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
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.
A Vacation in the Clouds: a Nuclear Powered Airplane Hotel
This hotel takes off and never lands. The best part? It can stay airborne for several years.
Haven't Been to Switzerland? This Will Send You Packing!
Enjoy a high quality video tour picturesque resort town Interlaken, Switzerland
Who Knew the US Has So Many Hidden Romantic Spots
These 10 lesser known holiday destinations are both original and romantic. If you live in the US they may even be closer than you thought!
Visit the Largest Pumpkin Exhibition in the World
Visit Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival in Germany, the largest one in the world!
The World's Best Underground Train Systems, Revealed
Today, let us take you on a ride on some of the most impressive metro systems in the world.
Step Inside This Incredible ROTATING HOUSE
Step inside the world’s ‘most famous’ rotating house in San Diego.
Everyone Should Visit These Gorgeous Romanian Castles
We have curated a list of the top nine most remarkable castles and fortresses in Romania and their fascinating histories.
Colorful Travel Photos from Around the World - 13 Pics
Can travel photos be any more colorful?
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.
These Quaint Villages in England Are Pure Eye Candy
Visit one of these quaint English villages and take a step back in time.
14 Cool and Interesting Things From Around the World
Check out these cool and interesting things from around the world that will leave you surprised.
10 Beautiful Places in Austria You Must Visit!
We invite you to join a special journey in the country, looking at 10 different sites that are simply a must.
These Amazing Hotels Are the Oldest in the World
The oldest hotels in the world have fascinating histories, and the oldest one of all is well over 1,300 years old. Find out all about them in this guide.
Remembering the World’s Long Lost Architectural Gems
There have been countless architectural gems built over centuries. Sadly, many no longer exist. Here’s a look at some of them.
These Hot Springs and Geysers Are the World's Most Furious!
Natural geysers and hot springs around the world have left mankind in awe for millennia. They're also revered for their therapeutic effects. Take a look.
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 ...
The Most Unusual Christmas Characters Around The World!
Let’s meet the holiday season's most interesting characters from around the world.
15 Underrated National Parks You Need to Explore Next
Yellowstone and Yosemite are just the tip of the iceberg. Check out these underrated national parks now.
Batumi, the Most Charming City On the Black Sea Coast
Read everything you need to know about Batumi and its alluring tourist destinations.
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.
Austria's Lake District Is Gorgeous Beyond Belief!
I have rarely been as stunned as I was when I saw how beautiful Salzkammergut in Austria is. Visit this amazing lake district in Europe.
The Award for the Most Creative Christmas Tree Goes To...
These creative DIY Christmas trees will inspire you to make one of your own!
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!
18 Stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites to See in Italy
Apart from well-known attractions like the Colosseum, Pompeii, Rome, Venice, and Florence, there are 18 impressive locations that showcase a captivating blend of natural landscapes and ancient architectural wonders.
COLLECTION: 9 Incredible Festivals From Around the World
his unique interactive image is your gateway to exploring nine of the world's most vibrant and unique festivals.
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.
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
6 Minutes of Magic in the City of Budapest
We invite you on a breathtaking 6-minute journey through Budapest in incredible 8K quality!
16 Unique Grocery Store Innovations That Will Delight You
These supermarkets are using clever ideas to attract customers!
Want to Get Cheap Flight Tickets? The Answer is Here…
Find the cheapest flight tickets with these trusted tips and tricks.
8 Island Cities that Are Wonderful Places to Visit
These densely-populated islands are intriguing, and each boasts a unique history.
Interactive Map: 12 Beautiful New Zealand Sights
12 gorgeous sights you will see in New Zealand. Just click on any of the symbols to see a video of that place!
Norway: Where Living is a Unique Adventure (13 Pics)
You may have seen Norway’s beauty, but today we will introduce you to the how weirdly wonderful life in the Nordic country is.
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.
14 Small Towns and Cities That Reveal Austria's True Charm
Get to know Austria's lesser-known cities and towns. They may be small but they tell the true story of the beautiful country in their humble and wonderful way.
10 Awesome Travel Destinations in England’s Lake District
Not everyone is familiar with England's beautiful Lake District, that's why we've gathered for you the 10 most treasured destination on site!
19 Unique & Traditional Ways of Life Around the World
19 unique cultures that managed to preserve their traditions in the 21st century. English photographer Jimmy Nelson travels the globe to meet these unique tribes and brings back incredible photos.
Set Your Eyes on Burano, an Island Bursting with Color
Every corner of Italy has some hidden beauty. Venetian Lagoon island Burano is a gem of an island bursting with colorful houses and tranquil scenery.
The 10 Most Incredible Beaches of Portugal
Here are the 10 beaches you should know in Portugal and which are recommended to go to on your next vacation there.
Let's Visit: The Beautiful and Mystical Black Forest
The huge and mysterious Black Forest encompass hundreds of miles, and is one of the biggest forested areas in the world...
For the True Beauty of Italy, Look to the Small Towns...
Italy is blessed with so many beautiful cities, landscapes and places. Nowhere is it more evident than in these little picturesque towns, each more stunning than the next.
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.
15 Cheerfully Colorful Towns and Villages Around the World
Take a look at 15 of the most vibrant and cheerful towns and villages around the world and brighten your day!
Our World is an Incredible Place – 12 Breathtaking Images
There’s something awe-inducing about things that dwarf us and make us feel small.