Siegen Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Siegen with this comprehensive tour guide featuring top attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, accommodations, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Siegen

Siegen is a beautiful city situated in the South Westphalia region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It boasts a rich history, magnificent art and culture, lush greenery, and outdoor adventure opportunities. The city is home to nearly 100,000 people and is surrounded by scenic hills and forests. With so much to offer, Siegen is a must-visit destination in Germany.

List of Places to Visit in Siegen

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Siegerlandmuseum - The Siegerlandmuseum is the perfect place to explore the city’s history and art, with permanent and temporary exhibitions covering various topics, including natural history, arts and crafts, and regional handicrafts.

  2. Martin’s Church - This grand structure dates back to the 15th century and contains impressive stained glass windows and artwork.

  3. Upper Castle (Oberes Schloss) - This iconic castle is one of the most visited and photographed locations in Siegen. The castle houses a museum that showcases the history of the region, and the grounds surrounding the castle provide stunning views of the city.

  4. Lower Castle (Unteres Schloss) - The Lower Castle is located in the city center and serves as a cultural center and exhibition space.

  5. Siegen Old Town - Siegen’s Old Town is a charming, historic district lined with picturesque timber-framed buildings and cobblestone streets.

Natural Attractions of Siegen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Rothaarsteig - The Rothaarsteig is a long-distance trail that spans over 150km, offering hikers breathtaking scenery through the rolling hills of Siegerland.

  2. Naturpark Siegerland-Wittgenstein - This park is an ideal spot for a day trip, featuring gorgeous hiking trails, lakes, and waterfalls.

  3. Lahnhof - This nature reserve is located just a few kilometers outside Siegen and offers miles of hiking trails, along with bird-watching opportunities and scenic views.

  4. Fischbacherberg - Fischbacherberg is a scenic hill perfect for a leisurely hike or bike ride. At the top, visitors are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

  5. The Sieg River - The Sieg River is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking. The river offers stunning views and is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and nature.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Siegen

  1. Rothaarsteig Trail - This long-distance trail spans over 150km and offers hikers breathtaking scenery through the rolling hills of Siegerland.

  2. Fischbacherberg Trail - This 8km trail is perfect for a leisurely hike or bike ride with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

  3. Lahnhof Trail - This 5km hiking trail takes visitors through a beautiful nature reserve with bird-watching opportunities and scenic views.

  4. Sieg Valley Trail - The 22km Sieg Valley trail is a popular route that runs through forests, pastures, and small villages along the Sieg River.

  5. Siegen Gorge Trail - This 10km hiking trail takes visitors through the stunning Siegen Gorge and is ideal for viewing the beautiful local fauna and flora.

Best Things to Do in Siegen: Activities and Tours

  1. Explore the Old Town - Siegen’s Old Town is a charming, historic district lined with picturesque timber-framed buildings and cobblestone streets.

  2. Visit museums - Siegen has many excellent museums, including the Siegerlandmuseum, which showcases art and crafts from the region, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Siegen, which hosts an impressive collection of modern art.

  3. Attend a cultural event - Throughout the year, Siegen plays host to various cultural events featuring music, theater, dance, and literature, like the Siegener Sommerfestival or the Museum Night.

  4. Take a bike tour - Touring the city by bike is a perfect way to explore Siegen’s parks, forests, and historic sites.

  5. Go canoeing or kayaking - The Sieg River is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking, offering stunning views and taking visitors through picturesque parts of the region.

Week-Long Itinerary for Siegen

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the city’s Old Town
Day 2 Take a bike tour through Siegen Park and River
Day 3 Visit the Siegerlandmuseum
Day 4 Take a hike in the nearby nature reserve
Day 5 Visit the Upper Castle and enjoy lunch in the Castle Cafe
Day 6 Discover the Lower Castle and attend a cultural event like the Concert of the City Chorus
Day 7 Take a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside of South Westphalia

Food and Drink Scene of Siegen

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Siegener Krüstchen - This local dish is similar to an open-faced sandwich, with a slice of bread topped with ham, mushroom sauce, and cheese.

  2. Krombacher Pils - Krombacher Pils is a local beer that is brewed in the region and can be found at many bars and restaurants in Siegen.

  3. Kaffee und Kuchen - Siegen is also famous for its cafes and the German tradition of “Kaffee und Kuchen” (coffee and cake). Locals often gather at cafes to enjoy an afternoon cake and coffee break.

  4. Gulaschsuppe - This hearty beef stew is a local favorite, and it is ideal for a filling lunch or dinner.

  5. Reibekuchen - These crispy pancakes are made from shredded potatoes, and they are a popular local dish that can be found at many restaurants and street food stalls in Siegen.

Local Beverages

  1. Krombacher Pils - Krombacher Pils is a refreshing beer that’s perfect for a relaxing drink after a day of exploring.

  2. Siegerländer Korn - This traditional German schnapps is a popular local drink that is often served as an aperitif before a meal or a digestif after one.

  3. Siegerland Apfelmost - Siegerland Apfelmost is a locally made cider that is made from Siegerländer apples and is a must-try for cider lovers.

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

  1. Mercure Hotel Siegen - Located in the heart of the city, the Mercure Hotel Siegen offers stylish rooms and excellent amenities.

  2. Hotel Bürger - This comfortable and cozy hotel is ideally located in the city center, and it offers great amenities at an affordable price.

  3. Youth Hostel Siegen - The youth hostel is an excellent choice for budget travelers, providing a comfortable and clean place to stay with a friendly atmosphere.

  4. Landhotel Ferienhof - The beautiful set up of this hotel on the outskirts of Siegen, having 90 Rooms and offering guests an authentic farm experience.

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

  1. Siegerland Craft Products - The region is renowned for its handmade craft products, such as pottery, glass, woodwork, and metalwork, making them the perfect souvenirs.

  2. Kuchen and other regional products - Visitors can explore local markets or shop for unique souvenirs of all kinds, including Siegen’s famous “Kaffee und Kuchen” products.

  3. Krombacher Pils or other German beer - For beer aficionados, purchasing a bottle of Siegen’s local beer is an ideal souvenir from Germany.

Local Culture and Customs of Siegen

Siegen carries its traditional values high and rightfully embraces its roots and traditions in celebrated events like the Siegen Carnival (Siegener Karneval), which is an extravagant annual festival that features colorful parades and dancing in the streets. The locals in Siegen also have a passionate interest in “gemütlichkeit,” which means coziness, hospitality, and fellowship.

Best Time to Visit Siegen

The best time to visit Siegen is from May to October when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the beautiful nature reserves. Also, while the city holds exciting events all year round that enrich the history and culture, the monthly farmers’ market which is held every Saturday in the city center is must-try.

Do’s and Don’ts of Siegen

Do:

  1. Do try the local beer and regional dishes. They are unique and delicious.

  2. Do explore the city’s historic Old Town, where you will find charming, timber-framed houses.

  3. Do follow the local’s customs and values of “gemütlichkeit,” especially when speaking with locals, be friendly and welcoming.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t be rude to the locals or speak loudly in public areas.

  2. Don’t leave a mess in public places or nature reserves, since cleanliness is utmost importance to the locals.

  3. Don’t forget to carry enough cash, many shops, restaurants and local businesses still operate with cash transactions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Siegen

Siegen is a relatively safe city; however, always keep your valuables close and carry your bag close to you. It is advisable to avoid dim and poorly lit areas at night, particularly if you are traveling alone. As with traveling anywhere, always follow basic safety precautions to ensure your safety and well-being.

Health in Siegen

Siegen has an excellent healthcare system; most of the hospitals and medical clinics offer a variety of services. Visitors can find pharmacies easily throughout the city. Visitors should always carry necessary medication and documents with them while traveling in case of emergency.

Getting to Siegen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Siegen

The nearest airport is Dortmund Airport, which is located approximately 100 km from Siegen. Frankfurt Airport is also a good option for those traveling from far away. Travel arrangements can be made from both airports to Siegen using a train or bus.

Bus Stations Near Siegen

The closest bus stop to Siegen is the PKS bus station, located downtown in the city center. The station offers bus connections to several German cities and Europe.

Other Options

Traveling by train is an easy and convenient way to reach Siegen from other parts of Germany. The main train station is located in the city center, with direct connections to other parts of the region and Germany.

How to Get Around in Siegen

Getting around in Siegen is quite easy and affordable, thanks to the city’s well-organized public transportation system. Visitors can take the bus or train to get around the city and its nearby surroundings. Bike rentals are available for those who want a more leisurely outing.

Where to Go Next from Siegen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Attend a live concert or visit the famous Wagner Festival in Bayreuth, located a few hours’ journey from Siegen, enjoying the thrill of the world-famous event.

  2. Visit the City of Dortmund, which is well-known for its industrial heritage and was historically famous for a large steel and beer production industry.

  3. Head to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany, which is a short train ride away and hosts the all-year-round cultural events in Rhine River.

Conclusion

Siegen is a charming city that offers visitors a rich cultural experience, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable adventures. From breathtaking scenic views to famous local cuisine, Siegen is the perfect getaway for anyone looking to explore new cultures and have a memorable trip. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can confidently plan their trip to Siegen, knowing that they will have an unforgettable time.

View on Siegen's upper town View on Siegen's upper town Oberes Schloss Oberes Schloss Museum of Contemporary Art Museum of Contemporary Art ''Riewekooche'' ''Riewekooche'' Half-timbered houses in Hilchenbach Half-timbered houses in Hilchenbach Swing bridge on the Rothaarsteig Swing bridge on the Rothaarsteig Junkernhees Castle Junkernhees Castle