If you’ve been a reader of my blog for a while, you will know that I spent a year living in Dusseldorf and that I consider it my German home from home. During my time out there I was determined to see as much as I could around the local area and wider Nordrhein Westfalen region. Today I’m sharing my list of day trips from Dusseldorf. These have been tried and tested by yours truly and I hope you find the list useful!
Day Trips from Dusseldorf | Your Ultimate Guide
Within 30 minutes
Cologne (20 minutes)
Cologne has to be one of my favourite German cities and it is just a short 20 minute ICE Train journey away (make sure that you book your ticket!). Of course, the main attraction is Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and simply a masterpiece. You can even climb up one of the towers to get some incredible views. Aside from the church, there are plenty of things to see and do. Brüsseler Platz is one of the prettiest streets to see, and there are plenty of shops and cafés to enjoy nearby. Whilst you are here, make sure that you check out Kölsch, the city’s famous beer.
Neanderthal Valley and the Neanderthal Museum (25 minutes)
Just a short ride from Dusseldorf by train is the Neanderthal museum in Mettmann. Not only can you explore the museum’s exhibition and learn a thing or two about human life, but you can also get outside and enjoy what the Neanderthal Valley has to offer. Check out the Neanderthal discovery site and see Ice Age animals in the Animal Park – models of course! A highlight is also the ‘Human Traces’ Art trail.
The museum is really accessible by car and public transport. The Regio Bahn (Route S 28), S bahn (S8) and Bus (Routes 741 and 743) all stop within a short walk from the museum.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday between 10am – 6pm. Entry is €13 for an adult, although there are a number of discounts for students and children.
Zons (30 minutes)
One of my favourite day trips from Dusseldorf is a trip to the medieval town of Zons. This small town began as a Rheintor, or a tollway along the River Rhine, established by the Archbishop of Cologne. However, as its importance grew, the number of soldiers and guards needed for security purposes increased. This meant that the town walls were built and Zons was fortified.
Nowadays the town is an incredibly cute place for a day trip from Dusseldorf, and it offers a variety of leisure activities here too. You can find plenty of cafés, restaurants and even a Marchenspiele, or Fairy Tale Theatre.
To get to Zons by public transport from the city, you will need to take the S 11 train. Go as far as Dormagen and then travel on to Zons with Bus 875 (direction Neuss Landestheater). Alternatively you can travel to the south of Dusseldorf, to Urdenbach, and then cross the river by ferry.
Schloss Dyck, near Jüchen (30 mins)
Schloss Dyck is near the town of Jüchen and is about a half hour car journey from Dusseldorf. Getting here by train almost triples the time, so I would strongly suggest driving to get here. The castle has a really rich history which dates back all the way to the 12th century and features extensive landscaped gardens and grounds. It is a lovely little day trip, or morning, from Dusseldorf if you are interested in history or gardens. Tickets for adults cost €12, with a reduced rate for children.
Under an hour
Wuppertal (35 minutes)
Whilst I wouldn’t say that Wuppertal is the most picturesque town in NRW, it does offer its visitors something unique. You absolutely cannot visit the city without a ride on the iconic suspension railway, the world’s oldest electric elevated railway. The full journey around takes 35 minutes. However, if you want to experience something extra special, get a ticket for the deluxe Kaiserwagen. This is a red heritage train named after Kaiser Wilhelm II who rode on it in 1900 for its royal test run!
During your visit to Wuppertal you should also check out the Luisenviertel and Brillerviertel. These are the most elegant neighbourhoods in the city and are filled with impressive mansions. You can also visit Engels-Haus, a museum for the co-author of the Communist manifesto, and Von der Heydt Museum, an excellent art gallery. If you’re looking for greenery and fresh air, Wuppertal also has a great Botanical Garden, Zoo and of course, the Hardt-Anlage park.
Wuppertal is easy to reach from Dusseldorf. It is less than a 30 minute ride on the RE4 from the main station.
Kettwig (35 minutes)
It’s possible that you’ve never heard of this next one. Kettwig is technically part of Essen, but unlike the city, Kettwig has retained its charm and old town character. You can easily spend a few hours here wandering through the winding streets and enjoying the small town atmosphere.
Whilst in Kettwig, you should also check out some of the main attractions. See the bridge across the mill race, or the traditional half-timbered houses around the town. You can also visit the church of St. Peter and the Tuchmacherplatz (cloth maker’s square). Kettwig also has a fantastic Sculpture Park with a number of contemporary artwork.
The easiest way to reach Kettwig from Dusseldorf is by train. The S6 departs every half an hour and takes less than 30 mins. It is about a 10 minute walk from the station into the centre of the old town.
Duisburg (40 minutes)
Duisburg is another possible excellent day trip from Dusseldorf. It is Germany’s largest steel-producing city and its sights are definitely more industrial. However, I really like the charm that it brings out and it is still interesting to visit. In particular, the Inner Harbour has undergone a huge redevelopment in the last 25 years. The old industrial grain warehouses have now become modern-looking museums, offices and apartments.
Further afield is one of the coolest attractions nearby. The Tiger & Turtle looks like a roller-coaster upon first glance. However, in reality, is a really extreme staircase which you can walk on! Another interesting and attraction is Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, a public park which aims to heal and understand the industrial past of the region. It retains many of the original structures, but has tweaked the overall landscape to fit in the theme of memory. Either way, definitely two of the most unique features on this list!
Mönchengladbach (40 minutes)
Mönchengladbach is just a 40 minute journey away from Düsseldorf and, in my opinion, is a hidden gem. Getting there is easy – you just take the S8 line directly to the town.
If it is your first time visiting, I would start at Schloss Rheydt. This is a stunningly impressive Renaissance moated castle and costs adults €6 to enter. If you are an Art lover, then I would suggest heading to the Abteiberg Museum. This is home to multiple contemporary masterpieces, with the building itself taking centre-stage!
If you fancy the great outdoors after perusing around the town, then head to Bunter Garten. Here you’ll find beautifully landscaped gardens which I think are just perfect for a peaceful morning walk. On the other side of the town is the Odenkirchen Zoo, which is perfect for family days out.
Essen (45 minutes)
Getting to Essen is slightly more complicated. Like much of the rest of this list, you may need to get an ICE Train from Düsseldorf to get here. These run regularly and cut the time in half (to about 23 minutes). You’ll need to book ahead with an ICE Train and they are slightly more pricey – this journey will set you back €20.
Once you arrive in Essen, start your day at Zeche Zollverein. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an old coal mine but, allegedly, the most beautiful one in the world. Once you are here, you can enjoy the fascinating museum or climb up the historic structures for some truly stunning views. Tickets cost €10 per adult, with reduced rates for children.
An alternative option is the peaceful Baldeney Lake. This is ideal for somebody who enjoys walking, cycling, or just wants to kick back on a boat.
Schloss Burg Solingen (45 minutes)
Schloss Burg in Solingen is an incredibly picturesque castle which overlooks the Wupper River. It is an ideal day trip from Düsseldorf and features everything you can expect from a good castle, including exhibitions and artefacts. You’ll also be able to see the old Knights’ Hall and the Chapel, all whilst taking in panoramic views of the region. There’s also a pretty good restaurant here for you to enjoy a German meal.
Tickets cost only €4 per adult, with further reduced rates for students and children. Please also note that getting here is quickest by public transport and, some days, can take over an hour.
An hour or more
Bonn (1h)
An hour-or-so away via ICE Train is Bonn, a city filled with history and some incredibly grand buildings. It was also the home of Beethoven and his house is open to the public. You’ll be able to step into the shoes of this legendary composer and see exhibits showcasing his life and music. Nearby is the gorgeous Old Town, which is home to many boutique shops, cafés and more stunning buildings.
Optional Extra: Nearby is the town of Brühl (an extra 30 minutes) which is home to Schloss Augustusburg. This palace has some incredibly beautiful architecture, making it worthy of the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Phantasialand Bruehl (1h)
If you have never been to Phantasialand, then take this as your sign to visit. It is one of Germany’s top, and best, theme parks and is divided into unique themed areas. You have Deep in Africa and Fantasy World, both of which are themed how you expect, along with much more. If you are an adrenaline-junkie, then check out Taron, the world’s fastest multi-launch roller coaster. Tickets cost €68 per adult, with reduced prices for children.
Tip: To get to Phantasialand, I would recommend driving instead of the train to save you time. However, for the train, do check ahead as you’ll need to make a few different stops.
Movie Park Bottrop (1h)
Movie Park Germany, located in the nearby town of Bottrop, is Germany’s answer to Universal Studios. It is a Hollywood-inspired theme park and houses over 40 attractions and shows. You can ride the Star Trek: Operation Enterprise Coaster or, for young ones, see the PAW Patrol Adventure Bay. Getting here is relatively straight forward, starting with the ICE Train from Düsseldorf and one short change in Brühl. It does cost just shy of €35, but it is definitely one of the best day trips from Düsseldorf.
Xanten (1h5 minutes)
Xanten is one of those charming towns found along the Lower Rhine. Whilst the town itself is beautiful and filled with culture, it is probably best known for the Archaeological Park Xanten (APX). This actually is the remains of the ancient Roman city of Colonia Ulpia Traiana and the park showcases reconstructed Roman buildings and an interactive Roman Museum to experience life as it was 2,000 years ago. Tickets cost €9.00 per adult, with reduced rates for children. Whilst I do think that the Roman city makes it one of the best days out from Dusseldorf, the town itself is also worth a walk about.
Aachen (1h10 minutes)
One of my favourite day trips from Dusseldorf has got to be a trip to Aachen. Of course, you probably know this city because of the world-famous Aachen Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also – fun fact – the final resting place of Charlemagne. This city is a history-buff’s dream. Nearby at the Aachen Town Hall is also the place where the kings of Germany were once crowned. You also have Carolus Thermen, a spa that reflects the historic Roman bathing traditions.
Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler (1h20 minutes)
The Ahr Valley is one of the prettiest spots around Dusseldorf. If you are wanting to travel in this direction, then I would suggest heading to Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. This is a town famed for healing waters, thermal baths and luxurious spa treatments. Nearby is also one of the best wine regions in Germany which specialises in Ahr wine. Essentially, a day trip from Dusseldorf here promises relaxing and plenty of wine. What is not to love?
Schloss Drachenburg (1h20 minutes)
Schloss Drachenburg can be found in the Siebengebirge mountains near Bonn. Whilst you can get here by train, it is much quicker and easier by car – you’ll save about 40 minutes. When you arrive here you’ll be greeted by a fairy-tale castle that has an interesting blend of Gothic and romantic architecture. The castle is home to plenty of furnished rooms which will transport you to a bygone era, each walking you through the tales of the castle’s history. The castle grounds are also really impressive and are just perfect for a walk about. The views really are spectacular. Tickets cost €10 per adult.
Kleve (1h20 minutes)
In the Lower Rhine region of Germany you will find the charming town of Kleve. It is a really easy day trip from Dusseldorf; there is just one train to take! The town centre has plenty of things to see, including the Schwanenburg Castle. For a castle that is away from the hustle and bustle of the centre, try Schloss Moyland, which has been beautifully restored. One of the best things to do is at Grenzland-Draisine, where you can take a cycling railway across the scenic countryside. Whatever you choose, there are plenty of options here!
Monschau (1h30+ minutes)
For a more authentic, historic and gritty day trip, try the picturesque town of Monschau. It is quite a journey to get here, with 90 minutes being an optimistic travel time by car. If you don’t mind the journey, then you’ll be greeted with some of the best examples of medieval architecture in Germany and scenic flowing streams. This is perhaps best represented by Monschau Castle, which has some incredible views of the surrounding valley. Another historic option to explore is the Red House Museum. If history is not your thing, then fear not – there are plenty of walking routes nearby to explore. I personally love this town; it really is an undiscovered gem.
Freudenberg (1h30 minutes)
Freudenberg can be found in the North Rhine-Westphalia. Once again, you have an extremely well-preserved historic Old Town. The quintessential German medieval architecture – colourful half-timbered houses – are everywhere and it is a lot of fun walking through them. Interestingly, the town has an industrial heritage that centres around the rubber-making industry and the Freundenberg Museum is based on this.
Eifel National Park (1h30 minutes)
If you want an outdoors-based day trip to Dusseldorf, then consider the Eifel National Park. By car, the trip is just under an hour but you’ll need to double this by train. Once you get here though it is absolutely perfect for all outdoor activities through a range of different biomes including hiking, cycling, taking a boat across the lake, and wildlife watching. Just outside of the park is Burg Eltz, one of Germany’s most gorgeous castles. It is surrounded by a dense forest which comes alive during the autumnal months.
Koblenz (1h30 minutes)
Koblenz can be found at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. It has to be one of the most beautiful places near Dusseldorf and makes for a lovely day trip. One of the most iconic landmarks is where these rivers meet called Deutsches Eck, which translates as “German Corner”. You can also find the statue of Emperor William I standing here, looking out proudly. The old town of Koblenz is also worth visiting and, again, you’ll find classic German architecture. Perhaps the most impressive building here is the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress which looks out across the city and the rivers.
Muenster (1h45 minutes)
The vibrant city of Münster is just a direct-train away from Dusseldorf. Whilst it may not be the most ideal day trip due to the distance, I can promise you that it can be done. You have the scenic Old Town to walk through and the city’s most impressive landmark, the St. Paul’s Cathedral, to visit. There are tonnes of different shops, cafés and restaurants too which makes it ideal for anyone.
Cochem (1h 45 minutes)
Cochem is a town nestled along the scenic Moselle River, right in the heart of prime German wine country. Getting here can take a little longer than some of the other options, but trust me, it is a great day trip from Dusseldorf. It is just incredibly pretty and is a great option for a river boat cruise down the river or as a base for an overnight trip to explore the vineyards.
Day Trips From Dusseldorf | Across the border in the Netherlands
The Netherlands are not too far away from Dusseldorf and can be a great option for a day trip. Here are some of my favourite choices.
Roermond (45 minutes)
Roermond is a bustling Dutch city known for its history and busy shopping scene. In particular, the Designer Outlet Roermond is a great option for finding discounted expensive clothing brands. If that is not your thing, then the old town still gives you plenty of historic buildings to see, including St. Christopher’s Cathedral. I think that this is one of those great day trips from Dusseldorf and getting here by train is really straight forward.
Thorn (1h)
Thorn, or the “White City”, is a unique town in the Netherlands in the Limburg Province. The town has an incredibly rich history which dates back to the Roman times. One of the most famous landmarks is the Basilica of Our Lady, which dates back all the way to the 10th century. It is a quiet, quaint town that is perfect for just strolling about and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.
Venlo (1hr)
Venlo is a lovely city found just on the German border. Whilst there is nothing major to see here, there are some very charming and impressive buildings such as St. Martin’s Church and the famous Town Hall. As day trips from Dusseldorf go, this one is fairly easy and gives you an opportunity to explore a Dutch city at a slower pace. Nearby is also the Maas River, which is perfect for a boat ride across scenic countryside and as a gateway for other outdoor activities.
Maastricht (1h20 minutes)
Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, and one of the best day trips from Dusseldorf. It is a vibrant cultural hub which is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere. The city’s medieval Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow, inviting streets, all lined with beautiful historic buildings. One of the highlights has to be the Basilica of Saint Servatius and Vrijthof Square. Near the town are some other cool attractions. A personal favourite of mine are the Caves of St. Pietersberg, which are really fun to see.
Top Tips
- Use the NRW Ticket for Regional Travel: The SchönerTagTicket NRW is a great option for unlimited regional train travel within NRW for a day. It’s perfect for visiting Cologne, Bonn, Aachen, Münster, and Dortmund on a budget. It’s valid after 9 AM on weekdays and all day on weekends.
- Use Bikes & Public Transport in Cities: NRW cities like Münster (Germany’s bike capital) and Düsseldorf have great cycling infrastructure. Public transport is efficient and affordable, making it easy to explore without a car.
- If you Want to Explore; Rent a Car for a Few Days: Some of these day trips from Dusseldorf are just too long without a car. If you can, for a few days, rent a car. Your day trips will be a lot easier, plus you don’t need to always go to the Dusseldorf Hbf!
Final Thoughts | Day Trips from Dusseldorf
Dusseldorf makes for a perfect base to complete multiple day trips from. Whilst I love the city itself and there are plenty of things to do in Dusseldorf, sometimes day trips are needed. I hope that you found this ultimate guide helpful and if you have any questions, please just ask. These are just my favourites from when I lived in the city, but I am sure that I’ve missed some obvious ones out!
