Located in the heart of western Germany, Nordrhein-Westfalen offers a delightful mix of scenic cities, landscapes, and cultural wonders.
- Cologne Cathedral: Begin your journey in the city of Cologne and Admire the imposing Cologne Cathedral. Admire its Gothic architecture, climb to the top for panoramic views, and explore the nearby Roman-Germanic Museum.
- Aachen Cathedral: Explore the historic city of Aachen, home to the impressive Aachen Cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Carolingian architecture and houses the Palatine Chapel, the Emperor’s Throne, and other extraordinary treasures.
- The Ruhr Museum: Dive into the industrial heritage of Nordrhein-Westfalen at the Ruhr Museum in Essen. Located in the former Zollverein Coal Mine, this museum tells the story of the Ruhr region’s transformation from a coal and steel centre to a cultural hub.
- Schloss Drachenburg: Embark on a fairytale adventure to Schloss Drachenburg, a majestic castle perched on a hilltop near Königswinter. Explore its opulent interiors, stroll through the surrounding park, and savor views of the Rhine River Valley.
- Detmold Open-air Museum: Immerse yourself in history at the Detmold Open-air Museum. Wander through its reconstructed traditional buildings, experience rural life from different eras, and learn about the region’s cultural heritage.
- Teutoburg Forest: Discover the natural beauty of the Teutoburg Forest, a range of hills and forests stretching across Nordrhein-Westfalen. Hike along its trails, visit the Externsteine rock formation, and uncover the legends surrounding this enchanting landscape.
- Wuppertal Suspension Railway: Experience a mode of transportation aboard the Wuppertal Suspension Railway. Glide above the city on this iconic transit system, enjoying panoramic views as you travel between stations.
- Phantasialand: Delight in the thrill of Phantasialand, a popular theme park near Brühl. Experience exhilarating rides, enjoy lively shows, and explore themed areas inspired by different cultures and time periods.
- Düsseldorf’s Old Town: Visit the Altstadt (Old Town) of Düsseldorf, known as “the longest bar in the world.” Stroll through its narrow streets, admire the historic buildings, and indulge in the restaurant and bar scene.
- Museum Kunstpalast: Unleash your artistic side at the Museum Kunstpalast in Düsseldorf. Discover an impressive collection of art spanning centuries and genres, including works by renowned artists such as Rubens and Beuys.
Off-the-Beaten-Track Gems:
- Zollern Colliery: Venture off the beaten path and explore Zollern Colliery, a former coal mine turned industrial museum near Dortmund. Delve into the mining history of the region, explore the impressive machinery, and gain insight into the lives of miners.
- Monschau: Escape to the town of Monschau, located in the serene Eifel region. Wander through its medieval streets, admire the well-preserved half-timbered houses, and soak up the peaceful ambiance.
- Bielstein Cave: Discover the hidden marvels of Bielstein Cave, an underground wonderland near Blomberg. Join a guided tour to explore its impressive stalactite formations, underground lakes, and mystical atmosphere.
- Vogelsang IP: Immerse yourself in the history of Vogelsang IP, a former Nazi training facility turned educational centre. Visit its exhibition centre, explore the vast grounds, and learn about this significant site’s transformation.
- Burg Eltz: Journey to Burg Eltz, a medieval castle Located in the dense forests near Wierschem. Admire its well-preserved architecture, take a guided tour of its opulent interiors, and enjoy panoramic views of the Moselle Valley.
- Hohenzollern Bridge: Experience the magic of the Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, famous for its Love Locks. Take part in the tradition by attaching your own padlock to the bridge’s railings, symbolizing everlasting love.
- Weser Renaissance Route: Embark on a scenic drive along the Weser Renaissance Route, a route dotted with magnificent castles, palaces, and timber-framed houses. Explore lesser-known towns such as Lemgo, Höxter, and Bad Oeynhausen.
