Attractions and Places To See around Mettmann - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Mettmann include a diverse range of natural features, historical sites, and cultural landmarks. The region is characterized by its quiet valley floors, light forests, and the Düssel river, offering varied landscapes for exploration. Mettmann is historically significant as the discovery site of the Neanderthal man, with the Neanderthal Valley being a central natural and historical attraction. Visitors can explore ancient castles, impressive viaducts, and nature reserves, providing a blend of outdoor activities and cultural insights.
Best attractions and places to see around Mettmann
- The most popular attractions is The Neander Valley, a gorge that is a significant natural and historical site. It is known for its quiet valley floor, light forests, and the Düssel river, making it an ideal area for various outdoor activities.
- Another must-see spot is Trail along the Düssel in Neandertal, a trail that offers scenic hiking opportunities. Visitors can expect to follow the Düssel river through the Neander Valley, enjoying the natural surroundings in every season.
- Visitors also love Sengenholzer Bridge (Niederbergbahn Viaduct), an impressive bridge and historical site. This viaduct is considered one of the most beautiful spots along its route, offering wonderful views and a notable architectural structure.
- Mettmann is known for its natural monuments, historical sites, and diverse trails. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from river valleys to man-made structures.
- The attractions around Mettmann are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 3800 upvotes and over 1100 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Urdenbacher Kämpe – At the Ausleger
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Trail along the Düssel in Neandertal
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Rotthäuser Bachtal
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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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Landsberg Castle
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Recreation area Grube 7
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Gut Papendelle by the pond
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Gruiten Dorf
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The Neander Valley
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At first they encountered bitter resistance with this assumption: The theory of evolution was not generally accepted for a long time, and Charles Darwin's groundbreaking book “The Origin of Species” was not due to appear until three years after the discovery. The leading German pathologist at the time, Rudolf Virchow, considered the bones to be the remains of a modern human being deformed by an illness. The thought that other kinds of people should have lived on earth besides us was simply unheard of.
To this day the idea is strange that a few thousand years ago, here by the river between the trees, you could have met a Neanderthal man. You can catch up on this meeting in the Neanderthal Museum, the destination of the hike. There are replicas of Neanderthals that are so realistic that you want to speak to them. You can't get any closer to them than this.
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Sengenholzer Bridge (Niederbergbahn Viaduct)
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Other adventures around Mettmann
Tips from the Community
The castle is situated in a quiet wooded area above August-Thyssen-Straße. It was built in 1276 by Count Adolf V of Berg to fortify the Ruhr crossing. Today, the castle and the adjacent new building belong to the ThyssenKrupp Group and are used as a training center.
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Very nice to hike along here.
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Very nice paths lead through the forest.
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The Rotthäuser Bachtal has been under nature protection since 1984 and is designated as an FFH area. (FFH areas are areas that have been selected for the "Natura 2000" protected area system.) What is special about the valley are its wet biotopes, the stream that gave it its name, its springs, the numerous fish ponds and extensive reed beds. There are also valuable alder, ash and softwood alluvial forests as well as grove beech forests. This is how a diverse and varied landscape can be seen in a small area. Rare animal species such as reed warblers, reed buntings and kingfishers as well as dragonflies such as the "blue-green mermaid" can be seen in the Rotthäuser Bachtal. The plant world is also rich in species, including plants that are threatened according to the "Red List", such as the giant horsetail or the watercress.
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The Rotthäuser Bachtal has been a nature reserve since 1984 and is also designated as an FFH area. (FFH areas are areas that have been selected for the "Natura 2000" protected area system.) 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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"ZEIT WISSEN Podcast" and "Peter_H_65 🐻" wrote everything that is worth knowing.
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Such a wonderful area for hiking
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The first part of the hike from Unterbacher See to the northern turning point is both scenic and challenging. Unfortunately, the way back from the north to the lake can't keep up: too many asphalt paths, too close to urban development. It may be wiser to hike back the way there...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Mettmann?
Mettmann is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the significant Neander Valley, known for its quiet valley floors, light forests, and the Düssel river. Another notable area is the Rotthäuser Bachtal, a nature protection area with wet biotopes, fish ponds, and extensive reed beds, home to diverse flora and fauna. The Recreation area Grube 7, a former quarry, has transformed into a beautiful nature reserve with scenic trails along steep slopes.
Are there good hiking trails near Mettmann's attractions?
Yes, Mettmann offers numerous hiking opportunities. The Trail along the Düssel in Neandertal is a popular choice, following the Düssel river through the scenic Neander Valley. You can also find beautiful, varied hiking trails along the Düssel River in the Neander Valley itself. For more options, explore the Running Trails around Mettmann guide, which includes paths suitable for walking.
What kind of outdoor activities are available besides hiking?
Beyond hiking, the Mettmann area is excellent for cycling and mountain biking. The Neander Valley is ideal for cycling and inline skating. You can find various routes in guides like MTB Trails around Mettmann and Gravel biking around Mettmann, offering diverse terrains and distances for different skill levels.
What historical sites and landmarks can I visit in Mettmann?
Mettmann boasts several significant historical sites. The Landsberg Castle, built in 1276, is a notable landmark situated in a quiet, wooded area. The Sengenholzer Bridge (Niederbergbahn Viaduct) is an impressive architectural structure and historical site offering wonderful views. Additionally, the Historic Upper Town of Mettmann, with its 12th-century St. Lambertus Church and the Alte Bürgermeisterei (Old Mayor's Office), provides a glimpse into the city's past.
Is there a museum dedicated to the Neanderthal man in Mettmann?
Yes, the world-renowned Neanderthal Museum is one of Mettmann's most famous attractions. It offers a multimedia exhibition detailing the origins of humanity, featuring lifelike Neanderthal figures, audio experiences, and computer stations. The museum is located near the actual discovery site of the Neanderthal man within the Neanderthal Valley.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Mettmann?
Many attractions in Mettmann are suitable for families. The Neander Valley itself is family-friendly, offering easy trails and the Ice Age Game Reserve where children can observe rare animal species. The Sengenholzer Bridge (Niederbergbahn Viaduct) is also marked as family-friendly, providing an interesting architectural sight. The Neanderthal Museum offers workshops and activity programs designed for families.
Can I bring my dog to attractions and trails around Mettmann?
Many outdoor areas around Mettmann are dog-friendly, especially the numerous trails in the Neander Valley and other natural reserves. It's generally recommended to keep dogs on a leash, particularly in nature protection areas and where wildlife is present, such as the Ice Age Game Reserve. Always check local signage for specific regulations.
What is the best time of year to visit Mettmann for outdoor activities?
Mettmann's outdoor attractions, particularly the Neander Valley and its trails, can be enjoyed in every season. Spring brings blooming snowdrops along the Düssel, while summer offers pleasant conditions for hiking and cycling. Autumn showcases beautiful foliage, and even in winter, the quiet forests have a unique charm. The Trail along the Düssel in Neandertal is noted as wonderful in every season.
How can I get to Mettmann's attractions using public transport?
Mettmann is accessible by public transport. The Neanderthal Museum, for instance, is well-connected. You can typically reach the city center and major attractions via local bus services and regional trains. For specific routes and schedules, it's best to consult the local public transport provider's website.
Where can I find places to eat or stay near Mettmann's attractions?
Mettmann's Historic Upper Town features many street cafes and restaurants. Near the Rotthäuser Bachtal, you can find the Landgasthof Kaiserhaus. For accommodation, Mettmann offers various options, including hotels and guesthouses, particularly in and around the city center, providing convenient access to both urban and natural attractions.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails or attractions?
The Sengenholzer Bridge (Niederbergbahn Viaduct) is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering an impressive structure and views. While many natural trails may have varied terrain, some sections of the Neander Valley and paved paths within the city might be suitable. It's advisable to check specific trail conditions for accessibility before visiting.
What do visitors enjoy most about Mettmann?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The serene atmosphere of the Neander Valley, with its light forests and the Düssel river, is a major draw. The impressive architecture of the Sengenholzer Bridge and the historical insights offered by sites like Landsberg Castle and the Neanderthal Museum are also highly valued. The komoot community has shared over 1100 photos and given more than 3800 upvotes to attractions around Mettmann.
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Most popular attractions around Mettmann
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