20 Best Day Trips from Dusseldorf, Germany

You can have exciting day trips from Düsseldorf without going too far or spending too much! There are plenty of great cities in North Rhine-Westphalia and the Netherlands that you can reach by car or train, making for the perfect day or weekend trip.

Here are eighteen of our best places to visit near Düsseldorf!

20 Top Day Trips from Dusseldorf

Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, Essen

Zollverein is an old coal mine that operated between 1847-1986. Located in Essen, it's about an hour from Düsseldorf.

Once the largest and most beautiful coal mine in the world, UNESCO finally marked it a world heritage site in 2001. [1]

You can spend a whole day here, exploring the museums about the industrial heritage of the site and the Ruhr area.

I highly recommend doing the 2 hour guided tour that they offer on-site, it's the only way you can get up close to the mine!

It felt surreal walking among the colossal machines, picturing the hustle and bustle of days gone by. And looking down the mine, you can't help but reflect on the workers who had to risk their lives everyday to extract coal.

Zons

Tucked in Dormagen, about halfway between Düsseldorf and Cologne, Zons is a hidden gem.

Very few people know about this German fairytale village, and with fewer tourists, that makes it even more attractive as a romantic day trip.

In the Middle Ages, this fortress city served as a tollway along the Rhine River, and today it's filled with rustic charm, complete with its own 14th-century windmill!

If you look closely around the black-stone perimeter walls, you may notice there's even a moat that surrounded the town (now used by sheep to graze)! 

You can spend hours here, really. Sunday, the day we were here, brought out locals from nearby cities, who were cycling around, enjoying ice cream, and sitting by the river.

Monschau

Monschau is a charming town hidden within the Eifel Mountains, surrounded by forests and set along the banks of the Rur River. Being here will make you feel like you've stepped back in time.

We visited during winter, and it literally looked like a snowy Christmas wonderland, complete with half-timbered buildings, snow-capped hills, and a frozen river running through the middle!

But that's not all – Monschau has over 240 km of hiking trails with varying lengths and difficulty levels, making it perfect if you love to blend nature and hiking.

If you can spare a day or two in the summer, then use Monschau as a launchpad to explore the mesmerizing wilderness of the Eifel!

And if you're interested in something unique, don't miss the Monschau glassblowers at work, or the traditional 130-year-old mustard mill.

Eindhoven, Maastricht & Utrecht

These are three Netherlands cities that are within easy reach of Düsseldorf - great for a day trip or longer weekend break!

Eindhoven

Eindhoven is the fifth biggest city in the Netherlands and is famous for being the design capital of the country.

One major event here is the Dutch Design Week that happens every October. During this event, lots of talented designers display their latest and futuristic creations.

This futuristic city is home to the world's first ‘aquaponic farm-restaurant’, PHOOD and features many ultramodern buildings like the The Blob and Evoluon.

Maastricht

Maastricht has got to be one of the most underrated cities in the Netherlands! Few are aware that it's the birthplace of the euro and where the EU was formed. It's also said to be the oldest city in the Netherlands.

A day trip to this medieval city is not complete until you visit the impressive The Basilica of Our Lady, a large Romanesque church that's the oldest in Netherlands.

Another historical landmark to stop by is the the oldest bridge in the country, Sint Servaasbrug — built in the Middles Ages by the ancient Romans.

Dominicanen, named the most beautiful bookshop in Europe, is set in a church, and is another very popular attraction in Maastricht.

Utrecht

Utrecht, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands. People often describe it as a smaller version of Amsterdam, thanks to its canals, many cool cafes, cycling-friendly culture and smaller crowds!

This city is best for a relaxing day trip, hanging around the city center, checking out museums, and peeking into boutique shops. The buildings in the city center have been around since medieval times, which gives it a rustic charm.

For me, Utrecht's Dom Tower (Domtoren) is a must-visit. The 112-meter-high medieval church tower is the tallest in the Netherlands, boasting pretty views of the city.

Cologne

I spend a lot of my time in Cologne, and I love it here! People are friendly and open-minded, the city is so full of life; and there's so much to see and do even within a day.

Cologne's most famous landmark is undoubtably the Cologne Cathedral — you can't miss it. This impressive masterpiece of Gothic architecture took over 600 years to complete! And as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it even survived 14 bombings in World War II.

In the Old Town, west of the cathedral along the Rhine River, you'll find charming squares, markets, colorful 19th-century houses, and traditional pubs serving the local Kölsch beer.

For those with a sweet tooth, the famous Chocolate Museum beckons!

Few cities in Germany can match up to the parties in Cologne (except perhaps Berlin) — the trendiest bars and clubs are concentrated in the city center, as well as the Belgian Quarter, Friesen Quarter, and Ehrenfeld.

Consider planning your trip in February to be in time for Cologne's Carnival celebration, a massive festival with parades, parties, and locals dressed in elaborate costumes all over town!

Neanderland Steig, Mettmann

The Neanderland Steig is a 240-km loop of relatively flat hiking trails that takes you through the stunning Neander Valley. [2]

This underrated hiking destination in Germany offers breathtaking views of idyllic countryside, picturesque old towns, farmlands, and forests. 

It's a perfect day trip from Düsseldorf for nature lovers who want to explore the beauty of the German outdoors.

On the way, you can also pop by the Neanderthal Museum, where the first Neanderthal man (pre-historic men) was discovered, and discover how early man lived.

Bonn

Bonn is a charming city that's best known as the birthplace of Beethoven.

At Beethovenhaus, the house in which the great composer was born in and grew up, fans can discover treasures like his love letters, ear trumpet, travel desk and a piano crafted for him in Vienna.

The city is also home to the Museum Mile, which consists of five museums dedicated to art, history, and science. Among them are two of Germany's major art museums — the Bonn Museum of Modern Art and the Bundeskunsthalle.

The beloved gummy bears we're all familiar with have their roots in this quiet town too! Founded in Bonn in 1920, the HARIBO factory outlet in Bad Godesberg is a must-visit stop to stock up on your favorite gummy varieties.

Bonn is also known for its beautiful parks and gardens, including the beautiful and massive Freizeitpark Rheinaue.

So whether you're interested in art exhibitions, or simply a classical music fan, Bonn is a convenient day trip away!

Aachen

Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor, lived in Aachen a long time ago. He chose Aachen as his imperial residence, and this city became a center of power during the Carolingian Empire.

One of the highlights of Aachen is its 9th century cathedral, Aachener Dom, considered the first cathedral in northern Europe. [3] You can even see where Charlemagne used to sit on his throne in the Palatine Chapel!

Aachen's other claim to fame its tradition as a spa town, owing to its natural thermal springs.

These thermal springs were cherished by the Romans for their healing properties and the thermal pools at Carolus Thermen are very popular among tourists coming to Aachen!

A visit to Aachen in December wouldn't be complete without experiencing its famous Christmas market.

Xanten

Xanten is a small rural town near Düsseldorf, but it used to be one of the largest Roman settlements in the region known as Colonia Ulpia Traiana.

Make a day trip to Xanten Archaeological Park, Germany's biggest open-air archaeology museum, where Roman structures have been reconstructed to their original true-to-life scale!

Like visiting a Roman city, you can walk onto a full-size gladiatorial amphitheater, towering Roman columns, city walls with guard towers, and a tall temple visible from the harbor.

If you're hungry, you can even pop by a restaurant serving Roman-era dishes. 

Every oth­er year, there's also the immensely fun "Schwerter, Brot und Spiele" (Swords, Bread & Games) — a festival where performers act as le­gion­ar­ies, gladiators, and Roman cit­izens, bringing Colonia Ulpia Traiana back to life!

Wuppertal

Only a 20 minute train ride from Düsseldorf, Wuppertal is another interesting town to visit on a quick day trip if you're short on time.

It's most famous for Schwebebahn, a suspension railway that's the oldest of its kind. It holds the distinction of being the oldest electric elevated railway in the world, and has been operating since 1901! [4]

At a height of 12 meters, you'll hover above the valley, treating yourself to fantastic city views!

Wuppertal also proudly declares itself the greenest city in Germany. One such green oasis is Burgholz, where hiking trails wind through nature, complete with green hills.

If you prefer to remain in town, then chill out at one of the beautiful bars or indie cafes at the trendy Luisenviertel. There's a relaxing, vacation-like feel here especially in the summer!

Burg Eltz, Wierschem

Perched on a rock formation and surrounded by lush woodlands, Burg Eltz is said to be the inspiration for Disney's Cinderella movie. Getting to this castle requires a bit more travel, but the experience is well worth the journey.

That's because Burg Eltz is a real medieval castle.

Unlike most castles in the Rhine and Mosel Valley, it's not a reconstructed version from the 19th century. In fact, it's still owned by the same German noble family who've resided there since the 12th century!

Another reason to make the trip; Burg Eltz is among only three medieval castles in the Eifel region that wasn't destroyed by war — so what you see is all original.

Note that the castle is only open for public visits between (approximately) April to November, so you'll have to check their website to make sure it's open.

Drachenfels, Königswinter

Drachenfels (“Dragon's Rock”) is a hill in Königswinter, and is one of the top day trip destinations from Düsseldorf. This thousand-foot mountain is known for breathtaking views of the Rhine River and the surrounding landscapes.

One of its highlights is Drachenburg Castle (Schloss Drachenburg), a 19th century fairytale-like castle that sits atop the mountain.

You can reach the castle either by hiking up or taking a 10 minute ride on the Drachenfelsbahn mountain railway. For children, there's the option of climbing onto the backs of donkeys!

There is a small entrance fee, and you can take a self-guided tour around its fascinating period-style rooms. There's even a nice restaurant overlooking the town, if you're feeling hungry after your explorations.

Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, Duisburg

Don't expect an average park at Landscape Park Duisburg Nord. Originally a 180-hectare steel factory, it's transformed into a creative space for fun activities in nature!

An old gas holder has been repurposed into Europe's biggest artificial diving center, and former ore storage bunkers are now an impressive climbing garden.

There's even a high ropes course in what was once a metal casthouse! Pretty cool, right?

If you can, stay back for the park's main attraction — a stunning evening light performance created by the British artist Jonathan Park.

The Moselle Valley

If you're a wine enthusiast, you've probably heard about the Moselle Valley! It's the oldest wine region in Germany and, along with the Rhine region, it produces 70% of all German wine.

Take a day or two to explore the Wine Road, Römische Weinstraße, which closely follows the Moselle River.

This route showcases vineyards and castle ruins on one side, with the Moselle River on the other, creating one of the most scenic drives in Germany.

Along this route, you'll stumble upon wine-making spots such as Bernkastel-Kues and the Calmont vineyard. Cochem, a quaint town in this region, is especially famed for its high-quality Riesling grapes.

Mönchengladbach

Mönchengladbach, a short ride from Düsseldorf, is well-known among football fans. However, it's also great place to unwind, clear your head, and escape from city life without going too far!

The city's Schwalm-Nette Nature Park is a beautiful piece of earth, with lakes, woodlands, meadows, and opportunities to spot wildlife like hawks, wild boars, foxes and hares during the day.

There's almost 100 km (62 miles) of walking trails, medieval watermills, medieval homes, and museums focusing on the region's textile trade history.

Mönchengladbach also has a buzzing cultural scene with theaters and music venues hosting performances throughout the year. 

Eifel National Park

The Eifel National Park is a gorgeous low mountain range situated in a triangular area bordered by Aachen, Koblenz, and Echternach.

There's so much to see and do here, from boat rides and hiking trails, to even spotting the Milky Way at night (as an International Dark Sky Park)!

For me, Eifel National Park is ideal for easy forest walks, especially in the wooded area between Monschau and Eupen. From there, you can choose to poke into the neighboring villages.

If you have to travel with a stroller or pram, good news! There are many child-friendly trails that are paved. And don't miss the Wilde Weg, a barrier-free path with interactive stations for children to learn about the park.

Phantasialand

If you're looking for family-friendly attractions, children love Phantasialand, a superb theme park located in Brühl. As a matter of fact, many fans argue it's better than Europa-Park and Disneyland!

The biggest pull is its thrilling roller coaster rides. The ride Taron holds multiple world records, and Winja's Fear & Force is another popular spinning coaster.

What sets Phantasialand apart from other theme parks is its attention to detail and themes that transport visitors to different countries and mythical cultures.

Even during the winter months, when most theme parks are closed or offer limited activities, Phantasialand remains open and transforms into a magical winter wonderland.

Opened in 1967, this amusement park is so popular that it attracts approximately 2 million visitors annually! [5]

Solingen, Bergisches Land

Unspoiled meadows and thick oak and pine forests envelop the mountains in the Bergisches Land region, and the towns here are distinct for their slate-covered buildings.

Solingen, the former capital of the land in the Middle Ages, makes for a wonderful side adventure as it's so close to Düsseldorf!

I suggest making a trek to Burg Castle. Dating back to 1000 A.D., it was the ancestral home of the Counts of Burg, who were rulers of Bergisches Land.

You have the choice of getting the the castle on foot or, the better choice, choosing the Sessellift — a park-bench-slash-gondola for two suspended from a wire — for a comfortable journey up the mountain.

While in Solingen, don't leave without trying the traditional Bergische Kaffeetafel featuring a lavish spread of cakes, meats, waffles, jams, honey & fresh coffee from the uniquely-shaped Dröppelmina pot!

Conclusion: Day Trips from Dusseldorf

There are many exciting and fun places you can visit from Düsseldorf in under 1-3 hours; from the enchanting German fairytale village of Zons to hopping the border to Utrecht's "mini Amsterdam".

Whether you're looking to explore historical castles, enjoy a hike in nature, or discover art in unlikely places, there's plenty of things to do on any of our recommended day trips from Düsseldorf.

Key Takeaways

• Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, Essen: A historical coal mine turned cultural centre, offering a unique blend of history and modernity and contemporary architecture.
• Zons: A rustic town that was once a fortress city, explore their well-preserved buildings, 14th century windmill and moat!
• Monschau: A picturesque town in Eifel Mountains known for half-timbered houses and narrow streets that will transport you back in time. Use as a launchpad to explore the Eifel wilderness.
• Eindhoven: Best known as the design capital of the Netherlands, featuring modern architecture and the annual Dutch Design Week.
• Maastricht: The oldest city in the Netherlands, and must-see attractions include the Romanesque church The Basilica of Our Lady and Sint Servaasbrug.
• Utrecht: Experience a "mini Amsterdam" with scenic boat rides down canals, cool cafes and boutique shops.
• Cologne: Visit Germany's fourth-largest city known for its famous cathedral, parties, and Carnival spirit!
• Neanderland Steig, Mettmann: Hike through scenic landscapes and visit the Neanderthal Museum in the region where the first Neanderthal man was discovered.
• Bonn: This German city on the Rhine is home to the Museum Mile, Beethoven's birthplace, and Haribo gummy bears!
• Aachen: An ancient spa town with thermal springs, as well as a stunning cathedral.
• Xanten: Known for its innovative archaeological park, featuring Roman ruins and a reconstructed Roman town.
• Wuppertal: Germany's hip and up-and-coming "green city" with a famous Schwebebahn monorail, and relaxing vibes.
• Burg Eltz, Wierschem: Visit this authentic medieval castle nestled in the Moselle Valley.
• Drachenfels, Königswinter: Climb this hill for panoramic views and visit the ruins of a medieval castle.
• Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, Duisburg: Wander through an industrial park turned cultural and recreational space, featuring climbing spaces, high-rope courses and diving center.
• The Moselle Valley: Drive along the scenic Moselle River, passing vineyards, charming villages, and ancient castles.
• Mönchengladbach: Unwind in nature in the Lower Rhine region, featuring meadows, lakes, and quaint buildings at Schwalm-Nette Nature Park.
• Eifel National Park: Explore the beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, and wildlife in this national park.
• Phantasialand: Children will love the theme park rides and attractions at this popular amusement park.
• Solingen, Bergisches Land: Make a trip to Burg Castle via gondola and and experience the traditional "Bergische Kaffeetafel".

FAQs

1. What are some popular day trips from Dusseldorf?

Popular day trips from Düsseldorf include visiting Cologne to see its famous cathedral, exploring the picturesque town of Aachen, or taking a scenic drive along the Moselle Valley.

2. How long does it take to get to Cologne from Dusseldorf?

It takes approximately 45 minutes by train or car to travel from Düsseldorf
to Cologne.

3. Can I visit Amsterdam as a day trip from Dusseldorf?

Yes, it is possible to visit Amsterdam as a day trip from Düsseldorf. The journey takes around 2-2.5 hours by train or about 2 hours by car.

4. Are there any natural parks near Dusseldorf for a day trip?

Yes, there are several natural parks near Düsseldorf that make great day trip destinations such as Bergisches Land and Eifel National Park.

5. Is it necessary to book tours for day trips from Dusseldorf in advance?

While booking tours in advance is not always necessary for day trips from Düsseldorf, it can be helpful during peak tourist seasons or if you have specific attractions or activities you want to experience on your trip.