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37 Best Stops Between Bielefeld and Cologne
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
How long is the drive from Bielefeld to Cologne?
The direct drive from Bielefeld to Cologne is 121 mi (194 km), and should have a drive time of 1 hr 45 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Bielefeld to Cologne, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Dusseldorf, Essen, Dortmund, Muenster, Wuppertal, Duisburg, and Oberhausen, as well as top places to visit like Stadtpark und Botanischer Garten Gütersloh and Osnabrück Zoo, or the ever-popular Wewelsburg.
Visiting Bielefeld or Cologne? See our Bielefeld Trip Planner and our Cologne Trip Planner.
121 mi
Total Distance
1 hr 45 mins
Drive Time
37 stops
Cities / Attractions
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Top cities between Bielefeld and Cologne
The top cities between Bielefeld and Cologne are Dusseldorf, Essen, Dortmund, Muenster, Wuppertal, Duisburg, and Oberhausen. Dusseldorf is the most popular city on the route. It's 2 hours from Bielefeld and less than an hour from Cologne.
1
Münster
Münster, a city in western Germany, is famous for its 13th-century St. Paulus Dom cathedral and the picturesque Prinzipalmarkt square surrounded by historic buildings like the Gothic city hall and St. Lamberti Church. The baroque Schloss Münster palace boasts beautiful gardens with greenhouses of the Botanical Garden, while art enthusiasts can explore the Pablo Picasso Art Museum's collection of lithographs.
18% as popular as Dusseldorf
24 minutes off the main route, 42% of way to Cologne
2
Dortmund
Dortmund, located in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia region, is a vibrant city known for its Westfalen Stadium and the Borussia soccer team. The city boasts attractions like the Florian Tower in the nearby Westfalen Park, offering an observation platform with stunning views. The Dortmund U-Tower features contemporary art exhibits at the Museum Ostwall and is topped by a large letter U.
21% as popular as Dusseldorf
11 minutes off the main route, 50% of way to Cologne
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3
Essen
Essen, located in western Germany, is a city with a rich industrial history. The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex has been repurposed to host various museums, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's coal mining and steel production past. The heritage trail within the former colliery provides an immersive experience of Essen's industrial legacy.
26% as popular as Dusseldorf
11 minutes off the main route, 63% of way to Cologne
4
Oberhausen
Oberhausen, located in the northwest of Germany's Ruhr area, offers a blend of industrial history and cultural attractions. The Gasometer Oberhausen, a repurposed gas-storage facility, now serves as an exhibition space. Visitors can delve into the city's manufacturing heritage at the LVR Industrial Museum, housed in a former zinc factory. Art enthusiasts can explore global artworks at Ludwiggalerie Schloss Oberhausen, situated within a castle.
11% as popular as Dusseldorf
11 minutes off the main route, 64% of way to Cologne
5
Duisburg
Duisburg, located in western Germany at the confluence of the Rhine and Ruhr rivers, is a city renowned for its expansive harbor and the vibrant Innenhafen district, offering an array of waterfront dining and nightlife experiences. The city is home to notable cultural attractions such as the Museum Küppersmühle showcasing modern German art, and the Lehmbruck Museum exhibiting contemporary sculpture.
13% as popular as Dusseldorf
11 minutes off the main route, 64% of way to Cologne
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6
Wuppertal
Wuppertal, located in western Germany, is a city renowned for its unique attractions. The Schwebebahn, a suspension monorail dating back to 1901, is a major highlight. Visitors can explore the Von der Heydt Museum which houses impressive works by impressionists and Dutch Masters. For those interested in industrial history, the Museum of Early Industrialization showcases textile machinery and steam engines.
14% as popular as Dusseldorf
6 minutes off the main route, 65% of way to Cologne
7
Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf, located in western Germany, is renowned for its fashion industry and vibrant art scene. The city is divided by the Rhine River, with the historic Altstadt situated on the east bank and modern commercial areas on the west. Visitors can explore landmarks such as St. Lambertus Church and Schlossturm (Castle Tower), both dating back to the 13th century, while strolling along charming streets like Königsallee and Schadowstrasse lined with stylish boutique shops.
Most popular city on this route
11 minutes off the main route, 76% of way to Cologne
Best stops along Bielefeld to Cologne drive
The top stops along the way from Bielefeld to Cologne (with short detours) are Hohenzollern Bridge, Signal Iduna Park, and Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other popular stops include Vohwinkel, Cologne Zoo, and Drachenfels.
1Andrew O — Google reviewStephen S — Google reviewJames S — Google reviewBrian ( — Google reviewDoktor K — Google reviewColleen — Google reviewNatasha P — Google review
Wewelsburg
Historical place museum
Sights & Landmarks
Triangular Renaissance castle with a WWII memorial museum & history of the local prince-bishops.
Two Places are there. schloss wewelsburg and WW2 war museum. It will take nearly 3-4 hours to completely watch all . No queues. No charges for seeing the WW2 war museum. Very good staff and helped me a lot to find the way.
Kasun A — Google review
Remember to cover your tattoos as the staff are very critical of anything that could have been a representation of Neo Nazis or White supremacy. Thor's hammer is frowned upon and if visible, you will be refused entry.
Brilliant museum and super informative.
If you really wanted to know the ins and outs of the German SS, their role in the Holocaust then this is the centre of excellence.
The castle was fantastic and definitely worth visiting. There is also a museum on the premise which shows the history of the castle in the 1930s and 40s. The restaurant there also had really good food at reasonable prices.
The former SS head quarters in a small town. A beautiful castle built in the 13th century and used by Himmler and the SS. Alot to read and see. Very interesting history for sure. It also documents local histary dating back to early man.
Nice place. Could use more English signage with the displays. Maybe include some Nazi history. You can't just whitewash the place and pretend like the Nazi history never happened.
Good FREE museum.
The SS-part was a bit small though, it happened soo much here during ww2, but the museum reveals just a fragment of it. Why??!!
Very interesting, the museum is based more on reading and looking at short videos about the ww2-era. But after the visit, it feels like the museum doesnt reveal all that have happened on this historic site. A more ”neutral” view, would have been appriciated. And more access too the castle grounds would have made the visit even more interesting. Making a ”pillowrom” of the ss-leaders hall, was a joke.. why?? Why not show it as it once looked? That would make it more historicalCorrect. Shouldnt visitors be alowed too see the creepy truth?
The majority of all the reading in the museum is in german, ?english translation would make the visit easier for foreign visitors.
ParkingLot is Good, and there is room for large motorhomes and buses also. I could even spend the night in the moho there. Good safe parking for late arrivers, and then visit the museum early after a good nights sleep.
Not a lot in the souvenir-shop, i like too sponsor the museums i visit; but wewelsburg made it hard too find anything useful. T-shirts or a cap maybe?
I would recomend driving a couple of kilometers from the castle too get some good photos of it.
Oh my goodness it took me two trains & two buses to see this amazing castle nestled in this quaint location. The scenery along the way was amazing to say the least.
It is worth to take the transportation to see all the beauty you miss if you were driving. This castle was worth the trip!! So much jammed packed and you need a good portion of your day to take in all the history they wish to share with the world. Not only is the castle breathtaking but there is so much history on Hilter. We only read or learnt in school. Things were right before my eyes to share with family/friends when I arrived back home.
The castle is breathtaking and the courtyard is gorgeous on the hot sunny day I went to visit. Nice touch umbrellas waited in case the weather changed to walk in the courtyard.
Staff are very friendly and welcoming. Please if you get a chance go to Wewelsburg you will not be disappointed.
Sorry for the late post I was here late April 2018. This place I will not forget and have so many fotos to share. Thank you again for my experience
Very interesting history separated into different displays. One is the history of the castle and the other one is WW2 Himmlers SS and concentration camp. Only downside limited English explanations, Google translate helped but an English audio tour would be amazing
2Hollie P — Google reviewMaga M — Google reviewBasem Y — Google reviewDonna L — Google reviewRichard A — Google reviewJames W — Google reviewÇağdan Ç — Google review•
Stadtpark und Botanischer Garten Gütersloh
Mentioned on
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Nestled just southwest of the bustling center, Stadtpark und Botanischer Garten Gütersloh is a cherished public park that has been enchanting visitors since its centenary celebration in 2012. Spanning four hectares, this botanical haven boasts an impressive collection of 2,500 plant species arranged by their natural habitats. From the serene alpine garden to vibrant wildflower meadows and aromatic spice gardens, there's something for every nature lover.
If you love walking in the fresh air, the park is perfect for you! The Botanical Garden on one side, and fairly wide open spaces with lots of trees and lake on the other side. Here you will find children's playgrounds, mini golf, a nice seating area, a variety of exercise equipment, an ice cream parlor, and a cafe with a toilet, parking is free as is entry to the botanical garden. There are some nice chairs for sunbathing also. In the summer, different types and colors of flowers enhance the beauty of the park.
Mumtahana T — Google review
Beautiful gardens, very close to the town lots to see, the plants are fantastic! Great cafe with huge cake portions, lovely staff too!
Fabulous 🤩 it's so huge 🫶
Very nice
Amazing surroundings very close to the town. Great place to sit, picnic, bird watch, cycle, dog walk, play mini golf or simply watch the world walk by.
The botanical garden is a pleasure to walk round and has a café in the former palm house.
Lovely park and gardens. Nice afternoon walk.
Nice small garden created with love💖
4.7
(766)
4.5
(69)
Parkstraße 51, 33332 Gütersloh, Germany
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2
Travelers
2
3Juliet — Google reviewMatthias T — Google reviewChristian ( — Google reviewAmer M — Google reviewChr!s — Google reviewMark H — Google reviewLucy — Google review•
Osnabrück Zoo
Mentioned on
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Osnabrück Zoo is a top-tier destination known for its beautifully landscaped park featuring wild animal enclosures, an aquarium, a pagoda, and an interactive climate zone. The zoo has garnered widespread acclaim for its efforts to replace old concrete enclosures with near-natural environments. Recent additions include the Manitoba landscape where bison roam freely in a 3,800-square-meter area and the walkable South Asian temple habitat called Angkor Wat.
Zoo Osnabrück is a great destination for families and animal lovers. It has spacious enclosures, diverse species, and beautiful forest surroundings. The themed areas, like Takamanda and Angkor Wat, add a unique touch. A fun and educational experience!
Laura V — Google review
Red pandas are very cute! Looks in good condition and full of vitality🥰However, I noticed that the elephant was showing a lot of anxiety, while the bear appeared to exhibit stereotyped behavior. I think the zoo needs to arrange doctors for them as soon as possible☹️The entrance fee for the zoo is 25 euros, which is relatively expensive among the many zoos I have been to. I think they should ensure the living standards of the animals
Fun zoo with animals and playgrounds. On a rainy day there is not much cover while going around and the playgrounds get muddy.
Great park! It's a big park but everything is perfectly doable in one day. The route's / walkways through the different areas is really nice to see everything. It would be nice to have German ánd English on the animal signs to speak to a broader audience.
(Get the tickets online, they are cheaper and saves a line at the entrance(if there is any))
Best zoo to visit, it’s really beautiful and they have a big playing area for kids.
Recommended
The zoo Osnabrück that has been around for more than 80 years. Its a very nice zoo with a lot of variety of animals, from ants to elephants. The zoo is continuously being improved to make the experience even more beautiful. there are plenty of eateries, seating areas, toilets and trash cans
It was clean and staff friendly. Some of the enclosure seemed a little empty at the start didn't seem like much to see.
The bear and the tiger were great to see. No sign of the lion.
Its a very nice Zoo with lots of cool Animals, but they didnt really look after the Animals. Like there was a dead Snow-Owl and the Confinements were full of poop.
4.5
(20451)
4.2
(378)
Klaus-Strick-Weg 12, 49082 Osnabrück, Germany
4Cristina ( — Google reviewLarry H — Google reviewPhhpro — Google reviewEvgenia G — Google reviewClaire J — Google reviewCharlie S — Google reviewGecko — Google review
Historic City Hall Osnabrück
Mentioned on
City Hall
Sights & Landmarks
Historic City Hall Osnabrück, located in the city center on Markt, is a Late Gothic-style building constructed from 1587 to 1612. Adorned with statues of significant German emperors, including Charlemagne and Kaiser Wilhelm, it offers a glimpse into the city's rich history. The area surrounding the town hall boasts beautiful old buildings and picturesque planted areas, making it an ideal spot for leisurely walks.
My wife and myself travelled to Germany to see the sights earlier this year we had a wonderful trip and also visited family members who live there. And visited Berlin.
Howard J — Google review
A beautiful tourist spot, gothic architecture, in the city center. It really worth to go for a walk here as there are plenty of beautiful places to visit.
Really nice old town , the church , Rathaus; let down by the ugly graffiti on the metal box in front, otherwise we’ll keep , interesting history & and nice planted areas
classic architecture of times long gone. they don't make them like that anymore
The area is definitely worth to visit. Beautiful main square with old buildings.
Great tourist spot but OMG who put up this installation ???
Historical Place.
History is supposed to be made just here.
5Iliganoa I — Google reviewSirisha K — Google reviewClaudio D — Google reviewSpalvotas A — Google reviewJan K — Google reviewMackenzie S — Google reviewDawn — Google review•
Maximilianpark Hamm
Park
Nature & Parks
Former coal mine converted into a family attraction with a butterfly house, green space & play park.
Really nice and fun park for families with kids or couples or anyone who likes to enjoy great views. This is probably the most well known park in Hamm, and very frequently visited.
There are lots of areas to take photos, videos, etc and to enjoy the scenery of the large park. There are a few entrances to the park.
The price to enter is not expensive but reasonable and quite affordable whether you are single, a couple, a student, or a family.
It is quite simple to reach by bus from Hamm central train station, and if you are in this nice town for a short time, I would recommend a visit to this park.
Phil T — Google review
The water park is a top favorite for my son! He absolutely loved it. It’s well equipped and fun. There’s an area with sand and also with hard cover flooring so that’s good. There’s food stands about 5 minutes away from the water park and the walk around the area is absolutely beautiful. All the flowers, butterflies and everything made the day really beautiful.
The park is nice, with a nice artificial pond, playground for kids....but the entrance fee seems unjustified as many similar parks have free entrance
This place is really cool. Well structured, safe, clean with endless hours of (non-screen time) fun for kids!
The gardens are immaculate, beautiful and well taken care of. They’re complimented by an array of statues that pay homage to the history of the site.
The butterfly enclosure is beautiful and houses numerous species from around the world.
The park is really great. Children have lots of fun here. There is playing options for both smaller and bigger children. The water playgrounds in hot days are a hit!
The butterfly house left us amazed. Very beautiful.
There is events happening for children - all information can be found on their website.
Really enjoyed the park with our kids! A lot of different playgrounds and garden themes in an former industrial coal mining area. Clean park and good conditions of playground equipment. Will definitely come back with the family when around.
This is a neat place to visit if you have time and want to see the giant glass elephant, but honestly not worth the time to get over there for much else. It’s a great place for kids as there is a ton for them to do, but not as much for adults.
I’ve never seen so many different designs of playgrounds in one park! Both me and my kids enjoyed this park a lot. There’s a little dining area by the lake, you can order Fries and bratwurst and Currywurst there.
4.7
(12932)
4.5
(142)
Alter Grenzweg 2, 59071 Hamm, Germany
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6Gökhan Ö — Google reviewSaeed Y — Google reviewRafael K — Google reviewHubert — Google reviewNauman K — Google reviewPhil T — Google reviewLarysa C — Google review
St.-Paulus-Dom
Mentioned on
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
St.-Paulus-Dom, also known as Munster Cathedral, is a medieval Romanesque and Gothic masterpiece located in the heart of Munster. This historical icon dates back to the 1200s and showcases stunning architectural styles. The cathedral is home to a remarkable astronomical clock that runs counter-clockwise, adding to its allure for enthusiasts of clockwork and engineering. As one of the main landmarks in the city, St.-Paulus-Dom holds significant cultural and artistic value.
Wonderful cathedral in Munster.
In a huge square just 1 block from the Town Hall.
Almost 800 years old in parts.
Beautiful stained glass windows and internal architecture.
Highly recommend a visit if you're in Munster.
Sean O — Google review
Very nice Cathedral. You need to see here while you visit Münster. The astronomical clock is very special.
A must-see if you're in Münster!
This cathedral has serious character a mix of Romanesque strength and Gothic charm.
And don’t miss the astronomical clock inside it moves counterclockwise! Super unique and oddly mesmerizing.
Great atmosphere, beautiful square outside, and full of history.
Even if you're not into churches, this one is worth the stop.
One of the biggest church in Germany, survived the bombing from the allied forces in WWII, a historical building that las for more than 600 years.
This is the place that I finally had a service, to confess my sin with one of the pastor there after more than 1 decade. This church will be forever in my heart ❤️
I was inside. The church is nice but the astronomical watch is awesome! When I read about it more I had to come back and take a look at it once more. It is a piece of art. Just wait until a full hour or any quarter of an hour.
Visited St.-Paulus-Dom today and found it to be a truly impressive and peaceful place.
The architecture is stunning, with towering stonework, vaulted ceilings, and intricate details that reflect its deep historical roots. You can really feel the weight of centuries as you walk through the space.
Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply looking for a quiet moment of reflection, this cathedral is well worth a visit. A beautiful example of sacred design and cultural heritage.
Marvellous cathedral in an old town in Münster. If you are staying or travelling near this city, it is very worthwhile to make a visit and go through the old town and make your way to this old and impressive cathedral.
It has a rich style of architecture and classic interior with interesting decorations.
Normally it is free to enter into any cathedral, especially one that is old and is located in the old town (or old city - Altstadt). Each cathedral has its own amazing piece of history so if you have time, it is worth checking out.
One of the most beautiful churches I've ever seen. The architecture, the stained glass windows, the art inside are just amazing. The astronomical clock was my favorite part.
7A S — Google reviewYasir M — Google reviewAmir M — Google reviewBeni G — Google reviewHassan M — Google reviewSumiethraa S — Google reviewMpalaourg — Google review•
Aasee
Mentioned on
Lake
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
Aasee is a picturesque 40-hectare man-made lake located just a short walk from Prinzipalmarkt in Muenster. The lake offers various recreational activities such as boat rentals, walking paths, picnic spots, and eateries. Visitors can also explore the nearby zoo and admire the sculptures scattered around the area.
Great place for a peace of mind.. The lake, ducks and the wind was soothing. Perfect for a calm jog , chat with someone or even just sit and stare at the wide open lake.
NITHIN S — Google review
Good place to relax and has good connectivity from the main station and got a lot of car parking and toilets.
The place was clean. A very peaceful environment. A very great pathway for jogging and walking.
Beautiful lake. There is facility of boating in the lake which costs around 10Euro. You can sit near the lake and see the ducks and other birds. Around the lake, one can go for walk or jogging.
Wonderful place to take long walks and just relax!
A very nice place to visit beautiful lake alongwith park and tracks
Hardly ten minutes on foot from Prinzipalmarkt, Aasee is a 40-hectare man-made lake beginning on cusp of the old town and continuing southwest for over two kilometres.
The lakefront is cushioned by a broad band of inviting parkland, laid with lawns, trees and public art, and travelled by cyclists, joggers and strolling families.
There are restaurants and cafes at regular intervals and a raised terrace in the modern complex on the north shore, where you can also hire a pedal boat for self-navigated trip around the lake.
At this spot you’ll find the jetty for SOLAARIS, a solar-powered boat that ferries people from the city centre to the Allwetterzoo on the west shore.
Really awesome and beautiful lake. Worth a trip, either for a walk along the bank or to take a little boat and paddle along. We choose the latter, a bit tiring but really worth it!!
4.7
(1139)
4.4
(604)
Münster, Germany, USA
8LucasGT — Google reviewAnna V — Google reviewSherry E — Google reviewPeter L — Google reviewJamie W — Google reviewLinne G — Google reviewUno — Google review•
Allwetterzoo Münster
Mentioned on
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Allwetterzoo Münster, also known as the all-weather zoo, is a perfect family destination in Munster. Situated near Lake Aasee, it offers an ideal day out for families with its diverse range of activities. The zoo houses over 3,000 animals from 300 species and features covered walkways that provide shelter in any weather. Visitors can enjoy encounters with various animals, educational tours on conservation, and expert feedings.
A lovely zoo with an amazing variety of animals to pique your interest. Set in a sprawling park with plenty of activities to capture the attention of the youngest to the oldest, from feeding the elephants to the adventure playground with its massive slide! A great family day out in Münster!
Ivan L — Google review
Animals were really cool, you can get quite close up to most animals, though there was NO information in English or Dutch or any other language. So if you can't speak German and want to read up, don't go. It was quite clean everywhere, loads of space to walk, no crowdedness at all (we went early).
The zoo is nice, the animals are well cared for and look happy. They have quite spacious enclosures, and there are many renovation works going on, so it will become even better.
This zoo is absolutely worth the visit, beautiful animals with nice habitats. We have come all the way from the south of Germany to visit this zoo and it didn’t disappoint us.
A large and beautiful zoo with both expected and surprising animals. Very family-friendly and great for kids – you can rent pull-along wagons, which are super handy. Clean restrooms and affordable parking (€5 per day). Also, a good place to visit when the weather isn’t perfect, thanks to several covered areas. Dogs are welcome, too, which is a big plus for us. Tip: book your tickets online in advance – entry is usually faster and often cheaper. Highly recommended!
We had a brilliant day visiting here! The zoo is clean and tidy. The animals are well looked after and cared for. The staff are super friendly. There's lots of things to see and do. Lots of amazing playparks scattered around the park. We were able to feed the elephants - free of charge! And also the little parakeets. They have a few walk in enclosures, goats and lemurs. The whole day was fantastic! I would highly recommend visiting here! Children of all ages and adults would have a great time!
I really liked this zoo. The parking lot is very big so there's enough space to park your car. Another benefit are the parking- and entrance fee which aren't very high.
The zoo is quiet big and offers hours of fun! They are building something near the entrance which will be done in 2022. I'm very curious and will definitely visit the zoo once this is done.
There are various species of animals in this zoo and especially quiet a few different species of big cats. I love big cats which makes this zoo amazing! Most animals do have a good amount of space, but not all of them. For example the lions. Their habitat isn't the size it should be.
And I think that some animals habitats are a bit doll.
This zoo is also great if you have children. There are a lot of playgrounds where your children can play. There are also enough toilets throughout the whole zoo and a lot of different points where you can buy some food.
I had a great time in this zoo and that is why I would recommend it to others.
In my opinion, the zoo feels a bit cramped for the animals. About 50% of them seem to use the same small paths repeatedly, which doesn’t make them appear happy. Some animals, like the meerkats, seem to have enough space and look content, but others do not. For example, the indoor area for the giraffes is quite small.
We stopped by the restaurant for a hot chocolate to go. The price for a “large” hot chocolate was listed as €3.90, but it ended up being €4.20 without any prior notice. On top of that, we paid an additional €1 for the Pfand (a refundable deposit).
Overall, I think it’s an okay zoo, but I feel bad for the animals. For instance, the African wild dogs have worn down a single path in their enclosure from walking the same route repeatedly. That said, the zoo’s size and animations are decent.
4.3
(21442)
4.0
(508)
Sentruper Str. 315, 48161 Münster, Germany
9Nikunj S — Google reviewBANGKOKBANKS — Google reviewAnita S — Google reviewDeepti S — Google reviewAndrii L — Google reviewSimon G — Google reviewThe S — Google review•
Schloss Nordkirchen
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Versailles-style, red-brick 1700s mansion set on an island with sprawling landscaped gardens.
Guided Tours currently depart 13:00 hours from close to the restaurant which is currently closed due to castle refurbishments. There is a little notice on a stand giving information about the tour. Otherwise a pleasant walk around an imposing government building. The toilets are quite smart and hygienic.
Lyndhurst — Google review
Recently visited this beautiful Schloss and really enjoyed it! It’s a very interesting and photogenic place with a lovely water body surrounding the building, which adds vibrant and lively vibes — especially on sunny days. Although the Schloss is currently used as a Finanzhochschule and indoor entry isn’t allowed, the area around it is perfect for a walk or picnic. There’s also a fancy, sophisticated bistro on-site. Some construction work is ongoing, which blocks parts of the view, but overall it’s an excellent spot to relax. Free street parking nearby is a bonus..!!
Incredible walk around. Garden is extraordinary. Also a lot of birds and waterfowl , the pretty kind. I am told they have private weddings here sometimes. There is a restaurant as well.
Castle is beautiful from the outside and a walk through the park, enjoying the castle from all angles alone makes it worth a visit. Be attentive to last entry, as we were too late to see the castle inside. There's lots of birds in the water, so be on the lookout for cranes and more.
Although it looks like a castle this is a school for the tax and finance management studies for that province... you get to roam around the outercircle and surrounding of this premises which has a huge park full of sculptures at its back side and a water body surrounding the castle which has ducks in it. You can only get inside if accompanied by a resident of the building otherwise it's a good walk around surrounding.
This is a very beautiful castle! Unfortunately, we did not have an excursion inside it, but the outside territory is impressive. It's a big green area with a pond and fountain. Not far from you can find the center of the city with cafes and restaurants.
Nordkirche Castle can be reached in about 35 minutes from Münster by car. There is enough parking space. Nordkirchen Castle is a very large moated castle in the Baroque style, with a beautiful park and waterways. The castle is very popular for weddings and also for excursions. A small part of the interior can be visited with a guided tour. There is also a restaurant with a beautiful terrace.
What a beautiful place! It was very busy during the day so we came back at night when parking was better. Walked the grounds and took some cool night photos of this mansion! Great place to walk, sit, ride bicycles. Used as a school now.
4.7
(10833)
4.5
(90)
Schloß 1, 59394 Nordkirchen, Germany
10Sudhir B — Google reviewElizaveta K — Google reviewRichard N — Google reviewVincent C — Google reviewCatherine S — Google reviewPaul O — Google reviewPeter M — Google review•
Atta Cave
Mentioned on
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Caverns & Caves
Atta Cave is a spectacular natural attraction that boasts of colourful stalactites and stalagmites. It offers a guided tour spanning approximately 1km, which is only available in German but is comprehensive. The tour involves climbing some stairs and uphill terrain, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing.
I will strongly recommend to visit Atya cave if you are nearby in this area. It is not free but a fee is required and the cost is reasonable ( I believe). You cannot take pictures inside the cave. I find it difficult to describe what I saw inside except lime and the rock formation which is amazingly unbelievable. We had a guide who spoke English and he was very helpful especially because I do not understand or speak any German. You can download an app and listen to the English commentary on your phone but for my android phone it was not working so I was glad my guide spoke good English. The lime rock formation is unimaginable. The curtains formed by lime and rocks are something to be looked at. I found this establishment worthy to be looked into. Don't miss it. If you parked your car in the car park, you will get a token so you don't have to pay 3 euro for parking
Ravi L — Google review
Great history.. some formations are millions of years old. Sad that no photography is allowed. The guide did a great job, explained each and every thing. Surely a must see place. No online tickets should be purchased on site.
A really interesting experience.
The tour felt somewhat short and rushed but it’s understandable with the amount of people visiting the cave. Our tour guide didn’t seem too eager to share information or engage with us, yet we still enjoyed our time in the cave a lot.
A stunning diversity of mineral formations of different kinds, shapes, sizes and colors. It feels truly special to be able to see them.
The cave is very nice inside, however the lighting is not so good, lot of parts of the cave are quite dark. No photography allowed, not even for private use. And the guide was way too fast, you walk 50 meters, a little information, walk again, info again, etc. No time to look around other than the spots where the group stops.
Overall a nice experience. The caves were fun to see, and the explanation was pretty good.
The museum itself was a bit simple and not really as fun, but still fine to check out.
This is a truly stunning cave system in Attendorn, well-deserving of its reputation for impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and other dripstone formations. It's one of the largest and most beautiful dripstone caves in Germany, and well worth a visit. The cave maintains a consistent temperature of 9°C, so we made sure to dress appropriately. We took a guided tour to better understand the amazing and unique features throughout the cave. It lasted 40 minutes and covered a 560-meter section of the cave. The tour guide was fantastic, pointing out special features within the different sections of the cave that we might not have noticed by ourselves. He also provided information about the history of the cave, how long the different formations have taken to grow, etc. Truly fascinating. We enjoyed a lovely meal at the restaurant afterwards. A really enjoyable day out and highly recommended.
We've been in caves before... but these are really special; impressive and well lighted. It's about a 1 km, 45 minute walk in small groups with a guide; timed tours so you might have to wait in the restaurant/on the terrace for a while. Temperature down there about 10c and obviously moisture.. Payments both cash and card. Only downside - however understandable - no photography inside the cave allowed.
Attahöhle is a nice cave with some quite remarkable stalactites, stalacmites, pillars and curtains.
The tour is very up and down, so not suitable for people with trouble walking.
The guide made a few unrealistic claims, and his story start to wear a bit thin.
Germany is still very cash only oriented, here as well. With ca 40,000 visitors annually you don't have PIN or Credit Card facility... seriously...!! Backward thinking.
Photos are not allowed inside the cave because the rights were sold, the guide told us. So... lots of people taking pictures like nobody's business.
Now the solution is simple, put a QR-code up through which, for the price of €1, you can download 20 beautiful pictures of the cave on your phone. Problem solved, money in the bank and nobody will take pics anymore.
The giftshop is extremely poor, but the restaurant has a great terrace and beautiful view.
If this is "the Queen" of German caves (their words...), then take note that compared to for example a lot of French caves, this one is sort of just about midrange. Just so you know what Queen you're going to meet.
4.5
(7941)
4.0
(189)
Finnentroper Str. 39, 57439 Attendorn, Germany
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11Freya N — Google reviewJulia M — Google reviewMaciej P — Google reviewAnna I — Google reviewZee J — Google reviewStephen B — Google reviewErmin C — Google review•
Westfalenpark
Mentioned on
Park
Nature & Parks
Westfalenpark, situated in the heart of Dortmund, is a sprawling 70-hectare green space offering a variety of attractions. The park boasts the iconic Florianturm, which provides panoramic views of the city's skyline from its observation deck and cafe. Visitors can explore the Deutsches Rosarium with its impressive collection of 3,000 rose varieties and enjoy events like the Juicy Beats festival in summer and the Festival of Lights in winter.
Wonderful park!
Lots of interesting locations! There are playgrounds where you can walk with small children! There are many cozy places in the park where you can sit in silence, take interesting photos! The tower is very cool - the whole city is in the palm of your hand!
I recommend visiting this wonderful place!
Оксана В — Google review
Absolutely fascinating park! 🌹 Full of vibrant roses, charming walking paths, and even some friendly animals wandering around. It’s a perfect mix of nature and calm, you can spend hours here just soaking in the beauty and colors everywhere.
The park is very big and it has various areas depending on what you're interested in. A must see is the Florian Tower which offers a nice panorama of Dortmund and its surroundings. Another fun thing to do is take the train that goes around the park to quickly see what the park has to offer. Or the cable car, which goes from one side of the park to the other.
For people with kids, there is a Nostalgia Puppet Theater, 2 playgrounds for smaller kids and a higher climbing playground for older kids.
There's a Japanese garden, a rose garden, an art gallery, a culture center and a few cafes and bistros.
The sad part is that some areas of the park seem to be under renovation (or they seem a bit in disrepair). I hope they will be renovated soon, because the park is very charming and beautiful.
A big park, with paid entry. If you want to visit the Florianturm, you have no other option, since the tower is located on its premises. When we were there also a flea market took place, interesting use of the space with all kinds of things to buy. Apparently it's also famous for its rose gardens, that as you can see on the map, take a big chunk of the park. However they were disappointing, maybe they span throughout the park, maybe it wasn't the best time, but I hoped to see more colors and variations.
What a great park for families with kids! Start with the Spielbogen. It's just playground upon playground, lots of fun things to do. Avoid the Kindermuseum (we happened upon an exhibit about bacteria 🤷🏻♀️). Be ready to pay a small fee for the train, visiting the tower and the cableroad.
The only confusing thing to me was WHY I HAD TO QUEUE WITH EVERYONE WHEN I HAD PURCHASED THE TICKETS ONLINE. This was ridiculous!
A beautiful wide park with lots to do. Very relaxing and the landscaping is beautiful to look at and to photograph. I especially loved the flowers.
Very pretty flowers and not to expensive with the rides etc.
If it's good weather you can make a wonderful day out with plenty of things to keep the kids busy.
Westfalenpark - Place for family day, train drive through the park, cable cars, sightseeing from the top of the "Floriantrum". From there you can also see Signal Iduna Park, stadium of the Borussia Dortmund.
4.5
(20167)
4.3
(518)
An d. Buschmühle 3, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
12Kata K — Google reviewAyesha W — Google reviewMichael B — Google reviewStella K — Google reviewPhil T — Google reviewPantel D — Google reviewHavi H — Google review
German Football Museum
Mentioned on
Museum
Children's Museums
Specialty Museums
The German Football Museum, also known as DFB-Museum, is a national museum located in Dortmund that offers a comprehensive exploration of the history and cultural significance of soccer in Germany. The museum features multimedia installations, interactive displays, and memorabilia that trace the origins of the sport to its modern-day achievements. It showcases famous players, historic matches, and the evolution of football tactics and technology.
Such an amazing place with so much history to take in.
Personally I think they should have done a bigger section on the WW1 ceasefire when both sides played football on Christmas day but that's just my opinion. Least they had one photo for it.
Andy C — Google review
This was one of the best museums I have ever visited. I loved every part of it. It was infomative and interactive. I would love to return in the future. I spent 1.5 hour just on the first floor. I could have spent 5 hours here, super interesting for someone who loves football. I highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in a more deepht history of the german football and in the football history in general.
We had an amazing guide!! He was very knowledgeable and really made the tour super fun!!
As someone who doesn’t really follow football, I enjoy the history of the game and the passion of the supporters. This museum is really well done. The items on display are interesting and the accompanying descriptions are detailed slough to tell the story, but not so long that you get tired of reading them. While I didn’t understand the significance of the whole “1954 Miracle of Bern” that greets you at the start, as my visit progressed it made more sense, and upon completing my visit I think it was a great way to open. I’m thinking there may have been more excitement in the air had the German National Team made the Euro Cup final being played the next day (England v Spain). I’m sure I’d have loved it even more if I knew the names and the stories.
The German Football Museum in Dortmund is a must-visit for any football fan. It offers fascinating exhibits, interactive displays, and a deep dive into Germany’s rich football history. Modern, engaging, and full of emotion, a great experience for all ages
I have heard all about this place in Dortmund and wanted to see what all the hype was about. Having seen it, I was impressed and would recommend it even if you are not much of a soccer (or football in Europe) fan. I like soccer a bit, and coming from Australia to see museums like this one was refreshing and interesting how rich pieces of soccer history relating to the Germany national soccer team have been preserved and put into a museum. There is a section relating to FIFA World Cup history, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Bundesliga etc so there is no shortage of things for you to see.
You can do a self-tour for a reasonable price which is quite good, and again I would recommend it even if you are not much of a fan of European soccer. For those who are fanatics, this is a must see place if you are in or near Dortmund. You really cannot miss this place, once you get out of the Hbf (central train station) you just cross the road and the museum is to your right.
There is no need to purchase tickets in advance.
A very cool experience, which takes you through the history of German football with original exhibits from all times, but especially with the trophies from the World Cups won. A very interesting 3D cinema. and even a useful bistro on the way out :)
Great experience and stunning stuff to see. Fantastic animations and a pretty cool 3D movie to watch.
Staffing was very friendly and supportive.
There was no wait at all during the week in December. Would highly recommend for true soccer fans especially 2014 mold cup is a big theme for this museum.
Ticket prices are ok.
4.4
(543)
Platz der Deutschen Einheit 1, 44137 Dortmund, Germany
13Alessandro M — Google reviewCita W — Google reviewStefan P — Google reviewThijs — Google reviewHector H — Google reviewIren A — Google reviewRoberto C — Google review•
Signal Iduna Park
Mentioned on
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Signal Iduna Park, also known as Westfalenstadion, is the home of Borussia Dortmund FC and is Germany's largest football stadium with a capacity of 81,365. The stadium's south stand, called the Yellow Wall, boasts 35,000 standing-room seats and is renowned for its passionate fans who sing the team's anthem during every home match. Even non-football enthusiasts can't help but be moved by the electric atmosphere.
a football stadium with lots of character. very tall stands that are very close to the pitch. must be terrifying for visiting teams. love the merchandise shop and all the merch on offer.
Woon N — Google review
Impressive view from every corner of the stadium. The stands and seat are really close to the pitch and there's plenty of internal spot where to buy good and beverage
Went here to watch Dortmund’s Champions League game against Bilbao and it was such a nice experience. Not a Dortmund fan so I was a neutral coming there to just enjoy the experience. The building was pretty easy to access once you’re in it but it could get confusing when you’re not sure where to enter as there are north and south entrance. Clean toilet, good beer and nice atmosphere.
Great experience from start to finish!
We explored the pitch, stands, players’ tunnel and locker rooms — an amazing behind-the-scenes look at one of Europe’s most iconic stadiums.
The atmosphere, history and energy of Signal Iduna Park are truly something special.
A must-visit for every football fan! 🟡⚫️
Im not really a fan of football, but the tour was actually so much fun! Even for someone who is not into football. I would definitely recommend to do the tour.
The home stadium of the BVB dortmund.
They have a museum and fan shop near by and also plenty of parking
But off the season there is no restaurant there.
Was really cool. Were able to go around the Stadium on our own and to the wardrobe and where the players enters the field.
Amazing stadium, amazing fans, as a visiting fan in a home section I felt safe and comfortable. The yellow wall is an awesome thing to experience. Songs sung by home fans at beginning and end is amazing...
4.7
(43352)
4.7
(1865)
Strobelallee 50, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
14Sandra N — Google reviewKyu Y — Google reviewMicah — Google reviewPaul M — Google reviewMatthias B — Google reviewStefan L — Google reviewJoanna D — Google review•
Monkey & bird park Eckenhagen
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Monkey & bird park, plus petting zoo, kids' indoor & outdoor play areas & a garden café.
We loved the place so much! The inside area with the Spielplatz is warm enough during the winter, you can have lunch there as well. The park with the animals offers a variety of fun slides and Rollercoasters for children. The pirate ship, next to the monkeys and the geese, is also a fun place to spend some time. The place is huge and in summer time there are even more attractions. I would recommend to visit and spend the whole day there. The staff was also very friendly. Thank you, would visit again!
Mell A — Google review
Lovely park with a petting zoos (adorable goats!), plenty of play grounds, places to buy food and you can feed monkeys.
It's a shame some of the animals (foxes, otters) are in such small pens, but plenty of the others can roam free, so be prepared to be surprised by a rogue kangaroo or chicken.
There's an indoor play area as well, which we didn't visit but it looks like a fun place for kids to spend time when there's rain. Not a lot of other places where you can go inside, so be sure to go when the weather's fine.
This park is a nice place to go with your children. But even if you don't have children it's still a worthwhile place to visit. I came here with my girlfriend and we bothed enjoyed our stay. We stayed around 2-3 hours and did several things.
The park is divided into a few sections, which provide different activities. The main attractions are the birds and the monkeys. If you don't hate crowds, I recommend coming here during the warm seasons, since during my stay many areas were closed due to the cold. For example some monkeys were kept indoors and you could only see them through a window, even though you can feed and pet them during warmer seasons.
There are also other animals like otters and artic wolfes, which made this park a little more divers.
The park also provides places to grill your own food and several playgrounds for your children. There is even a big playground indoors, if it suddenly starts to rain during your stay.
You can also find several attractions for children or even for adults. The only negative thing about them is, that you need to pay extra to get on a ride. They are cheap though, so it's definetely worth to try some of them. My girldfriend and I tried the "waterslide"(?) for 50 cents, which was definetely more than worth the money.
So all in all a very nice park if you enjoy animals and definetely worth a visit.
Big park for monkeys, birds and other kinds of animals. There are picnic areas inside and some small kiosk to buy wursts and drinks. Offers playground, rides and can even interact with the animals. The highlight itself are the monkeys!
Lovely day out with family from England..bit of walking involved but enough to see to take the mind off walking..stock up with 50 cent pieces though some good rides for kids on the way round....Good value for Money..
Great place, especially for kids. Nice indoor and outdoor playground. There's not just monkeys and birds, but also a variety of others. You can also buy animal food at the entrance, so that you can feed the animals yourself. Quite fun :) you can also enter many animals' enclosure
Speaking birds, animals that come to you to be petted and climb on you, a place to have bbq at, a few smaller attractions like waterrides - overall a very nice place however when I was there a few of the monkeys looked a bit neglected - on young monkeys fur was coming off his skin (not gore-y) because it was so sleazy
Fantastick park with natural, free animals. You can feed and touch the monkeys and parrots. Strongly recommended :)
4.2
(8109)
3.0
(112)
Am Bromberg 6, 51580 Reichshof, Germany
15Dave G — Google reviewSweta K — Google reviewCieran B — Google reviewCheryll C — Google reviewLara B — Google reviewKalpani K — Google reviewCarolina F — Google review•
Movie Park Germany
Mentioned on
Theme park
Water & Amusement Parks
Amusement park
Movie Park, located in Bottrop-Kirchhellen, Germany, is a popular amusement park with a movie theme. Divided into seven Hollywood-themed zones such as Hollywood Street Set and Nickland, the park offers a variety of family-friendly and thrilling rides, live shows, mazes, and audiovisual attractions based on famous movies and TV shows. Visitors can enjoy 4D cinema experiences like Ice Age or explore mazes inspired by The Walking Dead using real sets from the show.
We were a group of five visiting Movie Park Germany on a public holiday, and we arrived around noon. Before entering, there was a thorough security check, which I found very reassuring—it made me feel safe throughout the entire day in the park.
Inside, you can find a variety of restaurants, snack stands, and sweet stalls offering treats such as crêpes, churros, gummy bears, fries, and pizza slices. There are also plenty of restrooms located conveniently around the park.
Movie Park Germany is a fantastic destination for families with young children, but also for groups of friends or adults looking for excitement. The park features several roller coasters, ranging from family-friendly rides to adrenaline-filled thrill rides like Star Trek: Operation Enterprise, which even launches you backward, and Van Helsing’s Factory, a dark ride coaster with sharp turns. The safety measures on all attractions are excellent, and staff are very attentive.
Since we visited during the Halloween Horror Festival, we booked two of the horror houses: The Hell House and Blood Moon: The Trailer House. Both experiences were intense, immersive, and absolutely worth the extra cost. The Halloween theming across the park was very detailed and atmospheric, with actors, decorations, and special effects adding to the experience. The only downside was that the groups in the horror houses were admitted too close together, which sometimes broke the illusion and caused a bit of crowding inside.
One thing to note is the parking situation: there is no payment machine directly in the parking lot. You need to purchase your parking ticket inside the park before returning to your car. As the distance between the parking area and the park entrance is not very short, it’s definitely easier to buy the ticket in advance before heading back.
Overall, Movie Park Germany is a great choice for a fun day out, whether you love thrill rides, entertaining shows, or seasonal events like Halloween.
MAnA M — Google review
Very nice themed park. My kids (8, 12 and 18years old) all had a great day with the rides and shows. Not completely five stars though. The drinks are quite expensive. The food is reasonably priced. So a tip is to bring your own drinks. Further more, all rides close half an hour before closing time and some only open at 11 even though the park is open at 10. But all in all a great day out. The park is not very big in lay-out, so it is easy to go from one place to the other. Also the waiting times are not ridiculously long as in other parks.
We had purchased the tickets at a discounted price of 29€ and visited on Saturday. We reached early at the opening time and were lucky to not face long queues at most rides.
Best thing about this amusement park is that it has rides for all age groups so no one feels left out and most of the rides are super fun. We loved it to the bits and would happily visit it again.
Make sure you buy your tickets online and not at the gate as you’ll save about €20. Had a great day, did lots of attractions in only a few hours. Studio tour the ride was our favourite with some great theming and effects. It’s a fun park but for someone who’s done many Disney and Universal studios parks it lacks a little in its up keep but I don’t think that’s the parks fault but likely down to the guests as some of the details in the ques look quite worn down.
Very nice theme park in Germany. We been there with my colleagues last spring. Its not so big place but the attractions were compact and you can go in every rides for whole day. Its not also crowded and you dont need to wait for long lines to go in every attractions
Also the rides are exciting and fun.
We had a family trip to the movie park. It was an amazing experience.
Suitable for all ages. We were. Group of adults, a 5 years old, and a 10 years old. Everyone had an activity suitable for their age. From breathtaking rollercoasters, to family shows, to kids plays.
The best thing was that we didn't need to stand hours long on the queue for each ride.
Highly recommend!
This is the best adventure experience I’ve ever had in my life so far. No words to express my excitement and joy. I enjoyed it a lot. I hope to go there someday soon again.
I went on a Sunday with my boyfriend and, even though it was full, it was an wonderful experience!
I recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks because everything is very expensive here.
One suggestion - put the maximum heights in ALL the attractions. My boyfriend is 2,06m tall and he found, sometimes after waiting 45 minutes in line, that he couldn’t fit the attraction cars (even though they didn’t have a maximum height published at the entrance).
4.0
(59574)
3.0
(1618)
Warner-Allee 1, 46244 Bottrop, Germany
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16Maciej P — Google reviewApoorv J — Google reviewEki, : — Google reviewFabio R — Google reviewŁukasz G — Google reviewCj H — Google reviewEric B — Google review•
Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site
Mentioned on
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site is a significant landmark in Essen, Germany. It was once the world's largest coal mine and now stands as a preserved site with monumental buildings and a museum dating back to 1849. The area also offers diverse outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports on Baldeneysee. Visitors can explore the industrial culture of the site through guided tours, museums, and cultural events held during the summer.
The Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly a unique place to visit. It is calm, clean, and beautifully maintained, offering wide open spaces perfect for walking or jogging. The mix of industrial history and modern culture makes it both inspiring and relaxing. Whether you want to enjoy peaceful strolls, explore its fascinating architecture, or simply unwind in a serene atmosphere, Zollverein is a must-see destination that combines heritage with tranquility.
Jan T — Google review
Enormous industrial complex that was changed into a free tourist zone. There are some events organized here, they were even getting ready for one, when I was there, so you would assume that's a perfect example of revitalization effort. Unfortunately that's not entirely true. Yes instead of a toxic plant there is a museum and a forest, however that is also all that's here. Some of the equipment was left under the sun on its own, getting rusty and overgrown, making it look quite sad. Most of the buildings are closed down and the guided tour shows just a fraction of them. There is also no possibility to go underground inside the coal mine, to explore its history. Thinking it was the biggest one is quite a shame. Overall even though the complex makes an amazing first expression the longer you walk through it the sadder it gets. Wasted potential...
My visit to the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex was an absolutely magnificent experience. It is truly awe-inspiring to see how this former industrial behemoth has been masterfully repurposed into a vibrant cultural landscape, housing museums, exhibition centers, a university, and more. The vision required to preserve such a monumental piece of history while breathing new life into it is simply remarkable.
The sprawling 100-hectare site has been ingeniously transformed into a verdant park, with fantastic cycling and walking paths weaving through the imposing structures. This unique blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty means you can have a wonderful visit just enjoying the park, even if history isn't your main interest.
Zollverein truly offers a full day of exploration and enjoyment for the entire family. With delightful cafes, excellent restaurants, and even a casino on the grounds, it's impossible to feel a moment of boredom.
I was unfortunately pressed for time and could only spend three hours there, which was barely enough to scratch the surface. I am already planning my next trip to fully immerse myself in everything this incredible place has to offer.
A Special Tip: To truly grasp the immense scale of the complex, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring it by bike or taking one of the guided cart tours. It's an experience that is absolutely worth it!
So pleasantly surprised by this place, it is insta worth it on its own but don’t miss out on the Ruhr museum, worth getting the full ticket to see the special exhibits. Humongous place to see not only the story is the mines but the area, its people and work. Could easily spend there several hours and still not see everything. Pair with Red Dot design museum in the same complex!
Parking is free, and information offices offer maps of this former industrial area, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The map shows the locations of the various exhibitions and indicates a circular route that takes about an hour and a half to walk at a slow pace.
On Sundays when I was there, tourist trains run in the site and there are also guided tours.
The ticket offices display the prices of the different tickets. I paid €10 for the Ruhr Museum and the Portal der Industriekultur, which has a panoramic terrace.
This coal mine, began operating in 1932.
Together with the processing plant, it occupied an area of about 100 hectares.
It closed in 1986 and began its transformation into a cultural center in 1990.
A beautiful place. A huge mine listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The area around the mine is vast and green, and there's even a small playground for children. There's ample parking for cars. There's a small café on the grounds where you can enjoy a coffee or snack while waiting to enter the mine. Prices are reasonable. I recommend visiting this architectural wonder.
Surprisingly wonderful repurposing of an industrial site as a cultural centre. The juxtaposition of the buildings and metalwork with reclaiming nature is striking, and we could have easily have spent hours more wandering around than we had the time for during our visit. Easy to dismiss at a glance on the internt but remarkably affecting in person. Very glad we stopped to see it.
This made for a fascinating few hours. It's all quiet now but you can imagine the noise, heat and dust when it was operating. It has been very skilfully transformed into a coal museum and there is a large area to wander around by the coking plant.
4.7
(24410)
4.6
(1505)
Gelsenkirchener Str. 181, 45309 Essen, Germany
17Andrew D — Google reviewFrank D — Google reviewRadek U — Google reviewEddy A — Google reviewEef J — Google reviewUli F — Google reviewBrendan L — Google review•
LVR-Freilichtmuseum Lindlar
Open air museum
Museums
Specialty Museums
Outdoor museum on rural life & crafts, farming & ecology, with a cottage garden & guided tours.
Cozy place with nice walks in between the houses. It take longer than you think - we didn’t have enough time.
Very informative and friendly staff. Truly enjoyed our time there…
Klaus K — Google review
Not bad. Staff very nice. Some interesting things displayed and explained well including videos etc.
Still having problems walking but refused the offer of a free (!!!) electric wheelchair. Where else do you find that?
Great fun for the whole family
A great place where you can celebrate your kid's birthday. Good prices and nice stuff with few activities made our daughter and her friends very happy.
Authentic atmosphere which gives you the impression to walk through a village in ancient times. There are activities for children like playgrounds or solving questions inside one of the buildings
Lovely museum, lots to see and to do! Delicious fresh baked bread!
Good open air museum, albeit still in progress, with old buildings of the Bergische Land. Restaurant and other possibilities to eat and drink.
Very Well arranged and pleasant museum.
4.5
(1806)
4.5
(53)
Heiligenhoven 16a, 51789 Lindlar, Germany
18Natalia P — Google reviewGicela C — Google reviewMinke H — Google reviewVelantin — Google reviewDebby L — Google reviewDoğa — Google reviewSlobodan E — Google review
Museum Folkwang
Mentioned on
Modern art museum
Museums
Art Museums
Museum Folkwang, located in Essen, is a renowned cultural institution that boasts an extensive collection of European art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Originally founded in Hagen in 1902, the museum moved to Essen in 1921 and has since expanded its collection to include masterpieces by prominent artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, Kandinsky, and Klee.
A well maintained and beautiful public museum. Apart from the permanent exhibition, there was also "Frau in blau" temporary exhibition. The highlight is Van Gogh's paintings kept in the permanent exhibition.
Prathmesh W — Google review
Enjoyable experience of modern art (the 1860s to the 1970s) with informative notes. Includes Dali, Magritte, Van Gogh among many others.
I particularly liked various installations.
A leisurely stroll through the exhibits took me about two hours, but I can imagine spending more time in this museum, especially because the photo collection was closed at the time of my visit.
The main collection is open for free.
There is a café-restaurant on the terrace next to the museum. The museum shop has gifts and a lot, a whole library worth of art books. There is also an actual library (reading room) to sit and study art books.
Te permanent exhibition is free. You can find art from Andy Warhol, Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, Mondrian, etc. And many contemporary artwork.
If you want to visit the temporary expositions. You can buy your ticket in the entrance :)
Also, the museum shop has interesting stuff to see or buy 🤩
I love this place. The William Kentridge exhibition was exceptional, but the collections hold some gems too (Matisse, Gauguin, Nam Yune Paik, Rodin, Mondriaan) and well curated. We came with our 6 year old who’s not very interrested in art and still spent 3 hours! The museum shop has a great book selection.
Architecturally the building is amazing. The permanente collection is overall pretty good, has quite a few contemporary masters and some interesting minors particularly from the Neue Sachlichkeit and I did not pay.
But really need a curatorial overhaul, thematic rooms are maybe good for kids, not for a thinking adult. In particular if the themes are so abstract and the paintings do not speak with each other. Also you can’t put Braque and Picasso right beside a festival poster.
I found very interesting & cool the scoring system for paintings’ provenance during WWII, to rank how clear or murky their history was. I wish the same would be done for the “exotic” pieces they have but I guess we would see a lot of red dots.
The staff were incredibly friendly and the temporary exhibition was interesting and well curated.
Very nice museum. Free to visit except for the temporary exhibitions.
Their permanent collection is pretty amazing. You can see some artwork from Van Gogh, Picasso, Dali and many more. It’s free entry except the temporary exhibitions.
A great museum with a great collection of modern and contemporary art. Architecture of the building is also amazing. You would need 2-3h for a proper visit.
19Maen E — Google reviewAnni K — Google reviewRalph H — Google reviewBrid.get'S — Google reviewAndrea — Google reviewBernd R — Google reviewDominic K — Google reviewGuido B — Google reviewSvenja “ — Google review•
Parkleuchten im Gruga Park
Nature & Parks
Gardens
Parks
Waterfalls
"Parkleuchten im Gruga Park" is an annual event in Essen's Gruga Park, featuring beautifully designed light installations that create a magical atmosphere. The park comes alive with new lights and different themes each year, making it a must-see attraction for visitors of all ages. The colorful and attractive displays offer great photo opportunities and are especially enjoyable for families with children. Despite the paid entry, the experience is well worth it.
Mega
Gabi B — Google review
Interesting to visit, however the visiting time is very limited and the 2G rule is there although it is outdoor.
(Translated by Google) We found it very nice. Were there on a Saturday and only at 9 p.m., but there was still a lot going on. But we didn't have to wait long. The lights and attractions were beautiful and photo worthy.
(Original)
Wir fanden es sehr schön. Waren an einem Samstag da und erst um 21 Uhr, dafür war aber noch ordentlich was los. Anstehen mussten wir aber nicht groß. Die Lichter und Attraktionen waren schön und Fotos wert.
(Translated by Google) [03/04/2022] Located at the exhibition center in Essen, the GrugaPark offers many activities in summer and winter. Every year after dusk, the Gruga lights are a colorful and attractive place to visit with many different light installations in shape and color. Always a highlight for photographers.
A toilet and stops for eating and drinking are also available. There are several parking lots around the park. Admission is €6.00 for adults.
(Original)
[04.03.2022] An der Messe in Essen gelegen bietet der GrugaPark im Sommer und Winter viele Aktivitäten. Das Grugaleuchten ist jedes Jahr nach der Dämmerung eine bunte und attraktive Besuchsmöglichkeit mit vielen verschiedenen Lichtinstallationen in Form und Farbe. Für Fotografen immer ein Highlight.
Ein WC sowie Stops zum essen und trinken sind auch vorhanden. Rund um den Park gibt es mehrere Parkplätze. Der Eintritt kostet für Erwachsene 6,00 Euro.
(Translated by Google) It was absolutely beautiful. A lot to see. Terrain that is sometimes difficult for older people and yet very dark. But everything worked out. A great attraction for young and old. Price performance top! The physical well-being was also provided in abundance at affordable prices. Toilets clean 👍🏼 Tip: Use the side entrances and book the tickets in advance. Then it's a walk through, the parking lot on the side of the road was SO free. We'd love to come back.
(Original)
War voll schön. Viel zu sehen. Für ältere Leute teilweise schwieriges Terrain und doch sehr dunkel. Aber hat alles geklappt. Für Groß und Klein ne tolle Attraktion. Preis Leistung top! Für das leibliche Wohl wurde auch reichlich gesorgt zu erschwinglichen Preisen. Toiletten sauber 👍🏼 Tip: Nutzt die Seiteneingänge und bucht die Karten vorab. Dann ist es ein Durchmarsch, auch der Parkplatz war SO am Straßenrand kostenlos. Wir kommen gerne wieder.
(Translated by Google) An event that you have to see if you come from the Ruhr area. We were there on a weekday and got a parking space straight away. We had already booked the tickets (adults €9) online and it was very quick at the entrance. Beautiful light events in different shapes and sizes. A great artist! You can also get mulled wine, coffee and bratwurst if you're slightly hungry. A bratwurst in a bun for €4 is reasonable. It took us about 1 1/2 to 2 hours and it was a nice trip ;-)
(Original)
Eine Veranstaltung die man gesehen haben muss wenn man aus dem Ruhrgebiet kommt. Wir waren an einem Wochentag dort und haben auch sofort einen Parkplatz bekommen. Die Tickets ( Erwachsene 9€ )hatten wir online schon gebucht und es ging sehr schnell am Eingangsbereich. Wunderschöne Lichtereignisse in verschiedenen Formen und Größen. Ein toller Künstler ! Glühwein, Kaffee und Bratwurst für den kleinen Hunger kann man auch bekommen. Eine Bratwurst im Brötchen für 4€ sind angemessen. Wir benötigten ca 1 1/2 bis 2 Stunden und es war ein schöner Ausflug ;-)
(Translated by Google) I was just blown away, there was a lot on offer and it was very well attended. And the entrance fee is totally justified at 9 euros for an adult. The only drawback is perhaps the search for a parking space.
(Original)
Ich war nur hin und weg , es wird einen viel geboten und es war auch sehr gut besucht . Und der Eintritt ist total gerechtfertigt mit 9 Euro für einen Erwachsenen . Das einzige Manko ist vielleicht die Parkplatz suche .
(Translated by Google) Beautiful light installations. Really great for 2-3 hours to walk and switch off. I would only recommend this to a limited extent with children. At the end there are lights in a park. There is no interaction to speak of. This probably makes it quickly uninteresting for children.
1 star less because there are no signposts. If you don't know your way around the park, you'll quickly find yourself in front of an exit that's not the one you came in through. That might have to be changed.
(Original)
Schöne Lichtinstallationen. Für 2-3 Stunden zum spazieren und abschalten wirklich toll. Mit Kindern würde ich das nur eingeschränkt empfehlen. Am Ende sind es Lichter in einem Park. Es gibt keine nennenswerte Interaktion. Das macht es, wahrscheinlich, für Kinder schnell uninteressant.
1 Stern weniger, da es keine Wegweiser gibt. Wenn man sich in dem Park nicht auskennt, steht man mal schnell vor einem Ausgang, der nicht der ist, durch den man rein gekommen ist. Das müsste man vll. ändern.
(Translated by Google) Worth a look, interesting and romantic experience. Definitely go and check it out. Your physical well-being is also taken care of.
(Original)
Sollte man sich anschauen, interessant und Romantisches Erfahrung. Geht auf jeden Fall hin und schaut es euch an. Für euer leibliches Wohl ist auch gesorgt.
(Translated by Google) Always worth seeing.
Very lovingly designed light installations. Dogs are also allowed. The park shines with new lights every year and different themes are implemented. There are always a few installations that stand out and the €7 entry fee is definitely worth it.
(Original)
Immer wieder sehenswert.
Sehr liebevoll gestaltet Lichtinstallationen. Auch Hunde dürfen mit. Der Park erstrahlt jedes Jahr in neuem Lichterglanz und verschiedene Themen werden umgesetzt. Es gibt immer ein paar Installation, die herausstechen und die 7 € Eintritt sind es definitiv wert.
4.4
(261)
4.5
(658)
Messepl. 1A, 45131 Essen, Germany
20Jonny H — Google reviewClubsmen — Google reviewAnnette L — Google reviewA ( — Google reviewMars R — Google reviewMotti M — Google reviewJürgen F — Google review
Parkplatz Schloss Burg P1
Parking lot
Sights & Landmarks
Castles
(Translated by Google) This castle is simply wonderful... definitely worth a visit!
The staff are all incredibly friendly.
(Original)
Diese Burg ist einfach wunderbar....sollte sich auf jeden Fall anschauen
Die Mitarbeiter sind alles super freundlich
Sabine M — Google review
Paid €3.60 for for two hours of parking then needed to feed a newborn baby, went to the gate to exit still within the 2 hours of paid parking it wanted more money because time of paying and time of exit were different. Despite paying for two hours and attempted to exit in those two hours.
Called for help on machine and no answer
Perfect parking
(Translated by Google) It's a sufficiently large parking lot.
You can only pay with cash, and only bills up to 20 euros are accepted.
I think this is a problem, especially for foreign visitors who are used to paying by card.
Hence, one star less.
(Original)
Es handelt sich um einen ausreichend großen Parkplatz.
Man kann nur mit Bargeld bezahlen und es werden nur Scheine bis 20 Euro angenommen.
Ich denke, gerade für ausländische Besucher, die an Kartenzahlung gewöhnt sind, ist das ein Problem.
Daher ein Sternchen weniger.
(Translated by Google) It's very beautiful here. However, parking is limited on busy days. You can find additional parking nearby.
(Original)
Es ist sehr schön hier. Parkplätze reichen aber an gzt besuchten Tagen nicht. Man kann in der Nähe weitere Parkplätze finden
(Translated by Google) A quiet place to linger, with occasional lovely events; every visit is worthwhile. The tours are highly recommended.
(Original)
Ruhiger Ort zum verweilen und ab und an auch mit schönen Veranstaltungen jeder besuch lohnt sich. Sehr zu empfehlen sind die Rundgänge.
(Translated by Google) It gets very crowded on weekends and the incline isn't easy for novice drivers. Otherwise, it's fine.
(Original)
Am Wochenende ist er sehr überfüllt und die Steigung ist nicht einfach für Fahranfänger. Ansonsten ist er in Ordnung.
(Translated by Google) Nice parking lot with plenty of spaces. Very clean.
(Original)
Schöner Parkplatz mit viele Plätze.Sehr sauber.
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21P B — Google reviewMarkus G — Google reviewHasti A — Google reviewJames O — Google reviewMateusz K — Google reviewAl-amin N — Google reviewBlack O — Google review
Vohwinkel
Transit station
Transportation
Vohwinkel is a district in Wuppertal, known for its central station, Wuppertal Hauptbahnhof, and the iconic Schwebebahn suspension railway. The railway is a landmark of the city and offers convenient public transportation with frequent departures. It operates primarily on weekends and holidays, with replacement bus services on weekdays. The Schwebebahn provides a unique perspective of the city as it cruises above streets and residential areas.
One of its kind hanging train. The train is in service from early 1900's. An amazing engineering feat!
The Bahn Route covers scenic places. It runs above river, roads. Try to occupy the last seat as it provides the best visual treat!
Vivek P — Google review
Amazing experience and a highlight when you are in Wuppertal. Just take a ride from one end to the other.
Consider checking the schedules because the Schwebebahn is often in maintenance mode.
Only runs on weekends right now. But if you keep that in mind, it's a very affordable and unique tourist attraction. Great way to see a beautiful city. Buy the all-day ticket and hop on and off. Don't forget to learn about the famous elephant who rode the train
It was a really nice experience for us and the children that the rail way was above the river and streets
Elevatated train from 1901 is a must see. It costs €14.50 for a 3-person 24-hour ticket that includes buses.
Bahn is great fun, but pnr didnt work there it was hard to left the car
It's a very good experience for a one time ride. The trains were nice and clean. Lines are beautifully constructed over the central canal through the city. The views of the surrounding hills are also nice.
Tips: The tail end seats offer the best views. It's a bit noisy ride.
I was told about this suspension railway and recommended to try it. I joined at Kluse (one stop down from the main train station, next to the cinema) and grabbed a ticket - although cheap (only 1.70) I found the machine doesn't take credit card, so come prepared with coins.
The railway isn't big - only two carriages - but they are pretty frequent so if you miss one (or it's full), you don't have long to wait for the next. The carriages have been modernised: they're brightly-lit with clean seats that don't look worn in any way. Sitting at the back gives a good view down the river and along the roads during the trip, but as I tried it last evening in winter most of my trip was quite dark.
I travelled south-west all the way to Vohwinkel (the terminal stop) where it's possible to see the other carriages parked, so there's quite a few cars. I then grabbed the one on the other side and travelled back the other way.
Quite leisurely, a pretty smooth ride and fairly quick, given the age of the technology. Well worth the trip!
22Barbora Š — Google reviewRavi S — Google reviewGavin B — Google reviewA. S — Google reviewHarshith D — Google reviewTural M — Google reviewNavneet K — Google review•
Duisburg Zoo
Mentioned on
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Duisburg Zoo, situated in Duisburg, Germany, is a well-known destination for animal enthusiasts. Spanning over 15 hectares and established in 1934, the zoo houses about 4,000 animals from approximately 400 species. Visitors can witness exotic and native animals including big cats, bears, monkeys, and even koalas at the specialized Koala House. The zoo also features a dolphinarium and an adventure playground for added entertainment.
We recently visited Duisburg Zoo, and overall, it was a great but mixed experience.
👍 What I Liked:
The zoo features some unique animals you don’t usually see in other German zoos—like red panda, koalas, manatees, elephants, and even Tasmanian devils, which was a nice surprise.
The layout is quite spacious and natural, with wooded surroundings and open paths. It felt more like a walk in the park with animal stops along the way. Big animals like elephants have enough space for themselves, and the zoo even mimic what's their real niche.
They also have colourful aquariums with beautiful corals and farms.
Great for families! There are playgrounds and picnic areas scattered around, making it easy to spend a full day with kids.
For photography lovers, it’s a solid spot. Many enclosures offer good visibility without too much glare or obstruction.
What Could Be Better:
Some parts of the zoo feel a bit dated. A few enclosures could definitely use a facelift or renovation. I did have concerns about animal welfare, especially with the gorillas and elephants—some seemed anxious or restless.
Great value for money and the highlight and the crowd pleaser is the Dolphin show. They have names like Delfin, Delfina, Daisy..
🎟️ Practical Info:
Entrance fee: ~€19.50 for adults, ~€11 for kids.
Gee O — Google review
Very nice zoo and the 🐬 show made the experience even better. We had a really great time there and I could recommend it even for families with smaller kids because the zoo is not too big so it is convenient for small legs 😅 (our four-year old walked all the way by himself with no complaints). However, overall I have to give "only" four stars because we were not very satisfied with the food possibilities. It's maybe common for Germany generally to have such a food service and options but from our experience from many zoos in different European countries, it was unfortunately the worst.
There quite a lot of variety animals!
we can watch them closely
name boards towards Dolphinarium is not great, it was difficult to find it and hence we missed the show! - one star minus
there are only snack and mini cafe, no proper restaurant inside - which is why one star less
parking lots are here and there, come by 11am to make it useful!
the pic is the view from inside the zoo towards Autobahn!
Close shot of lions!
At one corner they have Domestic animals like pigs , rabbits 🐇 etc
Candid pics of animals are shot by me with CanonM50
We’ve been to the Duisburg Zoo a few times now, and it’s always a fun experience. There’s a wide variety of animals, including some unique ones like koalas and a wombat.
Some parts of the zoo feel a bit dated, but you can clearly see that they are working on renovating several enclosures, which is great to see.
The highlight of the zoo is definitely the dolphin show — it’s very well done and always a pleasure to watch.
All in all, it’s a nice zoo that we’ll happily visit again!
Quite cool zoo.
Positive: nice variety of animals. All are well fed and taken care. Surrounded by a green, natural and beautiful environment.
The delfinarium is fun.
You could see tigers, gorillas, giraffes, red pandas, elephants and many more.
Toilets and restaurants are available.
The price is not that bad.
Negative: the parking is 1 km away, at least. You have to walk through a path that is next to a highway where cars go fast. It doesn't feel too convenient if you go with kids. The day fee is 5€ and you have to pay in cash at the entrance.
Don’t miss the dolphin show. We enjoyed the visit. However, 500 ml water battle will cost 4.5 euros.
That was awesome. Very huge area. Need 3-4 hours minimum. My advice - take your time, make a plan, have a fun. Don't miss the delphinium show.
Ticket price is 20 Euro per adult including Dolphin Show. Various Animals and birds are available. Dolphin show was awesome. Enjoyed a lot.
4.3
(23817)
4.0
(618)
Mülheimer Str. 273, 47058 Duisburg, Germany
23Kelvin J — Google reviewAndrew H — Google reviewドンシクルカ — Google reviewFlorian K — Google reviewKeith W — Google reviewThomas S — Google reviewPatrick F — Google review•
Drachenfelsbahn Bergstation
Mentioned on
Mountain cable car
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Drachenfelsbahn Bergstation is a must-see destination for families in Bonn, offering a unique and comfortable way to ascend on hot days. Despite its age, the railway ensures safety and provides friendly service from the drivers. The station can get crowded at times, but the experience of ascending towards the legendary castle ruins feels exhilarating. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy an amazing view, visit a good cafe and access facilities like toilets.
station for drachenfel ,nice view
Tangmo N — Google review
Should be able to get here
Super way of getting to see the amazing view from the top where there is a good cafe and toilets.
Final stop of the cable car.
Nice
Fabulous views
(Translated by Google) When the weather is good and especially in summer it is always quite full, but the fantastic view makes up for it and the food is generally quite decent. Nice route for running or alternatively taking the cog railway, which is also a great experience for the little ones.
(Original)
Bei gutem Wetter und insbesondere im Sommer immer recht voll, dafür entschädigt die fantastische Aussicht und die Gastronomie ist in der Regel auch ganz passabel. Schöne Wegstrecke zum Laufen oder alternativ mit der Zahnradbahn, was auch für die Kleinen ein tolles Erlebnis ist.
(Translated by Google) Parking costs about 8 euros per day. I thought about 50 cents per half hour. Enough parking space and enough vending machines. Only pay by pin. NB. The train goes up every half hour. Maybe more often in high season, I don't know.
(Original)
Parkeren kost ongeveer 8 euro per dag. Ik dacht 50 cent per half uur ongeveer. Genoeg parkeerplaats en genoeg automaten. Betalen alleen met pin. Let op. Treintje gaat elk half uur naar boven. Misschien in hoogseizoen vaker, dat weet ik niet.
4.6
(299)
4.2
(504)
Drachenfels 1, 53639 Königswinter, Germany, USA
24PinkFluffyBanana — Google reviewBill K — Google reviewLinn R — Google reviewLe D — Google reviewFlos L — Google reviewJohn O — Google reviewDenise R — Google review
Drachenfels
Mentioned on
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Mountains
Drachenfels is a famous hill known for its vineyards, a historic cog railway, and the remnants of a medieval castle. It's a popular spot for tourists looking to explore the area. The hill offers stunning views and is surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Visitors can also enjoy dining at various restaurants in Koenigswinter, offering diverse cuisines and dining experiences.
Wonderful place to be for an escape from a busy week. The view of the river from the hill top is magnificent along with centuries old history of the ruined castle.
Sarang G — Google review
A beautiful place with a nice overlooking view. There are two ways to reach the castle ruins: you can either hike up or take the oldest cogwheel railway in Europe. Both options offer a great experience.
Unbelievable, If you are in the area you have to see it! Great views and a great hike or train ride.
It’s a beautiful castle. But it’s small on the inside just 2 floors and a little tower on the side so ur done pretty quickly. And for the price €25 for a family ticket it’s pricey.
It‘s definitely worth a visit, the place is nice and spacious. We chose to go up with the tram mainly because of the children but i would recommend to take the trail hiking up instead. It was cold and windy sitting outside (for a snack/beer/coffee/ Curry Wurst, .etc) but then you get the beautiful Sunset view.
A beautiful resort that is perfect for a weekend getaway within an hour drive and half day visiting
Train up. Hike down if your legs are good. Rich history. Beautiful views.
We hiked up the peak. It took us about 45-60min. We read it is useful to use hiking shoes but that would not necessarily have been needed. Normal comfortabel shoes would have been fine too.
The view from up there is magnificent. It's definitely worth it to go the extra few meters up. You need to walk over the terrace on order to get to the way up.
You can see the Rhine and its beautiful surrounding area. We could even see the Kölner Dom from there.
On the way back we visited the castle which is also a must see. On the way to the top, there is one view point from which you can see the castle, that was also very nice to see.
When in the area, the Drachenfels is definitely a recommendation from me.
25K H — Google reviewSofia M — Google reviewAravinth — Google reviewAseel D — Google reviewCollin B — Google reviewAleksey B — Google reviewNisa — Google review•
Schloss Drachenburg
Mentioned on
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Schloss Drachenburg is a 19th-century villa that resembles a medieval castle and offers stunning views of the Rhine valley. It was built between 1882 and 1884 by Baron Stephan von Sarter, drawing inspiration from the romantic architecture of medieval castles along the Rhine River. The design incorporates Neo-Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance elements.
Beautiful castle, phenomenal views, friendly staff at the ticket office, on the Drachenfelsbahn and at the castle. The castle has been beautifully maintained and is in pristine condition. I particularly loved the stained glass and how each section gave one the opportunity to step back in time, surrounded by so much history. The gardens are also perfectly manicured, lovingly maintained and give one a sense of peace. A truly awesome experience
Nicolette R — Google review
What a gorgeous castle. We stopped in on our way to Cologne. The little train tram was fun. The many stained glass windows were so cool. The little cafe was good, we got tea and coffee and snacks. Views were amazing.
A truly beautiful castle, high in the mountains, you either need to walk 40 minutes up a steep slope, or buy a ticket for a small train for 10 euros. Entrance to the castle costs 10 euros, you can buy it at the castle itself, you have access to the area around the castle and the castle itself, there are free toilets, places to eat and a restaurant, there are a lot of people. I advise you to carefully review the route in advance.
Went on a weekend, through the funicular costs 12 euro for adults and 6 euro for kids, better to buy combi tickets if you are visiting with family. The castle 🏰 was maintained well, and entry cost 10 euro for adults and 8 euro for kids. The Rhine river was so beautiful from the castle. A must visit place if you're visiting near colonge and Bonn.
The castle was incredibly beautiful and everything inside was just stunning and mind blowing. I love the fact that some known people and artists were painted on the windows in the main room. You should definitely visit it and no need to buy tickets online because you can buy them from there directly and the ticket for person was only 10€.
Truly a beautiful place to visit, the view from atop is stunning and the inside is just as nice as outside. For the price of 10 euro it's definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
Getting there is a bit harder you can walk what we did but the road is very steep tho doable. there is also a train that goes up a 2 way ticket costs 12 euros (1 way ticktet costs 10)
It was wonderful holidays in Drachenburg Schloss. A have already visited a lot of castles and palaces in Germany and this one was one the best: amazing views, incredible architecture, beautiful interiors 🤩
The staff here was polite and helpful, thank you so much ☺️
You need approximately 3 hours for this place: to look everything, to walk around and to make photos 📷.
❗️This place, of course, deserves you time to visit it.
Must see place!! It is such a great location and the castle is gorgeous and mind blowing both from outside and inside! I recommend taking the bahn to go up and hiking when you are going back. Such a great experience!
4.7
(20909)
4.4
(743)
Drachenfelsstraße 118, 53639 Königswinter, Germany
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26Stefankai S — Google reviewArash R — Google reviewPerth2Go A — Google reviewJasmin G — Google reviewNini — Google reviewDonna B — Google reviewWalter B — Google review
Cologne Zoo
Mentioned on
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Nestled in the heart of Cologne, the Cologne Zoological Garden is a historic gem that has been captivating visitors since its establishment in 1860. This long-standing zoo boasts an impressive collection of over 10,000 animals representing more than 850 species. Among its many attractions are a stunning elephant park—the largest in Northern Europe—an engaging aquarium, and a lush rainforest house that transports you to exotic locales.
What a lovely day out with great friends! Weather was cooperating and most of the animals were out and about! Some we did not see because they were hiding or somewhere else but there was still plenty others to see. We loved the dinosaurs too! Stopped by the restaurant for some lunch which was also very nice. Lots of bees/wasps flying around while we were seated eating, so maybe not a great place if you are allergic, but otherwise really nice. Bathrooms were easy to find and it was easy getting in and out. Loved how playful the others were being! Thank you from the US!!
Heather ( — Google review
The 165th anniversary of Cologne Zoo is celebrated with evergreen content: dinosaurs.
But also with a Panini sticker album. So, if you want to give your children a treat, buy the Dino kombi ticket with the sticker album. Do so online to jump the queue on site. I highly recommend to also book the Dino VR experience in advance - it is a ten minute visual aid (in coop with local VR hero TimeRide) and adds to the animatronics dinos scattered throughout the park.
Otherwise, the 14 dinos add a nice distraction to the regular inhabitants of the lovely zoo. Some are animated, others really huge. One of the oldest zoos of Germany sports some nice attractions but also undergoes some considerable refurbishments. Some areas are closed off, others are currently under construction (giraffe house).
But some historic buildings (old elephant house) surely add to the flavor.
We paid €98 for two adults and 2 kids. So plan to bring your healthy snacks and drinks with you, otherwise better top up your Amex ;)
Although zoos are not my favorite place to travel, this zoo surprised me. Animal rights were relatively respected and different and rare animals were collected in this zoo. I saw the Iranian cheetah, an endangered animal, for the first time in this zoo. It was a completely different experience from the zoos I had seen in Asia and Europe. I had it here.
An incredibly expansive and intricate zoo, with an insane amount of different areas and habitats to visit. Definitely reserve at least a few hours to complete a full loop of the zoo! I've never seen so many of certain animals before, namely the meerkats. Gate staff are also super friendly and speak English which makes it easy.
Have been there again after a long time, it seems most animals kept well,they have more space now and look ok. Only the see through pool of the hippopotamus had an eco problem and was very cloudy,which was why they weren't fed for the public. The ant eater looked bored and moved repetitive.
I liked the space of the cheetah which looked very natural.
Entrance is expansive,but if you buy tickets online you get a daily free ticket for public transport
The Cologne Zoo is very small. The elephant house and fake dinosaurs take up most of the space.
The zoo is a dreary, bleak, and absolutely ugly place, captivating depressed animals. It's truly awful, giving an abandoned desolated and apocalyptic area.
Anyone who doesn't feel pity for them probably won't feel anything else either. Every enclosure is super tiny.
A lot of animals were also not there.
The tropical house was closed, as well as every snack bars except one.. on a weekend.
Amazing place...a beautifully laid out zoo with so many wonderful birds and mammals to see and learn about
The Cologne Zoo was Fascinating and I had a remarkable time looking at and watching all the different types of animals. One exception is that they could zone the animal regions so you know what animals are where based on their location they are found. My father in law, Gary enjoyed watching the penguins and the seals jump and dive into the water, Gary said “looks fun to be one”. We both had an amazing time in the Dino VR which tells you how the dinosaurs went extinct and how they lived before. It’s fascinating and a must see, the food selection could be better but overall a great zoo experience. One of the better ones i’ve seen!!🙌
27Priyanka G — Google reviewLuke B — Google reviewTim B — Google reviewAnıl K — Google reviewJack P — Google reviewPaul — Google reviewStaci M — Google review•
Cologne Triangle
Mentioned on
Observation deck
Sights & Landmarks
The Cologne Triangle, a striking modern office building in the Deutz district, features an impressive observation deck that stands 103 meters above the ground. This vantage point offers visitors breathtaking 360-degree views of Cologne and its iconic Rhine River. For just a small fee, you can ascend to this sky-high platform either by lift or via stairs for those seeking a bit of exercise. The experience is particularly magical at dusk when the city lights begin to twinkle below.
Great way to enjoy a 360° view of the city of Cologne. The entrance ticket costs 5€, you then take an elevator for 29 floors and arrive on the roof of the skyscraper. Unfortunately there are protection glasses so it's not easy to take good pictures. I think that the panorama give its best at night.
Francesco X — Google review
The ticket is just 5 euros and you go up 28 floors pretty fast. It’s just 10-15 mins walk, across the bridge. And totally worth it. Could be windy there so carry a jacket.
Fantastic 360° view of Cologne. Very cheaply priced and is open all throughout the day. Highly recommend coming here if walking up the 500+ steps to the top of Cologne Cathedral's South Tower just isn't for you.
Highly recommended! Open until 10 PM in the summer (Friday and Saturday). If you go from 9 PM until closing, you'll see it both in the morning/sunset and in the evening. This is also plenty of time, since there's no bar or other seating.
If you’re in Cologne and wanna catch the best city views, KölnTriangle is the spot for that. This place gives you a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, and trust me, it looks absolutely stunning, especially at night. The Cologne Cathedral shines like a gem, and the Rhein River just adds to the magic. It’s a chill place to just soak in the skyline and snap some killer photos. Go in the evening when the city lights up it’s a whole vibe ..! (:
Ticket cost 5€
View point which gives the classic panorama of cologne including the cathedral, the rhine river and the hohenzollernbrücke bridge. Is it worth going up for 8 euro? Probably not but what else are you going to do in cologne?
This is a great alternative option to see the city from high or having to climb the steps of the cathedral bell tower. There was no queue when we arrived, 5euros for a ticket, get on the lift to the 28th floor and your free to roam around the top. Great views and really sheltered from the weather with super high glass barriers. It's a great place to get away from the noise of the city. They do not allow suitcases but were fine with rucksacks. Great value and 100% must visit.
Great views! Easy to get the photos you want of the city.
4.6
(5346)
4.5
(2083)
Ottopl. 1, 50679 Köln, Germany
28
Hohenzollern Bridge
Mentioned on
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Hohenzollern Bridge, often referred to as the Love Lock Bridge, is a must-visit landmark in Cologne that beautifully combines romance and stunning views. As you stroll across this iconic structure, you'll be greeted by breathtaking vistas of the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. The bridge is adorned with countless engraved padlocks left by couples, symbolizing their love and commitment. This enchanting walk leads you directly into the vibrant heart of Cologne's city center, where a treasure trove of attractions awaits.
4.3
(3649)
50679 Köln, Germany
29Bilge S — Google reviewCihan E — Google reviewLeon B — Google reviewThe F — Google reviewŁukasz C — Google reviewPriyanka G — Google reviewJoe C — Google review•
Museum Ludwig
Mentioned on
Modern art museum
Museums
Art museum
Nestled in the heart of Cologne, Museum Ludwig is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Once the private collection of Peter Ludwig, this museum showcases an impressive array of modern art that spans various movements including Pop Art, Abstract Expressionism, and Surrealism. As you explore its vibrant halls, you'll encounter everything from striking paintings to intricate ceramics and thought-provoking sketches.
A fantastic museum for modern and contemporary art lovers. Museum Ludwig has an impressive collection; from Picasso and Warhol to Lichtenstein and contemporary German artists. The layout is spacious and well organized, making it easy to explore at your own pace. Some temporary exhibitions are truly thought-provoking and beautifully curated. The view of Cologne Cathedral from the upper floors is a bonus also. It’s definitely worth spending a couple of hours here. If you enjoy art, don’t skip it while in Cologne.
Gizem K — Google review
What a lovely museum; both its architecture and its collections, they are all breathtaking…
Museum Ludwig is highly regarded as one of Europe's most significant art museums, particularly for its collection of modern and contemporary art…
It has diverse collection, which includes extensive holdings of Pop Art, Picasso, and works from the Russian avant-garde…
The museum's architecture and spacious galleries are excellently contributing to a positive experience…
Its main key aspects are as below:
Extensive Collection:
It boasts a vast collection spanning various artistic movements from the 20th and 21st centuries, with notable strengths in Pop Art, Picasso, and Russian avant-garde works…
Renowned Artists:
You can expect to see works by iconic artists such as Picasso, Warhol, Lichtenstein, Richter, Mondrian, Dali, Kandinsky, Nolde, Kokoschka, Man Ray, Pollack, Miro and many more…
Well-Curated Exhibitions:
The museum is well-organized and thoughtfully presents exhibitions, offering a mix of established masterpieces and cutting-edge contemporary works…
Architectural Design:
The building's architecture, including its spacious galleries and natural lighting, is enhancing the overall viewing experience…
Location:
Situated near the Cologne Cathedral, railway station and the bridge the museum's location is very very convenient…
Overall:
Museum Ludwig is a high-quality art institution that offers a rewarding experience…
Having said all these, need to mention that some visitors suggest that the museum could improve the information provided alongside the artworks, particularly for those less familiar with modern art…
Its collection focused on modern and contemporary art is already very strong, but for me it has a special place especially because of its Picasso works. Being able to see original Picasso paintings from different periods so closely, and examine them down to the brushstrokes, is a truly impressive experience. They don’t just remain as paintings hanging on the wall – you find yourself wanting to stand in front of them for a long time and think. Alongside that, the pop art and other modern works make the museum even richer. Even if you only have a slight interest in art, it’s a place you should definitely make time for and one that shouldn’t be missed on a visit to Cologne.
A fantastic museum with an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including standout works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. The layout is spacious and well-curated, making it easy to explore at your own pace. Some sections may feel a bit niche or abstract depending on your taste, but overall it’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Great location next to the cathedral and worth the visit.
I think this is one of the most important museums in Cologne and one of the main art museums in Germany. You can easily spend 2-3 hours there: it ranges from a very important modern art section with John Cage and "Five Friends" to important expressionist painters, local and international impressionists, and even some Picassos. Everything is stunning, four floors of pure art. There may be lines.
This place is remarkable! This is a museum where every single painting is worth seeing. Of course, the Picasso collection is the most famous and iconic, but you can find plenty of splendid paintings there. My only regret is that I had only 1.5 hours to see this collection.
Interesting works of Picasso and other artists such as Ursula. Terrace views of the Hohenzollern bridge and the cathedral.
Me and my girlfriend were in the city for the weekend and decided to call into Museum Ludwig to to pass some time. It was a nicely laid out museum with an interesting collection of works.
4.5
(8264)
4.4
(1829)
Heinrich-Böll-Platz, 50667 Köln, Germany
30Arthur G — Google reviewGizem K — Google reviewSusanne R — Google reviewAnıl K — Google reviewMax L — Google reviewBurcu — Google reviewUtkarsh — Google review
Old Market
Mentioned on
Historical market square
Sights & Landmarks
The Old Market, also known as Alter Markt, is a historic square located in the heart of Cologne's Old Town. Once a bustling medieval square for jousting tournaments, it has transformed into a modern hub with shops, restaurants, and bars. The picturesque cobblestone streets and medieval architecture exude an enchanting ambiance that blends historic charm with contemporary allure. Visitors can explore diverse shopping options from fashion to unique souvenirs while soaking up the laid-back atmosphere and enjoying local brews.
Not too far from the Cathedral Market, this market is busy with a lot of vendors that sell food, Glühwein, and fun items to bring home for Christmas. There was a brass band playing Christmas Carols on the center of the market which gave it a warm and cozy feeling. There are bathrooms (€1) at the end of the market where the Ferris wheel is.
Christopher V — Google review
I loved the Old Market! It was lovely to see couples celebrating their marriage after leaving City Hall! I also enjoyed watching the church tower where a man( statue of his face) sticks out his tongue every 15 minutes!
A beautiful and lively square in the heart of Cologne’s Old Town. Full of charm, colorful historic buildings, and plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can sit outside and enjoy the atmosphere. Great place for a stroll, people-watching, or grabbing a Kölsch beer. It can get crowded, especially in the afternoons and weekends, but that’s part of its charm. Definitely worth a visit if you’re exploring the city!
Great for international visitors to view local fare. A vast array of mushrooms, cheese, deli meats, oils, truffles etc.
Walking through Cologne’s Old Market (Alter Markt) feels like stepping into history with a modern twist. The City Hall caught my eye instantly its architecture is seriously impressive to be honest. I snapped some amazing pics, you should totally check them out. The area is packed with pubs, lively crowds, and street performers, making it the perfect spot to just hang out. Plus, this place is the heart of festivals and celebrations, so there’s always something happening. If you’re in town, grab a Kölsch beer and soak in the atmosphere (:
Quite nice! I came here on a stopover and thought I'd do a spot of sketching. Spent a nice bit of time in a cafe, listened to a talented busker, and thoroughly enjoyed myself.
I love the old market — it somehow gives me Italian vibes! On weekends, it’s bustling with people, and you can try different Kölsch beers at various spots, each with its own unique taste.
Loved the whole vibe, the food and the lights. Very beautiful decoration and it felt very high production value. Must visit.
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