One of the most underrated cities in Germany, not only is there plenty to do within Dusseldorf, but there are lots of great places in reach to visit. From castle ruins and theme parks to old coal mines, here’s my list of the best day trips from Dusseldorf!
Table of contents
- The best day trips from Dusseldorf: Where you should go
- Zeche Zollvereine coal mine
- Zons – A medieval fairytale town
- Monschau – A storybook town
- Wuppertal & its suspension railway
- Neanderthal valley – Museum and park
- Kaiserswerth & Kaiserpfalz Castle ruins
- Phantasialand Theme Park
- Cologne – The historic city
- Summary
- Related posts
With its excellent public transportation network, there are plenty of easy places near Dusseldorf to visit. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or an avid hiker, there’s something for everyone. Don’t pass up the chance to explore the best day trips from Dusseldorf!
The best day trips from Dusseldorf: Where you should go
What you need to know
- Where can I go by train from Dusseldorf? You can catch a train from Dusseldorf central station to pretty much any of the major cities in Germany. Check out the Deutsche Bahn for more info!
- What is there to do outside of Dusseldorf? Dusseldorf is surrounded by plenty of quaint little medieval towns, major cities and more!
Zeche Zollvereine coal mine
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Zeche Zollvereine is one of the most incredible day trips from Dusseldorf. Once the largest coal mine in Europe, this industrial complex now welcomes over a million visitors a year. Here are just some of the things waiting for you here:
- Museums: Zeche Zollvereine houses both the Ruhr Museum and the Red Dot Museum, offering a comprehensive exploration of the Ruhr region’s history and a vibrant tribute to contemporary design.
- Factory swimming pool: Zeche Zollvereine has an incredible outdoor swimming pool. The Factory swimming pool gives visitors a unique opportunity to swim amidst the towering industrial complex.
Zons – A medieval fairytale town
Another one of Germany’s storybook towns, Zons is a walled medieval city tucked away in North Rhine-Westphalia offering a step back in time. Home to castle remains, cobbled streets and even a windmill this small town packs in a lot and is a must-visit on your list of day trips from Dusseldorf!
- Zons Windmill: The windmill has a small museum where you can learn about its history. Note that the museum is only open on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Schloss Friedestrom (Friedestrom Castle): Although not as grand as it once was, the castle still holds plenty of appeal with its sunny courtyard making it an ideal spot for a rest or picnic!
Monschau – A storybook town
Nestled amid hills and forests, Monschau presents a fairytale setting, surely one of the most scenic day trips from Dusseldorf. Medieval streets adorned with timbered houses wind through this picturesque town, while beautiful trails and national parks surround the town. Here are some things you can’t miss out on:
- Monschau Castle – Burg Monschau: A small fortress within the city, Burg Monschau commands attention in the city’s skyline. Explore the courtyard of this 13th-century castle and marvel at its remarkable architecture.
- Red House Monschau: An impressive residence crafted by a clothmaker, the Red House offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of both the skilled clothmaker and the affluent upper class residing on the floors above.
- Craft market – Monschauer Handwerkermarkt: A popular visit in the town square and known for its exceptional glasswork, the Handwerkermarkt is a delightful showcase of handmade delights!
- Three Country Point: A unique spot where the borders of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany meet together in one spot, the Three Country Point is a popular spot amongst tourists.
Wuppertal & its suspension railway
World famous for its Schwebebahn (Suspension railway), glide through Wuppertal and discover all it has to offer! Beyond the railway, discover castles, markets, and more that make Wuppertal one of the top day trips from Dusseldorf!
- Altstadt (Old Town): Wuppertal’s charming old town is home to the St. Lawrence Church, picturesque buildings, and charming shops and restaurants.
- Schloss Lüntenbeck (Lüntenbeck Castle): One of the oldest buildings in Wuppertal, the castle is now known for its excellent restaurant and Christmas market!
- Weyebusch Tower: With the appearance of being plucked from the pages of a fairy tale, Weyebusch Tower is a former watchtower nestled within one of Wuppertal’s beautiful parks.
Neanderthal valley – Museum and park
One of the best day trips from Dusseldorf for history lovers, the Neanderthal Valley is the site of the first Neanderthal discovery in the world. There’s plenty to explore here, here are some of the highlights:
- Neanderthal Museum: The Neanderthal Museum showcases the journey of human history from its origins millions of years ago. Immerse yourself in archaeology and palaeoanthropology at this captivating museum!
- Hohenblick Tower: Although the cave where the first Neanderthal was discovered has since been destroyed, Hohenblick Tower stands in its exact place. The 22m high tower provides more learning exhibits as well as spectacular views!
- Ice Age Animal Park: A showcase of ice age animals such as bison, the animal park is a great visit for all ages.
Kaiserswerth & Kaiserpfalz Castle ruins
Embark on a journey up the Rhine River, and you’ll discover Kaiserswerth, one of the oldest districts in Dusseldorf. Its charming cobblestone high street is enveloped by beautiful buildings and a rich history. Kaiserswerth is one of the best day trips from Dusseldorf if you’re looking for a peaceful excursion. Here are some must-sees:
- Kaiserpfalz castle ruins: Explore the ruins of a once majestic castle and delve into Kaiserswerth’s past at this historic site.
- Museum Kaiserswerth: A great free museum showcasing the town’s history through archaeological discoveries, paintings and sculptures. The stand-out feature is an impressive 24-square-meter clay model depicting the town!
Phantasialand Theme Park
A theme park and hotel resort full of excitement, Phantasialand stands out as one of the most thrilling day trips from Dusseldorf! Renowned for its immersive environments, thematic elements, and enchanting soundtracks, Phantasialand is devoted to plunging you into a fantasy realm. From spectacular shows and thrilling rides to unforgettable dining experiences and more, this destination offers something for everyone!
Cologne – The historic city
One of the most popular day trips from Dusseldorf is undoubtedly Cologne. One of the most prominent cities in Germany, Cologne is renowned for its Gothic architecture, breweries, and vibrant carnivals. With an array of attractions, here are just a few highlights to explore in Cologne:
- Cologne Cathedral: A visit to Cologne isn’t complete without seeing the cathedral. Cologne Cathedral is the heart of the city, having survived heavy bombing in World War II. Head on up the tower to see Cologne from 97m and take in stunning views of the city!
- Belgian Quarter: The chic district known as the Belgian Quarter is brimming with fashion, art, and culture. It’s not just a hotspot for trendy experiences but also a great spot to grab some food, offering a variety of cafes, bars, and restaurants.
- Cologne Altstadt (Old Town): Narrow cobbled streets, winding alleys and picturesque buildings make up Cologne’s Altstadt. Museums, restaurants, shops and even the home of Eau de Cologne await you in this slice of medieval life.
Summary
There are so many amazing places to visit from Dusseldorf. Whether you crave historical landmarks, scenic hikes, or cultural explorations, Dusseldorf’s surrounding destinations offer an array of unforgettable day-trip options.
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