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Hey Wanderers! Welcome to Mettmann, an extraordinary gem in Germany.
Nestled in the heart of Germany like a hidden gem, Mettmann offers a plethora of activities to indulge in.
From exploring the quaint town center to embarking on exhilarating hiking trails, Mettmann will keep you enthralled with its beauty and charm.
One thing the tourist destination Mettmann is known for is its beautiful hiking trails in the Neanderthal Valley, which is home to the famous Neanderthal Museum.
Additionally, Mettmann is conveniently located within driving distance of both winterberg, a popular skiing destination in the Sauerland region, and lubbecke, a charming town known for its historic architecture and picturesque landscapes.
1. Neanderthal Museum
A museum dedicated to the history and culture of Neanderthals, showcasing their way of life through interactive exhibitions and archaeological displays.
What to see or do: Explore the permanent exhibition displaying original fossils and replicas of Neanderthal skeletons, artifacts, and tools.
Take part in interactive exhibits such as making fire with prehistoric tools or testing your strength against a Neanderthal.
Visit the cave man cinema that shows films on the evolutionary history of our species.
Don’t miss: The life-sized diorama of a Neanderthal family in a reconstructed cave setting, complete with fire, tools, and animal skin clothing.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the summer months and take a guided tour of the nearby Neanderthal site, where the first ever Neanderthal fossil was discovered in 1856. The museum arranges the tours for visitors and the site is only a short drive away.
Don’t forget to also check out the on-site restaurant, where you can feast on authentic prehistoric inspired dishes.
2. Mettmann Castle
Mettmann Castle is a historic castle located in Mettmann, Germany.The castle was constructed in the mid-14th century as a residence for the noble family.
What to see or do: Explore the grand castle architecture and the museum inside, showcasing local history, art and culture.
Don’t miss: Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding the castle.
Insider travel tips: The castle often hosts exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events, so make sure to check the schedule before your visit.
Also, don’t forget to try some local German cuisine in one of the nearby restaurants.
3. Blumenwiese Mettmann
A scenic wildflower meadow in the city of Mettmann, Germany.
What to see or do: Enjoy a leisurely walk or a picnic in the midst of colorful and vibrant flowers.
The meadow is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Don’t miss: The stunning views of the surrounding hills and countryside.On a clear day, you can see as far as Düsseldorf and Cologne.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is during the summer months (June-August) when the flowers are in full bloom.
4. St Lambertus Church
A striking baroque-style church located in the town of Mettmann, Germany.
What to see or do: Admire the impressive architecture and intricate details in the interior and exterior of the church.Attend a religious service or concert.
Don’t miss: The unique architecture, including the twisted spire and ornate ceiling paintings.
Insider travel tips: Look out for special events, such as the annual St. Lambertus Festival, which includes a colorful parade and fireworks display.
Plan your visit for a sunny day to fully appreciate the beauty of the church and its surroundings.
5. Neandertal Nature Reserve
The Neandertal Nature Reserve is a picturesque outdoor area located in Mettmann, Germany.
It’s a beautiful canyon-like valley that serves as a natural habitat for a variety of wildlife species.
What to see or do: The Neandertal Nature Reserve is an ideal location for nature lovers, hikers, and bird-watchers.
Visitors can stroll along the various walking trails, surrounding themselves with lush greenery and stunning rock formations.
They can even catch a glimpse of some of the animals that call this place home, like owls, foxes, and badgers.
Don’t miss: The main attraction within the Neandertal Nature Reserve is the Neanderthal Museum.
The museum is dedicated to the Neanderthal man, who lived in the area some 40,000 years ago.
It offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of our human species and the way of life of Neanderthals.
Insider travel tips: – The Neandertal Valley is accessible by train from Dusseldorf or Cologne, making it an easy day trip from either city.
6. Königshof Thermal Spa
Königshof Thermal Spa is a contemporary wellness oasis located in the quaint town of Mettmann in Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can indulge in therapeutic and revitalizing treatments such as massages, mud baths, and hydrotherapy.The spa also includes several indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms.
Don’t miss: A must-try experience at Königshof Thermal Spa is the floating pool which allows visitors to effortlessly float and completely relax in warm, salty water.
Insider travel tips: For an intimate and luxurious experience, opt for the private spa suite which includes a sauna, steam bath, and whirlpool.
It’s recommended to book treatments in advance to guarantee availability, especially during peak season.
7. Kaisergarten
A beautiful park located in Mettmann, Germany.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the lush gardens, marvel at the fountains and ponds, and relax in the shade of the trees.
There are also playgrounds and open spaces for picnics and games.
Don’t miss: The rose garden, which boasts over 200 different types of roses.Also, make sure to visit the Japanese garden and the deer enclosure.
Insider travel tips: Visit during spring or summer to see the park bursting with colors and life.Keep an eye out for events and concerts held in the park throughout the year.
Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beauty of the park.
8. Schloss Benrath
Schloss Benrath is an 18th century baroque palace located in the city of Mettmann in Germany.
This stunning palace is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and art.
What to see or do: Explore the palace’s three wings that houses the Museum of European Garden Art, Museum of Natural History, and Museum of Decorative Arts.
Admire the sumptuous rooms decorated in the original Baroque style, including the Hall of Mirrors, and the grandiose central building.
Take a stroll through the beautiful palace gardens teeming with fountains, ornamental plants, and sculptures.
Don’t miss: The Schloss Benrath Christmas market, which takes place every year in November and December.
Sip on hot mulled wine and feast on festive treats as you admire the palace dripping with fairy lights and decorations.
Insider travel tips: – To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
9. Old Town Ratingen
Old Town Ratingen is a historic district located in the city of Ratingen, in the district of Mettmann in Germany.
It is a charming neighborhood with well-preserved buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries.
What to see or do: Stroll along the cobblestone streets and admire the traditional half-timbered houses.Visit the Church of St. Peter and Paul, with its stunning Baroque interior.
Marvel at the Schloss Ratingen, a castle-like building that now hosts a cultural center.
Don’t miss: The weekly farmers’ market on Saturdays is a must-visit to taste local specialties and buy fresh produce.
In December, the Christmas market adds a festive touch to the Old Town.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the annual Ratingen Triennial of Photography, a major photography festival that takes place every three years in summer.
If you enjoy hiking, take a scenic walk along the nearby River Anger.
10. Kettwiger Stausee
A beautiful artificial lake located in the city of Mettmann in Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and fishing in the lake.You can also rent paddle boats and take a leisurely tour around the lake.
Don’t miss: Take a stroll on the scenic walking paths around the lake and enjoy the stunning views.
The dam wall, which is 78 meters high, is also an impressive sight to see.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting during the summer months, arrive early to secure a good spot by the water.
Additionally, be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and water.
Visitors can also explore the nearby historic town of Mettmann which has several charming cafes and restaurants to enjoy.
11. Museum Kunstpalast
Museum Kunstpalast is a museum of art and culture located in the city of Düsseldorf in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
What to see or do: The museum has a large and diverse collection of art from the 16th century to the present day, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, and decorative arts.
Visitors can see works by renowned artists such as Max Ernst, Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso, and Gerhard Richter, as well as many lesser-known artists.
The museum also has a collection of Asian art and a large collection of glassware.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of works by the Düsseldorf school of painting, which includes works by artists such as Andreas Achenbach, Oswald Achenbach, and Johann Wilhelm Schirmer.
Another must-see is the collection of glassware, which includes pieces from ancient Rome, Renaissance Europe, and contemporary artists.
Insider travel tips: – The museum offers free admission on the first Wednesday of every month.
12. Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum
Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum is a natural history museum and aquarium located on the outskirts of Düsseldorf in Mettmann, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing various natural environments from around the world and observe a diverse range of animal species, including fish, reptiles, birds, and insects.
Highlights include a deep-sea zone, a tropical rainforest area, and a section featuring native German animal species.
Don’t miss: The giant octopus exhibit is a must-see, as well as the penguin feeding and underwater shark tunnel.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to spend at least a couple of hours at the museum to fully explore the exhibits.
13. German Football Museum
The German Football Museum is a modern museum dedicated to the history of German football
What to see or do: -The museum offers an interactive and immersive experience for visitors with various exhibits showcasing the history of German football, including its national team, different clubs, and important players.
Don’t miss: – The highlight of the museum is the Hall of fame where visitors can see the memorabilia of the German football legends.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is conveniently located near the main railway station and is close to the city center.
14. Phantasialand
An amusement park located in Mettmann, Germany.
What to see or do: – Experience thrilling rides such as Taron, Black Mamba, and Chiapas.
Don’t miss: – The stunning theming and attention to detail in each section of the park.
Insider travel tips: – Use the single rider lines to save time in queues.
15. Schloss Burg
A medieval castle located in the Bergisches Land region of Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can tour the castle’s interior and climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The castle grounds offer various outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and ziplining.
Don’t miss: The castle’s impressive collection of armor and weaponry, including a fully functional crossbow that visitors can try out.
Insider travel tips: Check the castle’s event calendar before your visit as there are often medieval-themed festivals and markets held on the grounds.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the steep climb up to the castle entrance.