed one of the most stunning places on earth.
Las Vegas Isn't Just About Gambling as These Places Prove
Planning a visit to Las Vegas? If so, you must really visit these stunning places.
7 Gorgeous Dutch Parks We Recommend You Visit!
we have compiled a list of the top 7 national parks in Holland that should not be missed!
The Australian Island of Tasmania Is Out of This World...
Many choose to visit to Australia at least once in their lifetimes, but the island of Tasmania is much less well-known. Take a look at these stunning pictures.
The World is Full of Unique Places, But These 8 Stand Out
The world is full of intriguing places, some of which are incredibly unique. Here are 8 of the most fascinating ones.
Take a Virtual Walking Tour Through the Streets of Venice
Venice is a truly beautiful city. Walk through its streets in this breathtaking video.
Shocking Facts About New York’s Flatiron Building
New York City's Flatiron building is one of the world’s most iconic structures. However, it faces an uncertain future.
10 Unforgettable Places In the World Full Of Color & Charm
Admire 10 astonishing and colorful tourist destinations all around the world.
Tour 20 of the World's Finest Wine Regions Right Now
Where does the most delicious and refined wine in the world come from? From these 20 sensational wine regions all over the world. Take this fine wine tour.
Take a Scenic Ride Through Europe’s Highest Alpine Railway
Embark on a journey all the way to Jungfrau mountain in the Swiss Alps, 3.454 meters (8.051 ft) above sea level, on a train!
12 Picturesque Festive Locations for the Winter Holidays
The 12 cities we list in this article have one thing in common - they are the leaders of winter holiday decorations and celebrations