Destinations and sights in North Rhine-Westphalia

Did you know that North Rhine-Westphalia is the most populated federal state in Germany with 18 million inhabitants? In addition to its demographic characteristics, North Rhine-Westphalia is also characterized by its scenic diversity and cultural offerings. The unique nature in the Münsterland, the Teutoburg Forest, the Sauerland, the Bergisches Land and the Eifel is particularly important. The larger Rhineland cities such as Bonn, Cologne and Düsseldorf, as well as Aachen, the westernmost city in Germany, offer a wide range of cultural heritage. We would like to take you on a short tour through these rich and beautiful regions and present our top 11 sights in NRW. Here are our excursion destinations and sights in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Sights in NRW: our top 11 recommendations

1 - Aachen, city of Charlemagne

Aachen is a must for all history and Christmas market lovers. The city is particularly famous for Aachen Cathedral, the oldest in Northern Europe. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The chapel, a true cultural and historical jewel, preserves Charlemagne's throne, his relics and his tomb. The city of Aachen also attracts young and old with its many fountains, the most popular of which is the Doll's Fountain in Kramerstrasse. So let's go to Aachen Cathedral!

2 - Königsmünster Abbey in Sauerland

Königsmünster Abbey was founded in 1928 and is located in Meschede in the district of Obersauerland. The Benedictine monastery offers a variety of sightseeing and retreat options: the House of Silence, the Oasis (a guest house for contemplation, encounters and education characterized by Benedictine spirituality, or group tours in which a monk explains the life and work of the Benedictines). The modern monastery invites you to relax with its surprising panorama of the surrounding gardens and meadows.

3 - The castle of Altena

Altena is a small town near Dortmund. There is little tourism in the town, but a visit to Altena Castle and the wire museum is well worthwhile. For many years, access to the castle was very limited. However, the technical advances of the 20th century made it possible to create a unique elevator in Europe - the adventure elevator - which can be used to reach the castle courtyard from the town center. Did you know that the castle is home to the world's first youth hostel? It is believed to date back to 1912. You should also plan some time to visit the wire museum. There you will find a replica of the cables of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge.

4 - Attendorn and its unexpected cave

In Attendorn, you can visit the parish church of St. Johannes, the Südsauerland Museum and Schnellenberg Castle. However, the special feature of Attendorn is the famous Atta Cave. Did you know that this cave was discovered by chance in July 1907 during limestone quarrying? If you appreciate stalagmites and stalactites, then this is the place for you! The name of the cave refers to the Empress Atta, who gave her name to the Hanseatic town of Attendorn.

5 - Bergisches Land, nature at its best

The Bergisches Land is a historic region in North Rhine-Westphalia whose state capital is Bergisch Gladbach. Between an important cultural past (Bensberg Castle, Burg Castle) and rich outdoor activities (hiking, cycling), visitors hardly know where to set their priorities. Why not take a nice walk in the woods along the Wupper? Or visit Wuppertal Zoo with the children? Perhaps you'd rather be tempted by a bike ride on one of the region's most popular lakes (Strandbad Nord Unterbacher See, Beyenburger Stausee or Aggertalsperre)? There are so many possibilities here.

6 - Bochum, capital of the Ruhr and center of heavy industry

Take the time to admire the town hall and its two outdoor fountains: the Fountain of Beauty on the left and the Fountain of Happiness on the right. Which one do you think is more important? Afterwards, make a stop at Haus Kemnade, whose popularity has spread. This beautiful moated castle is home to a farmhouse museum and a collection of musical instruments. If you like old steam locomotives, you should visit the Bochum Railway Museum.

7 - Münster, city of knowledge

The city is known for its many cyclists and has a cycle path network of more than 400 km. Don't hesitate to rent a bike to explore the city at your own pace. Fancy some culture? Münster also offers a wide range of museums for art, history and science lovers. Visit the open-air museum at Mühlenhof. Founded in 1961, this ecomuseum takes you back to the everyday lives of people in the Münsterland region.

8 - Kirchhundem and Adolfsburg Castle

Built in 1670, the castle was owned by the von Fürstenberg family for a long time. Initially, it was the main residence of Johann Adolf von Fürstenberg, who lived here until his death in 1704, after which it was the second home of subsequent generations. It was not until the mid-1980s that an investor undertook renovation work.

9 - Bilstein Castle in Lennestadt

How about a medieval getaway in this fairytale castle? The two round towers and the beautifully preserved brick bridge take us back in time. Whether you visit Bilstein Castle in Lennestadt with your family, with your school or on your own, you will be amazed by the beauty of this castle.

10 - Bad Münstereifel: medieval town with historic buildings

The castle of Bad Münstereifel was the residence of the knight Gottfried von Jülich. Today it is a private property that houses a restaurant and an art gallery where world-famous artists exhibit their works. If you want to quench your thirst for history and culture, Bad Münstereifel Castle is the right place for you.

11 - Oberhausen, in the middle of the Ruhr area

If you are driving through Oberhausen, then a stop at the Gasometer is a must. From a height of 117 meters, you have an extraordinary view of the city and the Ruhr region. Formerly a gas storage facility, the gasometer is now an exhibition space. Another cultural venue is the Ludwiggalerie, which hosts numerous temporary exhibitions. If you are coming to Oberhausen with small children, we recommend the Sea Life, Germany's largest aquarium, or Legoland, the famous amusement and theme park.

Travel cheaply through North Rhine-Westphalia with B&B HOTELS

Whether you are looking for a city trip through Düsseldorf or Cologne city center in the region around the Lower Rhine or are rather on a cultural and historical heritage quest. The NRW region is a place that meets the expectations of all generations. The excursion destinations and sights in North Rhine-Westphalia are enormous. Numerous parks and the Rhine attract tourists and residents to the federal state every year.

At our B&B HOTELS, we have the right offer for visitors to the region: for example, our B&B HOTEL Bielefeld-Ost offers affordable room rates with excellent service that will make your stay an unforgettable experience: private and free parking, free Wi-Fi, a rich breakfast buffet, TV and air conditioning. Book online now and secure the best price.

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you soon at B&B HOTELS in North Rhine-Westphalia.