Your guide to Düsseldorf / Day Trips nearby Düsseldorf
Day trips - nearby Düsseldorf
You could spend an entire trip exploring and admiring the sights and streets of Düsseldorf. But if you have an extra day in your itinerary, venture beyond the city's lines to experience more of the region. Within just an hour or two's transit ride are some incredible towns and landmarks. Here are 10 day trips from Düsseldorf worth adding to your travels.
Less Than an Hour Away
Visit One of Germany's Oldest Cities, Cologne
You might recognize Cologne for its exquisite Catholic cathedral. Take a 30-minute Regional Express (RE) train ride to this city to catch glimpses of Roman Empire remnants and sip on local Kölsch beer. Grab lunch and browse the boutiques in the Belgian Quarter, then check out Ehrenfeld, a trendy, multicultural neighborhood. For city views, head to the top of KölnTriangle Panorama tower.
- Cologne Cathedral: Domkloster 4
- Museum Ludwig: Heinrich-Böll-Platz
Connect With Beethoven in Bonn
It takes just under an hour by train to get to Bonn, another city that straddles the Rhine. It's famous for being the home of Beethoven and hosts Beethovenfest throughout the month of September. Wander the historic city center and its squares for examples of stunning architecture, including the Altes Rathaus, Bonn Minster church, Old Post Office and Schloßkirche Bonn.
- Poppelsdorf Palace: Meckenheimer Allee 171
- Haus der Geschichte: Willy-Brandt-Allee 14
Play Outside in Duisburg
The industrial-looking city of Duisburg is a quick 20-minute train ride from Düsseldorf. Make a point to visit Landschaftspark, a stunning steel and coal plant that's now a public park. Within this urban oasis, you can hike or bike the trails, complete a ropes course or climb the tower for city views. While in town, check out the massive, rollercoaster-like Tiger & Turtle sculpture.
- Landschaftspark: Emscherstraße 71
- Tiger & Turtle: Ehinger Str. 117
Get on the Water in Langenfeld
Another action-packed day trip option is the Langenfeld Wasserski water park that's a 30-minute train ride from Düsseldorf. Here you can water-ski, wakeboard and surf all day. Classes are available for beginners. Grab lunch or dinner at a classic German restaurant such as Haus Arndt after exhausting yourself on the water.
- Langenfeld Wasserski: Baumberger Straße 88
Explore Dyck Castle's Gardens
The picturesque and well-preserved Dyck Castle is a 30-minute train ride west of Düsseldorf, in Jüchen. The moated, Baroque-style landmark's history goes back to the 11th century, becoming a residence in the 1600s. Today, its rooms, gardens and exhibits are open to the public. Depending on when you visit, you might encounter a festival or concert on the grounds.
- Dyck Castle: Schloß Dyck
1-2 Hours of Travel Time
Cross the Border Into Roermond
Venture into the Netherlands for a unique shopping experience once you've had your fill of Düsseldorf's luxury retail options. The waterfront Roermond is just over an hour away by train and is famed for its McArthurGlen Designer Outlet — one of the largest outlet malls in Europe. Its nearly 200 shops range from discount brands to high-end fashion labels. Grab a gourmet dinner on Roermond's harbor.
- Designer Outlet: Stadsweide 2
- The Munsterkerk: 6041 HA
- St. Christopher's Cathedral: Grote Kerkstraat 2
Enjoy Panoramic Views at Drachenfels
For an example of a spectacular Rhine castle, travel less than two hours to Schloss Drachenfels. Hike or take the tram to the top of the castle for stunning views of the Siebengebirge mountains and the Rhine River. You might catch a glimpse of Düsseldorf on a clear day. The 19th-century castle's history dates back to the 1100s and today features museum exhibits and guided tours.
- Schloss Drachenfels: Schloß Drachenburg, Drachenfelsstraße 118
Be Blown Away by Aachen
Aachen is a historic spa town an hour and a half from Düsseldorf, right on the German, Belgian and Dutch borders. It has no shortage of history, as the former home of Charlemagne and the site of Holy Roman Empire coronations. Aachen's most famous landmark, however, is its gothic cathedral that dates back to 814 CE. The town hall nearby is almost equally as impressive.
Experience Ruhr Region Culture in Zeche Zollverein
Zeche Zollverein is a former industrial coal mine in Essen that's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the hour-long train ride from Düsseldorf to experience this stunning landmark and museum. What's been dubbed the "world's most beautiful coal mine" is now home to dining, shopping and special events.
- Zeche Zollverein: Gelsenkirchener Str. 181
Stroll Around Romantic Koblenz
Koblenz is a lovely city at the junction of the Moselle and Rhine rivers. Journey a little over an hour here to experience traditional German architecture, charming cafes and easily navigable streets. Take a cable car up to the 19th-century Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for river views and museum exhibits.
- Ehrenbreitstein Fortress: 56077 Koblenz
- Stolzenfels Castle: Schlossweg 11
You can't go wrong with any of these doable day trips from Düsseldorf. Choose one or more to experience the region's history, art and attractions before returning to your home base.