Leverkusen Travel Guide

Discover the best of Leverkusen, Germany with our comprehensive travel guide. From natural wonders to cultural landmarks, hiking and biking routes to food and drink scenes, we've got you covered.


Introduction to Leverkusen

Nestled in the heart of the Cologne Lowland in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, you’ll find the charming city of Leverkusen. Known for its industrial legacy and its world-famous pharmaceutical company, Bayer AG, Leverkusen is a thriving metropolis that offers visitors a unique blend of historical landmarks and natural attractions.

List of Places to Visit in Leverkusen

Here’s a list of must-see places in Leverkusen:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Bayer Museum of the History of Medicine: Discover the fascinating history of medicine and the development of Bayer AG’s pharmaceutical empire.
  • Schloss Morsbroich: Explore the stunning Baroque-style castle that now houses a contemporary art museum.
  • Rathaus-Galerie Leverkusen: Visit the city’s impressive town hall and the adjacent art gallery showcasing modern art exhibitions.

Natural Attractions of Leverkusen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Neuland-Park: Enjoy a peaceful stroll through this 54-hectare park, featuring a Japanese garden, a mini-golf course, and playgrounds for children.
  • Rheinuferpromenade: Take a walk along the gorgeous Rhine riverbank and admire the stunning views of the water and surrounding area.
  • Natur-Gut Ophoven: Experience interactive conservation at a unique nature reserve, featuring farm animals, a butterfly garden, and a ropes course.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Leverkusen

Leverkusen boasts several hiking and biking routes with breathtaking views and natural beauty. Some popular trails include:

  • Wupper-Route: This scenic route is 92 km long and follows the River Wupper from the valley to the hills, through Leverkusen and beyond.
  • Dhünn-Talsperren-Route: Perfect for hikers, this flourishing trail offers views of several reservoirs and lush landscape.

Best Things to Do in Leverkusen: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best activities and tours to experience in Leverkusen:

  • Leverkusen Football Club: Catch a soccer match played by the Bayer 04 Leverkusen football club in the BayArena stadium.
  • Leverkusen Tierpark: Spend the day with your family getting to know over 800 animals.
  • Schiffshebewerk Niederfinow: Take a day trip and marvel at the technical masterpiece of a lift that raises and lowers boats over an elevation of 36 metres.

Week-Long Itinerary for Leverkusen

Here’s an itinerary for a week-long visit to Leverkusen:

Day Activities
1 Visit the Bayer Museum of the History of Medicine and explore the city.
2 Discover the contemporary art at Schloss Morsbroich.
3 Take a walk through Neuland-Park.
4 Enjoy the stunning views on the Wupper-Route.
5 Visit the Leverkusen Tierpark.
6 Go biking around the Dhünn-Talsperren-Route.
7 Take a day trip to the Schiffshebewerk Niederfinow.

Food and Drink Scene of Leverkusen

Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages in Leverkusen:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Rheinischer Sauerbraten: This highly seasoned beef dish is served with hand-made potato dumplings and red cabbage.
  • Reibekuchen: Grated potato fritters are often served with smoked fish or as a snack with beer.

Local Beverages

  • Kölsch: This beer is perfect for those who prefer a light and crisp brew.
  • Berliner Weisse: This sour beer is a refreshing choice for a hot summer day.

Where to Stay in Leverkusen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Here are some great options for where to stay in Leverkusen:

  • Lindner Hotel BayArena: This is a modern hotel with easy access to the BayArena stadium.
  • Ibis Budget Leverkusen City: This option is great for travelers on a budget.
  • Hotel-Restaurant La Reine: This cozy guesthouse is run by a family and offers a homely atmosphere.

What to Buy in Leverkusen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring home from Leverkusen:

  • Cologne and Leverkusen Football Souvenirs: Get supporters’ clothing of some of the most popular teams.
  • Pharmaceutics and Beauty Products: Buy beauty products from the world-renowned pharmaceutical company, Bayer AG.
  • Craft Beer: Purchase from one of Leverkusen’s local breweries.

Local Culture and Customs of Leverkusen

Here are a few local customs and cultural facts to be aware of before visiting:

  • Friendly locals: The people of Leverkusen are known for being friendly and welcoming to visitors.
  • Punctuality: The locals value punctuality, so make sure not to be late for appointments.
  • Cleanliness: Germans are known for taking cleanliness very seriously, so be sure to dispose of rubbish in appropriate containers.

Best Time to Visit Leverkusen

The best time to visit Leverkusen is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and the outdoor activities can be enjoyed to their fullest.

Do’s and Don’ts of Leverkusen

Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when in Leverkusen:

Do:

  • Recycle: Germany takes waste management seriously, so make sure to separate rubbish.
  • Tip at restaurants: It’s customary to tip servers, usually rounding up to the nearest Euro.
  • Use public transportation: Leverkusen’s public transportation is efficient and affordable, so use it to explore the city.

Don’t:

  • Jaywalk: Always obey traffic signals and cross at designated crosswalks.
  • Be loud in public places: Germans appreciate peace and quiet, especially in public spaces such as trains and public transportation.
  • Display Nazi symbols: It’s strictly prohibited and illegal in Germany to display any Nazi paraphernalia.

Safety and Health

Safety in Leverkusen

Overall, Leverkusen is a safe city, but it’s always important to take basic safety precautions when traveling and exploring new areas.

Health in Leverkusen

Germany has excellent healthcare, and Leverkusen has numerous hospitals and medical facilities. Make sure to have comprehensive travel insurance before arriving.

Getting to Leverkusen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Leverkusen is easily accessible by various modes of transportation.

Airports Near Leverkusen

The nearest airport to Leverkusen is Düsseldorf International Airport, which is 28 km away.

Bus Stations Near Leverkusen

Leverkusen Central Station is located in the city center and is connected to various cities via regular train and bus connections.

Other Options

Leverkusen is accessible by car, and the city has various motorways that connect to nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Leverkusen

Leverkusen has a well-connected public transportation system, which includes buses, a tramway, and a train. Biking and hiking are also very popular and offer easy mobility and sightseeing.

Where to Go Next from Leverkusen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some exciting nearby destinations and excursions from Leverkusen:

  • Cologne: Visit the vibrant and cultural city of Cologne, just 10 km away from Leverkusen.
  • Bonn: A historical university town is 64 km away.
  • Bergisches Land: Go on small hikes, mountain bike tours, and explore several Wuppertal attractions.

Conclusion

Leverkusen offers visitors an abundance of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions. With a convenient location near major cities and a wide range of transportation options, Leverkusen is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Germany. So, make sure to add this gem to your travel itinerary!

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