Lower Rhine Travel Guide

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


Introduction to Lower Rhine

Located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, in central Germany, Lower Rhine is a region that boasts beautiful natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine. Visitors to Lower Rhine can look forward to exploring charming towns, cycling or hiking through scenic routes, and sampling traditional dishes and drinks.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll cover all the best things to see and do, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and how to get around Lower Rhine.

List of Places to Visit in Lower Rhine

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Lower Rhine has a rich history and offers visitors an array of museums and historical sites to discover. Some top cultural attractions include:

  • The Museum Insel Hombroich: Located in the city of Neuss, this museum showcases contemporary art in a natural setting. The exhibits are displayed in pavilions surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodlands.

  • The Roman Museum (Roemisch-Germanisches Museum): Located in Xanten, visitors to this museum can explore the archaeological remains of a Roman city and learn about the history of the Roman Empire in Lower Rhine.

  • Castle Moyland Museum: The castle located in Bedburg-Hau is home to a museum dedicated to the works of the artist Joseph Beuys, as well as other contemporary art exhibitions.

Natural Attractions of Lower Rhine: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Lower Rhine is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor activities. Some top natural attractions include:

  • The Niederrhein region: This region extends along the banks of the Rhine River and offers visitors many cycling and hiking trails through picturesque landscapes.

  • The Zwillbrocker Venn Nature Reserve: This protected area is home to a variety of birds, including the famous bright pink flamingos that nest here.

  • Klever Reichswald Forest: A beautiful forest that offers visitors a chance to hike, bike, and explore nature trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lower Rhine

The Lower Rhine region has an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that take visitors through charming towns, beautiful countryside, and picturesque riverside landscapes. Some of the best routes include:

  • The Lower Rhine Panorama Cycle Route: A 120-kilometer route that takes visitors along the Rhine River and through many beautiful towns and nature reserves.

  • The RheinBurgenWeg: A 200-kilometer hiking trail that takes visitors through the picturesque landscapes along the Rhine River, passing by castles, wineries, and charming towns.

Best Things to Do in Lower Rhine: Activities and Tours

From exploring cultural attractions to embarking on outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of things to do in Lower Rhine:

  • Visit a local winery: Lower Rhine is home to many excellent wineries, and visitors can enjoy wine tastings and tours.

  • Take a river cruise: Discover the Rhine River from a different perspective and enjoy charming views and scenic landscapes.

  • Explore charming towns: Lower Rhine is home to many charming, historical towns, such as Xanten, Kleve, and Kalkar.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lower Rhine

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Lower Rhine:

  • Day 1-2: Explore the city of Neuss and visit the Museum Insel Hombroich
  • Day 3: Visit Xanten and tour the Roman Museum and take a stroll through the Marienbaum Monastery
  • Day 4: Experience the natural beauty of the Zwillbrocker Venn Nature Reserve and enjoy bird watching
  • Day 5-6: Embark on a cycling tour along the Lower Rhine Panorama Cycle Route, stopping at charming towns and nature reserves along the way
  • Day 7: Take a river cruise along the Rhine River and enjoy the scenic landscapes from the water

Food and Drink Scene of Lower Rhine

Must-Try Dishes

Lower Rhine is famous for its hearty, traditional dishes. Some must-try dishes include:

  • Himmel und Ääd: A dish made from potatoes, apples, and black pudding, served with fried onions.

  • Rheinischer Sauerbraten: A flavorful beef dish marinated in vinegar, served with a side of dumplings and red cabbage.

  • Reibekuchen: A crispy potato pancake, served with apple sauce or smoked salmon.

Local Beverages

When it comes to beverages, Lower Rhine has a lot to offer. Some local favorites include:

  • Altbier: A dark beer brewed in the Düsseldorf area.

  • Korn: A traditional grain spirit made from rye or wheat, often served with apple juice.

  • Apfelschorle: A refreshing apple juice mixed with mineral water.

Where to Stay in Lower Rhine: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many accommodation options in Lower Rhine, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some top choices include:

  • Dorint Kongresshotel Düsseldorf / Neuss: A modern hotel located near the center of Neuss.

  • Niederrheinischer Hof: A charming guesthouse located in the town of Kevelaer, offering comfortable rooms and a cozy atmosphere.

  • Jugendherberge Nijmegen: A hostel located in Nijmegen, just across the border in the Netherlands.

What to Buy in Lower Rhine: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some souvenirs to consider when visiting Lower Rhine include:

  • Pottery: The town of Höhr-Grenzhausen is known for its traditional pottery, and visitors can purchase unique and beautiful ceramics here.

  • Local wines: Lower Rhine is home to many excellent wineries, and visitors can bring home a bottle of locally produced wine as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Lower Rhine

When visiting Lower Rhine, it’s essential to be aware of local customs and traditions. People from the region are known for their hospitality, friendliness, and love of good food and drink. It’s always a good idea to try to learn a few basic phrases in German and to be respectful of local traditions.

Best Time to Visit Lower Rhine

The best time to visit Lower Rhine is during the spring and summer months, from March to September when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities are at their best.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lower Rhine

Do:

  • Try the local food and drink.

  • Explore the many cycling and hiking trails.

  • Visit the historical sites and museums.

Don’t:

  • Forget to pack comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.

  • Be too loud or disruptive in public places.

  • Leave without experiencing the local culture and customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lower Rhine

Lower Rhine is a safe region for visitors, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in larger cities.

Health in Lower Rhine

The standard of healthcare in Germany is excellent, and visitors can expect a high level of care if needed.

Getting to Lower Rhine: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Lower Rhine

The nearest airports to Lower Rhine are:

  • Düsseldorf International Airport

  • Cologne/Bonn Airport

  • Weeze Airport

Bus Stations Near Lower Rhine

There are several bus stations in Lower Rhine, including:

  • Kleve Bus Station

  • Emmerich Bus Station

  • Geldern Bus Station

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Lower Rhine via train. Major train stations in the region include:

  • Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof

  • Duisburg Hauptbahnhof

  • Kleve Bahnhof

How to Get Around in Lower Rhine

The best way to get around Lower Rhine is by car, as public transportation options can be limited in some areas. However, visitors can also travel by train, bus, or bicycle.

Where to Go Next from Lower Rhine: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Lower Rhine is an excellent starting point for exploring other parts of Germany and Europe. Some nearby destinations and excursions to consider include:

  • The city of Düsseldorf, famous for its fashion, nightlife, and excellent shopping.

  • The city of Cologne, known for its impressive cathedral and vibrant cultural scene.

  • The Dutch city of Nijmegen, located just across the border and offering charming historical architecture and excellent museums.

Conclusion

Lower Rhine is a beautiful region with a rich cultural heritage, delicious food and drink, and an array of outdoor activities and adventures. Visitors to Lower Rhine will find a warm welcome, unique experiences, and a chance to explore some of the best nature, culture, and cuisine that Germany has to offer.

Frank O'Gehry-designed buildings at the Medienhafen in Düsseldorf Frank O'Gehry-designed buildings at the Medienhafen in Düsseldorf Interior of the Quirnus Minster in Neuss Interior of the Quirnus Minster in Neuss Xanten archeological park Xanten archeological park Schloss Benrath, Düsseldorf Schloss Benrath, Düsseldorf The Rheinbrücke in Emmerich The Rheinbrücke in Emmerich Schloss Moyland Schloss Moyland Parks of Kleve Parks of Kleve Typical bottle and glass of ''Alt'' Typical bottle and glass of ''Alt''


    Kevelaer
    Krefeld
    Meerbusch
    Mönchengladbach
    Weeze