North Rhine-Westphalia Travel Guide

Plan your trip to North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany with this comprehensive travel guide that covers the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


North Rhine-Westphalia is a vibrant region in the western part of Germany, known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and bustling cities. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, North Rhine-Westphalia has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you on a journey through the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Introduction to North Rhine-Westphalia

North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen in German) is the most populous state in Germany, with over 18 million inhabitants. It is located in the western part of the country, bordering the Netherlands and Belgium. The state is divided into five administrative districts: Arnsberg, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Münster, and Detmold. North Rhine-Westphalia is known for being a cultural hub, home to a vibrant art scene, diverse cuisine, and plenty of historical landmarks.

List of Places to Visit in North Rhine-Westphalia

Here are some of the must-visit places in North Rhine-Westphalia that offer rich experiences:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Cologne Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

  • Zeche Zollverein: This former coal mine complex in Essen is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a center for contemporary art and culture.

  • Museum Ludwig: One of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in Germany is located in Cologne.

  • Aachen Cathedral: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cathedral was founded by Charlemagne and is the burial place of many German kings and emperors.

  • Augustusburg Castle: This stunning castle in Brühl is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a beautiful park.

Natural Attractions of North Rhine-Westphalia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Baldeney: This picturesque lake in Essen offers great opportunities for boating, hiking, and cycling.

  • Sauerland: This mountainous region in the south of the state offers great opportunities for skiing, hiking, and exploring nature.

  • The Rhine River: The longest river in Germany runs through North Rhine-Westphalia and is home to many beautiful castles and vineyards.

  • Teutoburg Forest: This forested mountain range offers opportunities for hiking and exploring nature, and is home to the Hermann Monument commemorating the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North Rhine-Westphalia

North Rhine-Westphalia has several picturesque hiking and biking routes, such as:

  • Rhine Cycle Route: This scenic route along the Rhine River stretches over 1,200 km from Switzerland to the Netherlands.

  • Eifelsteig: This 313 km-long hiking trail runs through the stunning Eifel Mountains.

  • RuhrtalRadweg: This 230 km-long biking route runs along the Ruhr River, from the Sauerland to Duisburg.

  • Rheinsteig: This 320 km-long hiking trail offers stunning views of the Rhine River, from Bonn to Wiesbaden.

Best Things to Do in North Rhine-Westphalia: Activities and Tours

  • Take a boat tour on the Rhine River and explore the many picturesque castles and vineyards along the way.

  • Visit one of the many traditional Christmas markets in December, such as the market in Cologne or Dortmund.

  • Explore the local cuisine by trying traditional dishes such as schnitzel, sauerbraten, and kartoffelpuffer.

  • Visit the Altenberg Cathedral in Solingen, a stunning neo-Gothic masterpiece with beautiful stained-glass windows.

Week-Long Itinerary for North Rhine-Westphalia

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to North Rhine-Westphalia:

Day 1: Visit Cologne Cathedral and the Museum Ludwig in Cologne.

Day 2: Explore the Zeche Zollverein in Essen and take a boat tour on Lake Baldeney.

Day 3: Visit the Augustusburg Castle in Brühl and explore the beautiful surrounding park.

Day 4: Hike the Eifelsteig trail or explore the Teutoburg Forest.

Day 5: Take a trip to the picturesque town of Monschau, known for its stunning half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.

Day 6: Visit the Aachen Cathedral and the nearby Carolus Thermen spa for a relaxing day.

Day 7: Explore the Rhine River by taking a boat tour or biking along the Rhine Cycle Route.

Food and Drink Scene of North Rhine-Westphalia

North Rhine-Westphalia is known for its diverse cuisine, ranging from traditional German dishes to international flavors. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Schnitzel: Thinly pounded and breaded meat, usually served with potato salad or fries.

  • Sauerbraten: A traditional German roast beef dish, marinated in vinegar and spices for several days.

  • Kartoffelpuffer: Grated potatoes fried in oil or butter, served with applesauce or sour cream.

Local Beverages

  • Kölsch: A light, crisp beer that is a specialty of Cologne.

  • Alt: A dark ale that is popular in Düsseldorf.

  • Korn: A clear, distilled spirit made from rye or wheat.

Where to Stay in North Rhine-Westphalia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options in North Rhine-Westphalia to suit all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some of the recommended places to stay include:

  • Hyatt Regency Cologne: A luxury hotel in central Cologne, with stunning views of the city and the Rhine River.

  • Jugendherberge Düsseldorf: A budget-friendly hostel in Düsseldorf, located near many of the city’s attractions.

  • Hotel Jagdhaus Wiese: A beautiful guesthouse in the Sauerland region, surrounded by picturesque mountains.

What to Buy in North Rhine-Westphalia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the recommended souvenirs and local products to bring home from North Rhine-Westphalia include:

  • Belgian chocolate from Aachen

  • Glassware from the town of Arnsberg

  • Hand-painted ceramics from Höhr-Grenzhausen

Local Culture and Customs of North Rhine-Westphalia

Germany is known for its punctual, organized, and efficient culture, and North Rhine-Westphalia is no exception. Visitors should respect local customs, such as:

  • Tipping at restaurants and cafes (10-15% of the total bill)

  • Waiting for the pedestrian green light at crossings

  • Being quiet on public transportation

Best Time to Visit North Rhine-Westphalia

The best time to visit North Rhine-Westphalia is between May and September, when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. The region is also popular during the Christmas season, when many towns and cities host festive markets.

Do’s and Don’ts of North Rhine-Westphalia

Do:

  • Try local specialties such as schnitzel, sauerbraten, and kölsch beer.

  • Respect local customs, such as tipping and being quiet on public transportation.

  • Learn a few German phrases, such as “Bitte” (please) and “Danke” (thank you).

Don’t:

  • J-walk or cross the street when the pedestrian signal is red.

  • Assume that everyone speaks English (although many people do).

  • Be rude or disruptive in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in North Rhine-Westphalia

North Rhine-Westphalia is a safe region to visit, with low levels of crime and a robust public transportation system. Visitors should exercise caution in busy tourist areas, as pickpocketing can occur.

Health in North Rhine-Westphalia

Visitors to North Rhine-Westphalia should ensure they have adequate health insurance, as medical treatment can be expensive. Tap water is safe to drink in most areas, but bottled water is also readily available.

Getting to North Rhine-Westphalia: Transportation Options and Logistics

North Rhine-Westphalia is easily accessible by plane, train, and car. Here are some of the transportation options available:

Airports Near North Rhine-Westphalia

The following airports serve North Rhine-Westphalia:

  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)

  • Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)

  • Dortmund Airport (DTM)

Bus Stations Near North Rhine-Westphalia

Several international bus companies operate in North Rhine-Westphalia, such as Flixbus and Eurolines. Some of the major bus stations are located in Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Dortmund.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach North Rhine-Westphalia by train, with several major stations located in the region, such as Cologne Central Station and Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof. Driving is also an option, as North Rhine-Westphalia has a well-developed road network and a good infrastructure.

How to Get Around in North Rhine-Westphalia

North Rhine-Westphalia has an efficient public transportation system, with buses, trams, and trains connecting cities and towns. Visitors can also rent bikes or cars to explore the region on their own.

Where to Go Next from North Rhine-Westphalia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

North Rhine-Westphalia is located in central Europe, making it easy to travel to other destinations. Here are some suggested places to visit after your North Rhine-Westphalia trip:

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands: A beautiful city known for its canals, museums, and nightlife.

  • Brussels, Belgium: The capital city of Belgium, known for its stunning architecture and delicious cuisine.

  • Frankfurt, Germany: A cultural hub in Germany, home to many museums and galleries.

Conclusion

North Rhine-Westphalia is a vibrant and diverse region in Germany that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors, learn about history and culture, or just relax, North Rhine-Westphalia has plenty to offer. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’re ready to plan your trip to this fascinating region and create unforgettable memories.

The Imperial Cathedral in Aachen The Imperial Cathedral in Aachen The Post Tower - headquarters of the Deutsche Post - in Bonn The Post Tower - headquarters of the Deutsche Post - in Bonn The ''Dom'' (cathedral) and ''Hochenzollernbrücke'' (railway bridge) are two of the most recognizable landmarks of Cologne The ''Dom'' (cathedral) and ''Hochenzollernbrücke'' (railway bridge) are two of the most recognizable landmarks of Cologne The peaceful old town of Münster The peaceful old town of Münster Landmark of Bochum—the Pitheardtower of the German Mining Museum Landmark of Bochum—the Pitheardtower of the German Mining Museum Airports in the state of North Rhine Westphalia. Note that Frankfurt airport is not depicted as it is out of state Airports in the state of North Rhine Westphalia. Note that Frankfurt airport is not depicted as it is out of state ''Schloss Benrath'' in Düsseldorf ''Schloss Benrath'' in Düsseldorf Port of Duisburg at dusk Port of Duisburg at dusk ''Schloss Moyland'', one of the many castles of North Rhine-Westphalia ''Schloss Moyland'', one of the many castles of North Rhine-Westphalia


    Bergisches Land
    Cologne Lowland
    Eifel
    Lower Rhine
    Münsterland
    Ruhr
    South Westphalia
    Teutoburg Forest