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 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.
This German Village Looks Like a REAL Life Fairy Tale!
Calling Spreewald picturesque is an understatement, as the German village looks like a real-life fairy tale where everything is picture-perfect.
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.
Visit the Largest Pumpkin Exhibition in the World
Visit Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival in Germany, the largest one in the world!
The Most Unusual Aspects of Life in Germany – 15 Pics
Germany is full of famous and spectacular places. However, these images shoe some of the unique and quirky aspects of life in Germany.
Marina Serra - the Natural Swimming Pool of Italy
The locals call it "una piscina naturale" - a natural swimming pool. It offers shallow waters and is hidden from the tides by natural stone walls.
Fall in the Great Smoky Mountains is So Darn Beautiful...
This season is especially beautiful in the Smoky Mountains National Park...
Want to Get Cheap Flight Tickets? The Answer is Here…
Find the cheapest flight tickets with these trusted tips and tricks.
Take a Virtual Trip to Australia With An Interactive Guide
Australia is an amazing country that leaves many of us in complete awe for a whole variety of reasons. Take an interactive tour of the country.
Fascinating! Never-Before-Seen Images of the Titanic
Explore the Titanic like you've never seen it before with these rare photos.
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.
Come See the Architectural Wonders of Valencia
We're inviting you to a beautiful tour of one of the most interesting cities in the world, as well as one of the most beautiful.
When You Go to Japan, It's Like You're on Another Planet!
Japan is a country that'll surprise you so much, you'd be forgiven for thinking that you've arrived in another country. Take a look!
10 Stunning Abandoned Islands and Their Eerie Histories
These islands used to be someone’s home, but today, they have been reclaimed by nature. Ready to see these islands and learn their histories?
Watch Your Step: The World's Most Treacherous Staircases
These dangerous staircases will make your stomach drop.
Living in a Medieval Castle Is Nothing Like You'd Imagine
Welcome to one of the most unusual homes in the world - a proper Medieval castle in Germany.
Discover These Stunning Off the Beaten Track Destinations
Europe is home to some of the most famous travel destinations in the world, but it's best explored off the beaten track. Discover 10 hidden destinations.
13 Unmissable Sights in the Exotic City of Baku
To ensure you make the most of your trip to Baku, we have compiled a short guide of 13 must-see attractions.
15 Infrastructural Wonders That Will Take Your Breath Away
Let’s take a look at 15 pictures of stunning engineering marvels of our world.
Arabian Nights: The Magic of Saudi Arabia
Come with us to fly above and within the magic of Saudi Arabia.
Visit the Most Beautiful Monasteries in the World!
These monasteries are beautiful in both the spiritual and the architectural sense.
Eastern Europe's Jaw-Dropping Beauty Needs to Be Seen
Eastern Europe is often associated with poverty and the remnants of Communism, but it's actually quite exotic and beautiful. View these 20 amazing places.
Discover How Truly Stunning Our Planet Is in 22 Pictures
Our planet is full of wonderful spots. Check out how truly stunning it is in these 22 photos.
World Travel: Mini-Maine!
A tilt-shift film, which uses special equipment to make natural movement seem fast and toy-like, giving us a ballet-like look into a part of the US you rarely see on television, shot in Portland, Maine, USA.
21 Oddly Beautiful Street Scenes Caught on Camera
Here are some wacky and amusing photos from the "Street Photographers" Instagram page.
Visit 9 of the Most Unusual Towns in the World
A village of Dwarves? A city covered in trash? a whole town underground? These strange places will amaze you!
Oh Nice, Let Me Count the Reasons I Love Thee...
An amazing coastline, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the city of Nice, a pearl of the French Riviera ...
15 Poignant Pics That Prove How Time Affects Everything
Take a look at these before and after pictures that show how much time affects everything in the world.
Journey Along 1,794 Kilometers of The Great Canal in China
The Great Canal in China is the longest and oldest waterway in the world, and this photo series will allow you to embark on a journey along its fascinating banks...
The 10 Oldest Gardens in the World One Can Still Visit...
This article showcases the 10 oldest gardens founded by humans centuries ago that still exist today and are well-preserved.
Batumi, the Most Charming City On the Black Sea Coast
Read everything you need to know about Batumi and its alluring tourist destinations.
The Award for the Most Creative Christmas Tree Goes To...
These creative DIY Christmas trees will inspire you to make one of your own!
See 13 Of the Most Magical and Breathtaking Sites in Vietnam
After visiting Vietnam, a country of natural beauty, fascinating history, and authentic cultural heritage, I compiled a list of 13 must see sites!
This Fantastic Tour of New York City Will Leave You in Awe
Ever wanted to visit New York City, but haven’t had the chance yet? This great video will whet your appetite until you get a chance to visit yourself!
12 Gifts Mother Nature Gave the World...
12 incredible places that are hard to believe are real.
Kathmandu Looks Exceptionally Stunning in 4K
If you've never been to Kathmandu before, then this is the perfect place to start!
These Photos of Machu Picchu Are Simply Stunning
Machu Picchu is one of the few places everybody wished to visit, and these gob-smacking pictures show just why.
10 of the Most Beautiful Places of Worship in the World
Houses of worship are often the most shining example of artistic architecture, and these are the most beautiful examples of that.
This Scottish Viking Festival Is a Fiery Sight to Behold
Once a year, an epic Viking festival takes place in the Shetland Islands (170 km north of mainland Scotland). It really is a sight to behold!
15 Must-Visit Places In the Incredible Continent of Africa
Africa is an incredible continent for a variety of reasons, and there's something here for you whatever you like. Here are 15 must-visit places in Africa.
19 Timeless Treasures of Our World You Need to See
Uncover the world's most captivating and awe-inspiring creations through the lens of history, archaeology, art, and architecture.
The Best Museums to Visit in the City of London
No trip to London would be complete without visiting some of these well-known Museums, and we have compiled a list of the most recommended ones in this article
The Netherlands Is a Country of the Future For 7 Reasons
The Netherlands is a country that others should emulate for a whole variety of reasons, not least these 7 we're about to show you in this article.
Welcome to One of the Most Beautiful French Cities...
Prepare to immerse yourself in all that Montpellier has to offer - discover what sights are truly worth seeing and experiences worth having.
Avoid the Worst Seat on the Plane By Following This Advice
What can you do to avoid the middle seat on the plane? Read through this guide.
I Would Be So Happy in One of These Beautiful Little Towns
When you get out of the big cities and start visiting the small ones, you realize you've missed some of the most beautiful places..