31 Great Day Trips & Weekend Getaways in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life

31 Great Day Trips & Weekend Getaways in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life

Too much stress? Tired of the noise and boredom of the big city? Want to get away with friends or family and explore the natural beauty of North Rhine-Westphalia? Then this article is just what you need. I’ll share some truly extraordinary sights and destinations in NRW for your perfect weekend getaway or day trip.

Before you head out of town by car, you should definitely check first to see if there’s anything cool you might have missed in the surrounding area.

Take a look here:

Places to Visit Around Düsseldorf – The Best Nature Outings

Hidden Gems: The coolest Düsseldorf attractions, that only locals know

All of the destinations in North Rhine-Westphalia featured in this article are ideal for day trips, but also for entire weekends. They are about an hour’s drive from cities like Cologne or Düsseldorf and offer you and your family a break from city life, as they are located in natural or more rural settings.

You can also find the North Rhine-Westphalia destinations mentioned in the article here on the map:


Since the destinations in North Rhine-Westphalia mentioned here are also great for multi-day trips, I’ll give you some hotel recommendations and tips for cool places to camp.

But enough with the introduction. Let’s get right to the best places to visit in North Rhine-Westphalia:

1. Xanten – Germany’s largest open-air archaeological museum

At the LVR Archaeological Park in Xanten, you’ll step back in time to a bygone era, when the Romans established the borders of their empire here along the Rhine.

Once upon a time, the ancient provincial city of Colonia Ulpia Traiana stood here; today, it has been brought back to life in the park through numerous reconstructions. Here, you can get a sense of Roman culture and learn all sorts of interesting facts about its history.

Replica of an Ancient Roman Temple in Xanten
Many ancient Roman buildings and temples have been reconstructed at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If the weather is bad, you can also read about and experience much of the same content at the LVR Roman Museum. The museum is the centerpiece of the Archaeological Park. The entire site is so impressive that it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021.

2. The Bergisches Land

The area along the Wupper River between Solingen and Remscheid isn’t just beautiful – it’s also very easy to reach from the major cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Wuppertal. You can also get here quickly from the Ruhr region.

Sengbach Dam Reservoir
There are plenty of hiking trails along the water in the Bergisches Land

Here you can discover some cool things, such as:

  • The Müngsten Bridge, Germany’s tallest railway bridge
  • The idyllically situated Sengbach Dam
  • The medieval castle of Burg
  • Nature along the Wupper

Here you’ll find plenty of details about this region and how best to plan a day trip there:

NRW Hidden Gem: A Day Trip to the Great Outdoors in the Bergisches Land

I also think the area in the Wupper Valley is especially cool because you can’t hear any noise from the highway here—not even a distant hum, as is so often the case in natural areas near big cities.

3. Oberhausen Gasometer

The Gasometer in Oberhausen is the perfect destination in North Rhine-Westphalia, especially (but not only) on rainy days. This industrial monument and landmark of the city of Oberhausen regularly hosts fantastic exhibitions featuring interactive elements. You can explore the “Mythos Wald” exhibition here through the end of 2026.

The absolute highlight of the exhibition is always a gigantic sculpture or projection in the heart of the gasometer.

The “Mythos Wald” exhibition features a similarly spectacular element: the light sculpture “The Tree” simulates the life processes of a tree. Through lighting effects and projections, it visualizes photosynthesis, the flow of nutrients from the roots to the crown, as well as the changing seasons and weather phenomena. Bottom line: You have to see it!

4. Sequoia Farm Kaldenkirchen

The Sequoia Farm near Kaldenkirchen is a truly special natural site—the kind you don’t often find in Europe.

Sequoias are giant redwoods found primarily along the western coast of North America. California’s Sequoia National Park is home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest of its kind (by volume).

Sequoia trees at the Kaldenkirchen Sequoia Farm
It’s a bit like California: there are several of these sequoia groves scattered throughout the grounds.

Since the mid-19th century, individual specimens of these giant sequoias have also been planted in several parks in Central Europe. The 3.6-hectare site in Nettetal-Kaldenkirchen, on the German-Dutch border, is Europe’s very first dedicated sequoia nursery. It was established in 1946.

The grounds are privately owned and are not open during the week. However, they are open on Sundays and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is no admission fee, but donations are welcome.

Sequoia Farm Kaldenkirchen and Park
There are a few houses on the grounds, and in addition to sequoias, there are many other plant species to discover.

At 63 years old, the sequoias here are still quite young compared to their counterparts in California, but no less impressive for it. A visit to the Sequoia Farm is definitely worth it. In addition to giant sequoias, you can marvel at all kinds of other plant species from around the world in this arboretum, including Wollemia, one of the rarest tree species on Earth, which was only discovered in Australia in 1994.

5. Eifel National Park

The Eifel National Park is one of the few regions in Germany where nature is left to its own devices. Numerous hiking and biking trails wind through the 110-square-kilometer park. The most scenic of these run along Lake Rur, Lake Obersee, and Lake Urft.

Places to Visit in North Rhine-Westphalia - Eifel National Park
Many hiking trails in the Eifel National Park run along the water.

A great loop hike starts in Einruhr and follows the Obersee for 7 km to the Urftsee Dam. There’s a popular restaurant there where you can take a break. On the way back, you’ll walk 3.8 km along the other side of the lake to Rurberg. At the café “Haus am Obersee,” you can stop for coffee and cake and enjoy the beautiful setting. Finally, you’ll walk back about 5 km to Einruhr.

If you don’t want to walk that far, you can take a shortcut by taking one of the Rursee boats. These allow you to explore the region in complete comfort without much effort. There are several routes:

  • Ruhrsee Circuit: 1 hour and 45 minutes
  • Obersee Tour: 1 or 2 hours
  • 2-Lake Tour: 3 or 4 hours

Here you’ll find the detailed schedules.

Eifel National Park Rur Lake Boat Tours
You can also explore the national park by boat.

You can also explore Lake Rur on your own by canoe. There are rental locations in Rurberg and Woffelsbach. You can also rent pedal boats in Einruhr and Woffelsbach.

Another popular attraction in the national park is Vogelsang IP (Internationaler Platz). This is a former Nazi Ordensburg that was later used as a military training area. There are two permanent exhibitions there, and several hiking trails start from this location.

If you plan to stay in the area for a while, I recommend the “Camping Rursee” campground in Rurberg. It’s a meadow campground, and the owners are pretty laid-back. They also have some really cool cabins with saunas available for rent—they look like barrels from the outside.

Rursee Campground, Eifel National Park
You can park your car or RV in the main area of the campground. There is also a tenting area, and the water is just a few minutes’ walk away.

However, there are also accommodations offering greater comfort, such as the Juuls Hotel Garni in Einruhr or the Jidajo See Cottage Nationalpark Eifel in Rurberg.

6. Monschau

Not far from the Eifel National Park lies the idyllic town of Monschau. Situated on the Rur River, this small town—with its winding alleys, castle, and historic half-timbered houses—is arguably one of the most picturesque towns in Germany and a paradise for tourists from all over the world.

There are plenty of arts-and-crafts shops, cafés, and restaurants here. A walk around Monschau along the city park is also wonderful. From the higher terraces, you’ll enjoy great views of the slate-covered roofs time and again. But there are many more hiking trails here that take you deeper into the region around Monschau. You’ll need to set aside plenty of time for that, though.

There are also some great hotels in town if you’d like to stay here for a few days, such as Haus Stehlings, which overlooks the old town.

Monschau Hiking Trail
I also particularly enjoyed the many hidden hiking trails around Monschau.

You can find all the highlights and plenty of tips about Monschau in the following article:

8 tips and sights for a romantic day trip to Monschau

7. Freudenberg “Alter Flecken”

A veritable paradise of half-timbered houses awaits you in this little village in South Westphalia. The “Alter Flecken, as Freudenberg’s historic town center is known, is world-famous. That’s because the 80 half-timbered houses from the 17th century here are lined up in neat rows like a battalion of soldiers. Since the houses were also built on a hillside, the result is a picture-perfect black-and-white half-timbered scene, with the town church perched at the summit.

Half-timbered houses in the old town of Freudenberg
The gables of the half-timbered houses all face the street.

The best view of the row of houses is from “Kurpark”. It’s also worth taking a stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Town. Here, you can stop for a bite to eat at the cafés and restaurants or pick up souvenirs at the craft shops.

Freudenberg Square
You can also take a closer look at the unique architecture.

By the way: Despite the large influx of tourists, there are still some Freudenberg residents living in these houses. In some cases, you can also stay in private accommodations in the half-timbered houses. Alternatively, there’s the Flecker Hotel.

8. Drachenburg Castle and Drachenfels in the Siebengebirge

Just like in a Disney fairy tale—you can spot Drachenburg, the fairytale castle perched above the Siebengebirge mountains, from a distance. Built between 1982 and 1984 in the Historicist style, it features a wealth of architectural details from a wide range of eras.

Drachenburg Castle in North Rhine-Westphalia, in the Siebengebirge
Just like in a fairy tale: Drachenburg Castle, with a view all the way to Cologne.

On sunny, clear days, you can even spot Cologne Cathedral and the TV tower on the horizon from the castle. By the way: The castle is just one of many highlights throughout the Siebengebirge. If you walk a little further along the Eselsweg, you’ll also reach the Drachenfelsen. From here, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Rhine and the surrounding region. There’s also a beer garden there where you can relax.

Dragon Rock in North Rhine-Westphalia - View of the Rhine
You can enjoy this view of the Rhine from the observation deck at Drachenfelsen.

Admission to the castle costs €10 per person (€8 for children). You can reach the castle via a truly beautiful hiking trail near Nachtigallental. However, many tourists take the convenient shortcut via the Drachenfelsbahn from Königswinter. This train runs every half hour (every 15 minutes on weekends and holidays) and continues on to the Drachenfelsen. A round-trip ticket costs €14 per person.

Beethoven Hiking Trail in the Siebengebirge

Drachenburg Castle and the Drachenfels make up only a small part of the Siebengebirge, but they attract the most tourists because they’re so easy to reach. But there is much more to discover here. If you’re fit enough, I recommend the truly fantastic Beethoven Trail. As the name suggests, the famous composer Beethoven is said to have once sought inspiration for his work and relaxation in the natural surroundings of the Königswinter region.

View from Petersberg of Drachenburg Castle and the Drachenfels
Views like this one from Petersberg await you on all seven peaks of the Siebengebirge.

The trail takes you 15 km through the entire region, with some steep uphill and downhill sections.

Along the way, you’ll pass the castle and the Drachenfelsen, as well as the Rosenau castle ruins, the steep cliffs in the middle of the forest on the Stenzelberg, and the stunning Heisterbach monastery ruins. You can stop for a break at the Milchhaus, which is nestled in the middle of the forest. Plus, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views along the way without having to share them with crowds of other tourists.

The ruins of Heisterbach Abbey in the Siebengebirge
The monastery ruins are just a small part of the monastery landscape here.

One day is enough to cover the entire route. It took me about 5 hours to walk the trail, though that didn’t include a visit to the castle or any stops along the way. You should plan on an extra 2–3 hours for those.

Beethovenweg Signage
The green rectangle with the “B” shows you where the Beethoven Trail goes. Sometimes you’ll find the symbol on stones like these, but most often it’s painted on trees.

If you want to spend more time exploring the area around the Seven Mountains, the Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa on Petersberg is definitely a standout choice for your stay. From here, you’ll enjoy a fantastic view of the vast landscape.

If you’re more of a camping enthusiast, I recommend the “Rheincamping Siebengebirgsblick” campground. From there, you can walk along the Rhine to the ferry, which will take you across the river to Königswinter.

Rheincamping Siebengebirgsblick
Beautifully situated right on the water: the “Rheincamping Siebengebirgsblick” campground

9. Burg Linn Museum

The Burg Linn Museum is located on the outskirts of Krefeld and is housed in a moated castle over 900 years old, 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 medieval times. The museum has also made provisions for children, with a dedicated area inside the castle featuring games and information for the little ones.

Lynn Castle from above
The castle from a bird’s-eye view.

In addition to the castle, there is also an old hunting lodge where antique furniture and musical instruments are on display. Admission to both is €5.

10. Rheydt Castle

Rheydt Castle is a magnificent Renaissance castle located on the outskirts of Mönchengladbach and was built between 1558 and 1591. Today, the castle grounds house a museum where you can get a genuine sense of aristocratic life from that era. Several curious objects are on display here, such as a coconut cup and a folding sundial.

South Facade of Rheydt Castle
The south facade of the mansion.

In addition, there are also a number of special exhibitions to explore here from time to time, such as one on the Stasi.

Rheydt Castle is also part of the “Castles of the Lower Rhine Guided Segway Tour.”

Admission to the castle costs €6 per adult. The admission fee also includes access to the castle’s original vaulted cellars, which feature an exhibition of artifacts.

Peacock at Rheydt Castle
You can enter the castle’s courtyard, where peacocks often gather, and the park for free

The park surrounding the castle offers plenty of opportunities for a stroll. There are also some animals roaming freely here. I especially loved the turtles in the moat and the magnificent peacocks.

Turtles at Rheydt Castle
Turtles just know how to relax best.

11. Coenenmühle Pancake House

The Pfannkuchenhaus at Coenenmühle offers pancakes in all sorts of varieties. How about, for example, a shrimp pancake, a hunter’s pancake, a chili con carne pancake, or a cherry pancake? The best thing to do is try your way through the menu yourself—which, by the way, also features other dishes besides pancakes.

By the way, the mill has been around since 1342, and in the surrounding area, besides enjoying pancakes, there are plenty of other things to do, such as hiking in the Dhünntal valley or visiting the Altenberg Fairytale Forest (€5 admission for adults).

12. Externsteine in the Teutoburg Forest

One of Germany’s most famous natural landmarks is located near Bielefeld in the Teutoburg Forest—the 40-meter-high Externsteine.

The Externsteine at night.
Mystical: The Externsteine at night.

It is believed that the stones were part of a Celtic sanctuary. However, no one really knows exactly what the site is all about, which also includes caves and rock-cut tombs. The striking rock face is surrounded by a park and a pond.

There’s much more to discover at the Externsteine, such as Germany’s tallest statue and an impressive open-air museum. Find out here what you can do in the Teutoburg Forest near the Externsteine:

Externsteine: 8 tips for a weekend in the Teutoburg Forest

13. Neanderthal Museum

The Neanderthal Museum offers plenty to see and do for families with children. It is located near Mettmann in the Neander Valley, where the first Neanderthal fossil was once discovered.

Inside the Neanderthal Museum
This is what a Neanderthal would probably look like today. Photo credit: suchosch /CC BY-SA

For an admission fee of €11.90, you can visit this very site and learn all about the origins and evolution of humankind in the exhibition at the museum, located about 400 meters away. An audio guide is included in the price. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, there are also regular special exhibitions.

In addition, Neandertal offers many great hiking trails through nature, a large playground, and even a wildlife enclosure that is home to rare Ice Age animals, such as aurochs, Tarpans, and bison.

River in the Neandertal Valley in North Rhine-Westphalia
This is what the Neander Valley looks like.

14. Zollverein Coal Mine

A unique landscape awaits you at the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Essen. However, this landscape has less to do with nature and is instead shaped by the industrial heritage of the Ruhr region.

Shaft XII, Zollverein Coal Mine
Shaft XII at the Zollverein Coal Mine. Photo credit: Daniel Mennerich /CC BY-NC-ND

Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the world of coal and coke. This 100-hectare site was once home to the world’s largest coal mine and Europe’s largest central coking plant. Today, you’ll find many museums and art exhibitions here, such as

  • The Ruhr Museum, featuring a permanent exhibition on industrial culture
  • The Red Dot Design Museum, home to the world’s largest exhibition of contemporary design
  • The Phänomania Experience Center, a collection of 120 interactive exhibits spread over 1,200 square meters

Admission to the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex is free. You have to pay an admission fee for the museums.

15. Erft River

The Erft is a small tributary of the Rhine that winds through idyllic countryside. The Erft Cycle Route runs the entire 110 km from the Erft’s source to its mouth in Neuss. The route is very scenic and takes you past castles, fortresses, plenty of nature, and many places to stop for a break. Of course, you can also choose to ride just part of the route.

Kayaking on the Erft
For most of the kayak route, both banks are overgrown.

But the Erft also offers relaxation and fun on the water: for example, take a kayaking tour from Angelpark Bergheim downstream to Zievericher Mühle. Tours depart every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday at 11:00 a.m. from the meeting point with a guide. You don’t need to book in advance, but you should arrive early to secure a kayak. The cost is €25 per person (€35 per person for a single kayak). More information is available here.

16. Hombroich Island Museum

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.

Places to Visit in Düsseldorf: The Pond at the Hombroich Museum Island
The grounds of the Hombroich Museum are very large and offer you wonderful views at every turn.

Numerous winding paths wind 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 €25.

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.

View through a window of the park at the Museum Insel Hombroich
When architecture meets nature.

17. Zwillbrocker Venn – Flamingos

Who would have thought that you could also see flamingos—which are usually found in tropical regions—in Germany? You can do just that at Zwillbrocker Venn, a small nature reserve on the German-Dutch border.

Flamingos at Zwillbrocker Venn
At Zwillbrocker Venn, you can spot greater flamingos, Chilean flamingos, and even a Cuban flamingo.

The flamingos, which like to breed and raise their young here, did not arrive here naturally. They are likely animals that escaped from zoos or private ownership.

There’s a great 6-kilometer loop trail at Zwillbrocker Venn that’s also easy to ride along on a touring bike. Along the way, there are viewing platforms from which you can get a great view of the flamingos. Be sure to bring binoculars or a good camera lens.

Zwillbrocker Venn Observation Tower
View of the Zwillbrocker Venn from the observation tower.

And while you’re in the area, I’d also recommend taking a bike ride around here. There’s the Flamingo Route, but at 450 km, it’s a bit too long for a single day. Instead, you can simply ride back and forth along the flat country roads near the border and maybe spot a flamingo or two in other places as well. They can be found all over this region.

Krosewicker Border Forest
If you’re lucky, you might also spot flamingos in the nearby ponds, like here at the Krosewicker Grenzwald.

I’ve put together my route for you here. It’s about 20 km.

Rotering Restaurant
On a bike ride along the Zwillbrocker Venn, you’ll pass by great cafés like this one.

By the way: Flamingos are actually white by nature. But because of the pigments found in their diet—such as crayfish—their plumage turns pink.

A pasture with cows at Zwillbrocker Venn
One of the typical pastures with cows at Zwillbrocker Venn.

You can find more information about the flamingos and the Zwillbrocker Venn here.

18. Dyck Castle

In my opinion, one of the most beautiful gardens in North Rhine-Westphalia can be found at Schloss Dyck near Jüchen. The English-style park surrounding the castle is especially worth visiting in May and June, when the rhododendrons are in bloom and the air is filled with the wonderful scent of spring. But it’s also worth a visit during other seasons.

Dyck Castle
The castle is beautifully reflected in the adjacent lake.

Given the size of the resort, you’re sure to find a spot where you can relax on your own for a few hours without many other guests around.

There is an ancient giant yew tree in the park; inside it, you almost feel as if you’re in a natural cathedral

Admission to the park costs a hefty 10 euros. However, this also includes access to the interior of the palace, the newer Asian Garden, and the Orangery.

English Garden at Schloss Dyck
In some parts of the park, you’ll feel like you’re on a solo expedition through the jungle.

You can find more information about Schloss Dyck here.

19. Isenberg Castle

Isenberg Castle is one of the largest castle ruins in Germany, beautifully situated on a cliff overlooking the Ruhr River near Hattingen. It dates back to the 12th century.

Isenberg Castle near Hattingen
The romantic castle complex offers a sweeping view of the Ruhr landscape

A hiking trail leads from the parking lot on Isenbergstraße at the foot of the mountain through the forest up to the site. Admission to this public monument and to the museum is free.

20. Cologne Cathedral

Of course. A trip to Cologne, the city of Carnival, definitely belongs on a list like this. If you want to explore Cologne, you definitely shouldn’t miss Cologne Cathedral.

Cologne's landmark: Cologne Cathedral next to the Hohenzollern Bridge
Cologne Cathedral, located next to the Hohenzollern Bridge, is the city’s landmark.

At 158 meters, the cathedral is the third-tallest church in the world and attracts 6 million visitors each year. From the south tower, you have one of the best views of the city.

If you want to explore the city and stay as close to the cathedral as possible, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom, the Legend Hotel, or the Stern am Rathaus are all great options.

Here you'll find more top accommodations in Cologne in every price range:

Find accommodation in Cologne now

To get to know the city and its unique Rhineland culture a little better, we recommend the following activities:

21. The Fascinating Underwater World at SEA Life Oberhausen

Are you interested in the unique underwater world but don’t have enough money or time to book a diving trip on the other side of the world? Or have your kids already had their fill of “Finding Nemo” but still want more? If you can answer yes to these questions—or even if you’re just looking for another cool day trip idea in North Rhine-Westphalia—then a visit to SEA LIFE in Oberhausen is a must.

A child stands in front of an aquarium at SEA LIFE Oberausen
Kids love colorful underwater worlds.

The coolest thing here is probably the underwater tunnel, but there are also many other areas with their own themed worlds, such as the pirate ship, the Amazon, or something a bit more traditional: the Rhine. But that’s just a small selection of everything you can actually see and experience here.

By the way, tickets here must be booked online in advance, because only a limited number of visitors are allowed in at any one time. There are several options for doing so:

22. LEGOLAND Discovery Playground Oberhausen

This outing tip in North Rhine-Westphalia is perfect for all LEGO fans and is a great choice even when the weather is bad. That’s because the LEGOLAND Discovery Center is an indoor playground with all kinds of areas and attractions.

And let’s be honest: While many people say they go there for their kids, the truth is that we adults, too, want nothing more in life than to play around with Lego bricks like crazy, just so we can be kids again ourselves.

You can buy tickets for the LEGOLAND Discovery Center here.

23. Alpincenter Bottrop – Skiing and snowboarding at the world’s longest indoor ski hall

The indoor slope at Alpincenter Bottrop is a full 640 meters long, making it the longest indoor ski slope in the world. Here, you can zoom down a slope with a gradient of up to 24%. There’s also a beginner’s slope with a rope tow. If you’ve never skied or snowboarded before, you can learn at the ski school. Ski and snowboard equipment can also be rented on-site.

If you’d like to spend several days on your short ski vacation in the Ruhr region, the nearby four-star Van der Valk Hotel in Gladbeck is a great option.

Here are some more accommodation options near the Alpine Center:

Find accommodation now

24. Moviepark Germany

A visit to an amusement park is a great day trip for the whole family, offering plenty of fun and a welcome break from the daily routine. One of the most famous of these is Moviepark Germany near Bottrop-Kirchhellen.

A panoramic view of Moviepark Germany featuring a few rides and roller coasters.
You definitely won’t get bored at Moviepark.

Here, you’ll find a little bit of Hollywood right in the heart of the Ruhr region. You can look forward to thrilling roller coasters as well as calmer rides, studio tours, cool shows, Ferris wheels, SpongeBob, PAW Patrol, and many other characters your kids love, a 4D movie theater, and so much more.

25. Tetrahedron in Bottrop

210 tons of steel with a total length of 1,500 meters mounted on four 9-meter-high concrete pillars—what sounds like the blueprint for the Eiffel Tower is actually a landmark in Bottrop that’s well worth exploring. The “Tetraheder” is the city’s landmark, and you can even climb inside it. A staircase leads up to a viewing platform in the center of the three-sided steel pyramid.

Three-sided steel structure: The Tetrahedron in Bottrop
Climbing for Adults: With a side length of 60 meters, the sculpture is enormous

26. The Wuppertal Suspension Railway

Wuppertal is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway with an overnight stay, but also for a day trip. You can glide over the Wupper River on the world-famous suspension railway or check out the cool LEGO bridge. But there’s so much more to experience in Wuppertal. Take a look here:

A day in Wuppertal: the 12 best sights and insider tips in the city

Lego bridge from Wuppertal from below looks very realistic, almost like real Lego bricks.
The Lego bridge is part of the northern railway line, but you have to walk under it to admire the whole work of art.

27. Cherry Blossom Festival in Bonn

Bonn is the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven and is especially worth a visit during cherry blossom season in April, when parts of the city take on a soft pink hue. But Bonn is a highlight no matter the season, as there’s plenty you can explore on foot. You’ll find lots of tips here:

Brilliant Bonn – The 15 best Bonn tips for your perfect day trip

Blühende Kirschblüte an einem Kirschbaum in Bonn
Die rosa-farbene Pracht erwartet dich in den Alleen nur an wenigen Tagen im April zur Kirschblüte

28. Tiger & Turtle

You’ll find this cool, walk-through roller coaster sculpture in the southern part of Duisburg. It stands on an artificial hill that offers a fantastic panoramic view of the industrial city. At night, the sculpture is illuminated by numerous LED lights, creating a spectacular sight.

Tiger & Turtle - Magic Mountain
Just looking at it makes you dizzy.

29. Sauerland

The Sauerland is located in North Rhine-Westphalia and hasn’t been featured much in this article so far. That’s because I haven’t been there very often myself. Fortunately, though, there are a few fellow bloggers who have written great articles about it, such as

30. Minden / Bückeburg

Minden is located in the northeast of North Rhine-Westphalia, right on the Weser River, and is a relatively little-known destination in the state. Yet Minden has some great sights to offer and is definitely worth a day trip.

A highlight and the city’s landmark is the Minden Waterway Junction. Essentially, it is a river that crosses over another river—a spectacular engineering structure featuring a lock. The downtown area of Minden, with its old town hall, the charming Schnurrviertel neighborhood, and the Fischerstadt district, is also worth a visit

Boat along the Minden Waterway Junction
Ships can cross the Weser via the Minden waterway junction.

Not far from Minden, the Kaiser Wilhelm Monument in Porto Westfalica is also well worth a visit. From here, you’ll enjoy a fantastic view of the Weser Valley. Bückeburg Castle and the Helicopter Museum in Bückeburg are also great places to visit in the region.

The Hotel & Restaurant Grotehof is the perfect starting point for exploring Minden and the surrounding area.

31. :metabolon Research Center with a double slide

The :metabolon Research Center in Lindlar (in the Bergisches Land region near Cologne) is a project unique in Europe that has transformed a former landfill into a modern hub for innovation and experiential learning. Admission to the site is free.

Not only can you learn a lot here about resource efficiency and conservation, waste prevention, and the circular economy, but you can also zoom down one of Germany’s longest double slides. It’s a full 110 meters long, and you’ll have to climb about 360 steps to the top of the trash cone, where the slide begins.

What free attractions are there in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Many of the tips on this list are completely free. That means you don’t have to pay an admission fee. Here’s an overview of all of them. Just click on a tip to go to the corresponding section in the article.

However, there are a few more free places to visit in North Rhine-Westphalia that haven’t been mentioned yet:

  1. Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park: A former steelworks that has been transformed into a fascinating open-air museum. Visitors can explore the impressive industrial setting free of charge.
  2. Folkwang Museum Essen: Admission to the permanent exhibition at this renowned art museum is generally free. On display are works by Van Gogh, Gauguin, and many other art treasures.
  3. The Old Synagogue in Essen: A historic building featuring a free exhibition on the history of Judaism and German-Jewish culture.
  4. House of History in Bonn: A fascinating museum dedicated to post-war German history with free admission. On weekends, there are even free guided tours of the former Bundesrat building.
  5. Bochum Botanical Garden: A beautiful garden featuring a wide variety of plant species, which is free to visit.
  6. Olderdissen Zoo in Bielefeld: A free zoo that is home to a wide variety of native animal species.
  7. Kunsthalle Düsseldorf: On the second Sunday of every month, admission to the Kunsthalle Düsseldorf is free all day. In addition, on the last Thursday of every month from 6 to 9 p.m., admission to the current exhibition is free.
  8. Münster City Museum: Admission to this museum, which focuses on the history of Münster, is generally free for both permanent and special exhibitions.

As you can see, there are some truly fantastic places to visit all over North Rhine-Westphalia. I’ll try to add to this list over time. Do you have any other tips for North Rhine-Westphalia? Leave me a comment.

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