The total area of Erfurt's green spaces amounts to 550 hectares of recreational land and more than 1,000 hectares of forest, creating plenty of opportunities for relaxing strolls as well as sporting activities. The egapark in particular marks Erfurt out as a 'green city'. It is the city's largest park, can be visited all year round and has a number of special gardens and conservatories. Since its opening in 1961 it has held annual open-air spectacles that illuminate the parklands from spring until autumn.