Attractions and Places To See around Düsseldorf - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Düsseldorf include a diverse range of historical sites, natural landscapes, and scenic routes along the Rhine. The city is situated on the Rhine River, offering numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural exploration. Visitors can find a mix of urban attractions and tranquil natural areas, making it a versatile destination for various interests. The region provides options for both easy exploration and more active pursuits.
Best attractions and places to see around Düsseldorf
- The most popular attractions is Rhine Cycle Path on the Düsseldorf Rhine Embankment, a cycle path that offers a paved route along the Rhine dike. This path provides a relaxing experience with views of the river, ideal for cycling without car traffic.
- Another must-see spot is Benrath Palace, a historical castle set within a landscaped park. Visitors can explore the graceful castle and its extensive grounds, which include French, English, and kitchen gardens.
- Visitors also love Rotthäuser Bachtal, a natural area featuring lakes and forests. This location is known for its diverse biotopes and rare plant and animal species, offering a natural escape close to the city.
- Düsseldorf is known for its historical sites, natural parks, and scenic cycle paths. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient ruins to riverside promenades and tranquil valleys.
- The attractions around Düsseldorf are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 5000 upvotes and over 1900 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Kaiserswerth Imperial Palace
Highlight • Historical Site
The location for the palace was well chosen. Because the Rhine forms a gentle curve here, it can be clearly seen over a long stretch. Even today, the castle complex consists of imposing walls up to four and a half meters thick. The idyllic castle path offers a magnificent view of the palace.
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Urdenbacher Kämpe – At the Ausleger
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Rhine Cycle Path on the Düsseldorf Rhine Embankment
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Rotthäuser Bachtal
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Zons Car Ferry
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Attention: At low tide, no ferry service possible!
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Rhine Cycle Path (Rheinradweg) between Mündelheim and Kaiserswerth
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View of the Rhine in Düsseldorf
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View of the Rotthäuser Bachtal ponds
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The special thing about the valley are its wetlands, the stream that gave it its name, its springs, the numerous fish ponds and extensive reed beds. In addition, there are valuable alder, ash and softwood floodplain forests as well as woodrush beech forests. This creates a diverse and varied landscape in a small area.
The Rotthäuser Bachtal is home to rare animal species such as reed warblers, reed buntings and kingfishers as well as dragonflies such as the "blue-green darter". The flora is also rich in species, including plants that are threatened according to the "Red List", such as giant horsetail and watercress.
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Rhine Cycle Path near Düsseldorf
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The city has declared its Rhine front to be a “fairness zone”. Large white pictograms, especially placed on narrow areas on the pavement - leave no doubt: “Here you treat each other fairly and considerately. Rude "way there, here I come!" Is now taboo 🚴♀️👨🦯🏃♂️🐕🦺
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Kaiserswerth Old Town and Rhine Riverside Promenade
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Tips from the Community
Directly on the banks of the Rhine rise the picturesque ruins of the Imperial Palace of the legendary Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. The palace, originally dating back to the 10th century, was expanded under Emperor Henry III and later by Emperor Barbarossa after he relocated the Rhine toll from the Netherlands to Kaiserswerth, as he needed a fortress dominating the Rhine. The location for the palace was well chosen. Because the Rhine forms a gentle curve here, it can be clearly seen over a long stretch. Even today, the castle complex consists of imposing walls up to four and a half meters thick. The idyllic castle path offers a magnificent view of the palace.
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From the Rhine Gate you have a view of the airport bridge, which is an architectural specialty as a cable-stayed bridge with its low trapezoidal pillars designed for air traffic. You can also take a lovely walk on the towpath between Kaiserswerth and the mouth of the Schwarzbach.
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Really good bike path with no cars far and wide, the peace and quiet while cycling is great.
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The airport bridge is a motorway bridge on the A44 over the Rhine near Düsseldorf and Meerbusch
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The view of the Rhine is beautiful and the bike paths are great.
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Great downhill spiral on the left side of the Rhine
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Super driveways on both sides and easy to deal with. My favorite bridge to change the Rhine side.
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The beginnings of the imperial palace go back to the year 700.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly attractions around Düsseldorf?
Yes, Düsseldorf offers several family-friendly attractions. You can explore the extensive grounds of Benrath Palace, which includes French, English, and kitchen gardens. Another great option is the Rhine Cycle Path on the Düsseldorf Rhine Embankment, perfect for a relaxing bike ride without car traffic. The Urdenbacher Kämpe – At the Ausleger also provides a natural setting suitable for families.
What historical sites can I visit near Düsseldorf?
Düsseldorf is rich in history. A prominent historical site is the Kaiserswerth Imperial Palace, offering a glimpse into the region's past. Additionally, Benrath Palace is a beautiful historical castle with a significant park. The Kaiserswerth Old Town and Rhine Riverside Promenade also provides a historical atmosphere with charming views.
Are there good cycling routes along the Rhine?
Absolutely. The Rhine Cycle Path on the Düsseldorf Rhine Embankment is a popular choice, offering a paved route along the Rhine dike with great views and no car traffic. Another excellent option is the Rhine Cycle Path (Rheinradweg) between Mündelheim and Kaiserswerth, known for its well-developed path close to the riverbanks. You can find more cycling options in the Road Cycling Routes around Düsseldorf guide.
Where can I find natural escapes close to the city?
For a natural escape, consider visiting Rotthäuser Bachtal, a natural area featuring lakes and forests known for its diverse biotopes and rare plant and animal species. Another beautiful natural spot is the Urdenbacher Kämpe – At the Ausleger, which offers a variety of biotopes and leads to the ferry to Zons.
Are there any viewpoints with scenic views of the Rhine?
Yes, there are several excellent viewpoints. The View of the Rhine in Düsseldorf offers picturesque river vistas. Both the Rhine Cycle Path on the Düsseldorf Rhine Embankment and the Rhine Promenade in the Lower Rhine provide continuous scenic views as you walk or cycle along the river.
What are some easy walking trails near Düsseldorf?
For easy walking, the areas around Benrath Palace offer pleasant strolls through its beautifully landscaped park. The Kaiserswerth Old Town and Rhine Riverside Promenade also provides an easy and scenic walk. For more structured options, you can find easy routes like the 'Aaper Wald Pond – Aaper Heights Trail' in the Hiking around Düsseldorf guide.
Can I find attractions accessible by public transport for a day trip?
Many attractions around Düsseldorf are well-connected by public transport. For instance, the historical Kaiserswerth Imperial Palace and the charming Kaiserswerth Old Town are easily reachable. Benrath Palace is also accessible, making it a convenient day trip destination.
Are there any wheelchair accessible trails or attractions?
While specific wheelchair accessible trails are not extensively detailed for all attractions, the Zons Car Ferry is noted as wheelchair accessible. Generally, well-paved sections of the Rhine promenades and cycle paths, such as parts of the Rhine Cycle Path on the Düsseldorf Rhine Embankment, can also be suitable for wheelchairs, offering flat surfaces and scenic views.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Düsseldorf?
Visitors frequently praise the relaxing experience of cycling along the Rhine, appreciating the peace and quiet away from car traffic on paths like the Rhine Cycle Path on the Düsseldorf Rhine Embankment. The beautifully maintained grounds and surprising views at places like Benrath Palace are also highly enjoyed. Many also love the feeling of being in nature, even close to the city, as experienced in areas like Rotthäuser Bachtal.
Are there options for longer outdoor activities like hiking?
Yes, beyond short walks, you can find longer hiking opportunities. The Rotthäuser Bachtal offers trails where you can feel like you're deep in the countryside. For a comprehensive list of routes, check out the Hiking around Düsseldorf guide, which includes moderate trails like the 'Rotthäuser Bachtal Forest Trail'.
What is the best time of year to visit attractions around Düsseldorf?
The best time to visit attractions around Düsseldorf largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer (April to September) are ideal for outdoor pursuits like cycling along the Rhine and exploring palace gardens, with pleasant weather. Autumn (October to November) offers beautiful foliage, especially in natural areas like Rotthäuser Bachtal. While winter can be cold, historical sites and museums remain open, and the city's Christmas markets are a popular draw.
Most popular routes around Düsseldorf
Most popular attractions around Düsseldorf
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