📝 About the Author: Matthias
Traffic noise, crowded squares, and stuffy air. Sometimes you just want to get out of the city. Fortunately, that’s pretty easy to do in Düsseldorf. In this article, I’ll share the best day-trip destinations around Düsseldorf that you can easily reach by bike.
If you’re just looking to take a day trip to Düsseldorf, then this article is perfect for you:
For an overview, you can find all the attractions in the Düsseldorf area on the map here:
For each destination, I’ve also included the distance to the center of the old town.
1. Knechtsteden Abbey
Distance: 21.6 km
Knechtsteden Abbey, located near Dormagen south of Düsseldorf, has existed since the 12th century and has been owned by the Spiritan Order for over 120 years. As is typical of an abbey, Knechtsteden is a place of tranquility. The grounds are surrounded by a beautiful forest nature reserve where you can go for a walk and unwind.
In addition to the large basilica, there is also a library with a bookstore, a few monastery shops, and workshops that you can visit.
For more information, click here.
2. Zons
Distance: 17.7 km
Fun activity: Zons Segway Tour
The small town of Zons offers a truly medieval experience. Nestled in the heart of nature, Zons is surrounded by ancient fortifications. Highlights include Friedestrom Castle with its Juddeturm tower and the old mill. We recommend taking some time to stroll through Zons’ historic streets and discover a few of the local shops along the way.
There is a public ferry in Zons that is also open on Sundays. From there, you can cross back to the other side of the Rhine for €2, right near Benrath Castle Park.
3. Rotthäuser Bachtal
Distance: 10.8 km
Düsseldorf and North Rhine-Westphalia are basically flatlands. That can get a bit boring sometimes if, like me, you come from the more mountainous parts of Germany.
That’s why I was all the more surprised when I first explored the Rotthäuser Bachtal. It’s characterized by forests, small ponds, and rolling hiking trails, which are best explored either on foot or by mountain bike.
The Kaisershaus is a great restaurant with a beer garden located right on the edge of the forest, perfect for stopping by.
4. Kalkum Castle Park
Distance: 11.1 km
Just about 13 km north of downtown Düsseldorf, you can visit Kalkum Water Castle. It is surrounded by a moat and a small English-style park.
5. Kaiserswerth
Distance: 9.1 km
Fun activity: Guided night watchman tour through Kaiserswerth
Kaiserswerth is a neighborhood in Düsseldorf located in the northern part of the city. It features two beer gardens with views of the Rhine, the ancient castle ruins of “Kaiserpfalz” (Emperor’s Palace), built by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, and a few historic Baroque houses from the 17th and 18th centuries. One of these houses is home to the Restaurant im Schiffchen. In the past, it was even awarded three Michelin stars.
6. Heltorf Castle Park
Distance: 16 km
Heltorf Castle is located about 15 km north of downtown Düsseldorf. This castle is also a moated castle with a moat. The complex also features a slightly older outer bailey. Inside stands a magnificent manor house.
But what I enjoyed most was exploring the sprawling English-style park, with its woods and a pond in the center. The park was originally designed by landscape architect Maximilian Friedrich Weyhe, who also helped design Düsseldorf’s Hofgarten.
7. Angertal
Distance: 16.6 km
The Angertal is a nature reserve near Ratingen. A beautiful cycling and hiking trail runs along the Angerbach stream, leading you to Haus Anger, a former manor house.
8. Lake in the Prangenhauser Quarry near Wülfrath
Distance: 24.3 km
Turquoise-blue and emerald-green water against a golden-yellow sandy beach—it could easily pass for the Caribbean, but it’s actually a water-filled former limestone quarry where swimming is prohibited. Due to the risk of slipping on the steep walls, it’s even dangerous.
But even just gazing out at the lake from a distance is worth the trip. The best view is from the Prangenhaus lookout point. You can reach it via the hiking trails that start along the main road. You don’t have to go through the gated entrance of the Lhoist company, which has a plant here by the lake.
9. Linnep Castle
Distance: 19.7 km
The “castrum Lynnep” was first mentioned as early as the High Middle Ages. Today, the complex—which consists of several buildings—is privately owned by the Counts of Spee. For this reason, you cannot tour the interior. However, the courtyard—which offers a great view of the front of the house and the staircase leading over the moat—is open to the public.
In addition, there are many hiking trails here in the Breitscheid region, where the castle is located.
10. Kettwig
Distance: 22.4 km
If you bike northeast from Düsseldorf for about an hour, you’ll reach Essen. More specifically: the Essen-Kettwig neighborhood. It’s located right on the Ruhr River and is characterized by old half-timbered houses and the church that towers over the town.
It’s a great place to take a stroll right along the banks next to the Ruhr Bridge. Coffee, cake, and ice cream are also available nearby.
11. Vogelsangbach Valley
Distance: 25 km
The rolling valley near Heiligenhaus is perfect for a hike. As the name suggests, you can listen to the birds singing here in the peaceful forest.
It’s best to follow the Rinderbach stream all the way to the Abstkücher Pond, where there’s also a café.
12. Landsberg Castle and Hugenpoet Castle
Distance: 21 km
The origins of Landsberg Castle date back to the 13th century. In the 19th century, it was purchased by the industrial magnate August Thyssen, who had it renovated according to his own vision.
The entire complex is now used as a seminar and conference center. The surrounding park and woods are still open to visitors.
You’ll also find Hugenpoet Castle right nearby. If you’re ever in the area, you should definitely check it out at least once. Inside the castle is a wonderful castle hotel.
13. The Ratingen Lakes
Distance: 8.6 km
Not far from the outskirts of Düsseldorf lie two large lakes—the Grüner See and the Silbersee. They are located within the Volkardey recreational area, which covers approximately 110 hectares, and are part of the municipality of Ratingen. However, swimming is not permitted in either lake.
A little further north of Ratingen, there is also the Blue Lake. It is a bit smaller, but no less beautiful for that.
14. Urdenbacher Kämpe
Distance: 16.8 km
The Urdenbacher Kämpe is Düsseldorf’s largest nature reserve and is located in the southern part of the city. Numerous bike and hiking trails take you along the former course of the Rhine, past pollarded willows and wetlands where, with a little patience, you might even spot a beaver or two.
There are also many orchards here, such as the one at Haus Bürgel. This is a former Roman fort that now houses a biological research station. You can also learn about the history of the site at the Roman museum located there.
15. Unterbacher Lake
Distance: 11.2 km
Bike tour: Through the Rotthäuser Bachtal
Unterbacher See is essentially Düsseldorf’s city lake. There are two outdoor swimming pools here, and you can hike all the way around the lake along the path. Although you’re not allowed to enter the lake from anywhere other than the swimming pools, many people do it anyway—in the more secluded spots along the shore.
16. Hombroich Island Museum
Distance: 16 km
The Hombroich Island Museum is not your typical museum, but rather a unique blend of landscape, architecture, and exhibitions. Here, art and nature come together. Numerous winding paths lead through the 21-hectare nature reserve, offering plenty of variety. For example, you can admire all kinds of sculptures or wander through a maze. Admission for adults is €20.
I was particularly impressed by the natural beauty of the area along the Erft River. The scent of exotic plants fills the air everywhere. Ferns cover the garden of a pink house. There are ponds, pools, and small tributaries that make you want to jump right in.
17. Dyck Castle
Distance: 21.8 km
Dyck Castle is a beautiful moated castle located about 25 km west of Düsseldorf. It spans four islands and was first mentioned in historical records in the 11th century. Admission is €7 per adult.
The park surrounding the castle is particularly beautiful. The herb garden is famous, but the other parts of the park also feature a few exotic trees and shrubs. There’s even an ancient yew tree that you can walk into, just like a chapel.
18. Mickeln Castle in the Mickeler Busch
Distance: 10 km
Mickeln Castle, located in the Himmelgeist district of Düsseldorf, serves as a conference venue for Heinrich Heine University.
The surrounding palace grounds are also a feast for the eyes. Like many parks in the Düsseldorf area, they were designed by the famous landscape architect Maximilian Friedrich Weyhe. There are even a few Lebanese cedars that were planted here as early as 1740.
19. Monheim am Rhein
Distance: 21.1 km
The town of Monheim am Rhein is the perfect destination for a day trip by bike from Düsseldorf or Cologne. The route runs right along the Rhine, and there are a few cool spots to discover in Monheim itself.
20. Aaper Forest
Distance: 8.7 km
Bike tour: Through the Rotthäuser Bachtal
The Aaper Wald is Düsseldorf’s city forest. In addition to many hiking and biking trails, it is also home to the Mausweg, an old trade route that is partially overgrown with trees, creating a tunnel-like passage.
Horseback riding is also very popular in the Aaper Forest. There are several farms and riding facilities in the area. The racetrack is also located right on the edge of the forest.
21. Benrath Palace Park
Distance: 14.1 km
Benrath Palace, located in the southern part of Düsseldorf, is surrounded by a beautiful park that, at 61 hectares, is certainly no small affair. It’s the perfect place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city. Parts of the park date back to the 17th century. It is even a designated historic landmark.
22. Burg Linn Museum
Distance: 19.7 km
The Burg Linn Museum is located on the outskirts of Krefeld. The museum is housed in a moated castle that is over 900 years old and surrounded by a beautiful park. This makes it one of the oldest castle complexes in the Lower Rhine region.
Many small details transport you back to the Middle Ages. Children haven’t been forgotten here either. There is a separate area inside the castle with games and information for the little ones.
The Linn neighborhood itself is also worth exploring. In the historic city center, you’ll find many colorfully painted house facades, green backyards, and historic buildings to discover.
23. Tiger & Turtle – Magic Mountain
Distance: 19.2 km
Fun activity: Guided evening tour with “Tiger and Turtle”
Duisburg might not exactly have a reputation as a great place to visit. That’s why you’ll be all the more surprised to find that there are actually some cool spots in Duisburg.
One of them is the Tiger & Turtle – Magic Mountain. This sculpture is modeled after a roller coaster, and you can actually walk through it. Of course, you shouldn’t climb all the way down the loop, but from the top of the sculpture, you’ll have a great view of the entire landscape.
24. Sechs-Seen-Platte (Six Lakes Plateau)
Distance: 21.7 km
Duisburg is known as an industrial city. But the Sechs-Seen-Platte proves that there are also great recreational areas here. As the name suggests, this 283-hectare area features a total of six lakes, along which you can enjoy wonderful walks.
In addition, there are plenty of other activities you can enjoy:
- Sailing
- Fishing
- Climbing at the Tree2Tree Climbing Park
- Enjoy the view from the 22-meter-high steel observation tower
- Swimming at the Wolfssee Outdoor Pool
- Enjoy coffee and cake with a lake view at Haus Seeblick
- Barbecue at the many barbecue areas around the lakes
25. Rheinpark Duisburg
Distance: 23 km
Rheinpark Duisburg is located right on the Rhine and is the perfect place for long walks. From the Rheinpark Hochfeld observation deck, you can look out over the river; at the skatepark, you can let off some steam playing basketball or skating; or you can admire the street art surrounding the skatepark.
26. Morper Park
Distance: 9.8 km
There is also a lovely little park with a lake and a magnificent, historic mansion in Erkrath, located east of Düsseldorf.
The estate was built in the English style by Friedrich Grillo at the end of the 19th century. Directly adjacent to the park is the Morper Bachtal Nature Reserve, which is perfect for long walks.
27. Gruiten Village
Distance: 20.1 km
The village of Gruiten is a historic settlement dating back to the year 1000 A.D. There are still many beautiful, historic half-timbered houses here with their green window frames, all of which have been restored.
Pick up a slice of cake at “Café im Dorf,” take a stroll along the Düssel as it flows through town, and explore the buildings along the way.
28. The Düssel floodplains near Gödinghoven
Distance: 9.4 km
This nature reserve in eastern Düsseldorf isn’t very well known. All the better if you want to go for a walk without running into many other people.
Here, you’ll hike through pristine forests, going up and down the hills.
29. Neanderthal
Distance: 15 km
The remains of a Neanderthal were discovered in this valley 160 years ago. Today, the region is a popular destination for day trips. There is a museum, a large playground, a water park, a wildlife sanctuary, and plenty of fantastic hiking trails.
You can find more information here.
30. Liedberg
Distance: 21.7 km
Many picturesque half-timbered houses and a historic castle await you in Liedberg, a district of Korschenbroich.
From the Mill Tower, which you can enter for a 50-cent admission fee, you’ll have the best view of the area and the castle.
There are many hiking trails around Liedberg. You can stop for a bite to eat at the Vennen restaurant, housed in the old brewery, after a hike.
You can learn more about Liedberg here.
31. Bolten Brewery
Distance: 24.3 km
The Bolten Brewery is actually the oldest Altbier brewery in the world. The first batch of this light brown brew was brewed here as early as 1266.
The brewery also features a quaint restaurant and a beer garden. You can see what the brewery looks like inside by taking a tour.
Other places to visit in Düsseldorf
In addition to the day trip options in the Düsseldorf area mentioned here, there are also many other getaways that are a bit closer to the city center and therefore even easier to reach, such as:
- Eller Castle
- Nordpark
- The Court Garden
- The Public Park
- The Botanical Garden
- Paradise Beach (Yes, there’s even a sandy beach in Düsseldorf ;)
- Grafenberger Forest
You can find more information about these Düsseldorf attractions and many others here:
Which Düsseldorf attraction is your favorite? Are there any other nature outings in the Düsseldorf area that I’ve missed? Leave me a comment!
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