The Kurpark is oft referred to as a work of art, as it was designed by Peter Joseph Lenne, royal gardener to the Prussian court, who was considered one of the finest garden artists of the 19th century. With 44 hectares of local and exotic plants, its splendour is perfect. It houses the Siamese Temple, an elegantly maintained shrine donated by Thai king Chulalonghorn in gratitude for his recuperation in the spa garden. Nearby is the Russian Chapel, a small, perfect little Russian orthodox church that sits upon a hill, whose foundation was laid by the last Czar and Czarina. It also boasts tennis courts, and the oldest golf course in Germany, along with the famous springs, seven in total whose waters are used in drinking cures and mineral baths.
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On a recent trip to Bad Homburg, I discovered that there are actually two Siamese Temples, as the second one was added to mark the 100th year anniversary. Many people believe that the location for the second temple was not appropriate, as it is hidden away from passers by, but the location alone cost the council around one million euros, because it has been placed on top of one of the natural springs.