Best attractions and places to see around Kalkar offer a rich blend of historic landmarks, cultural treasures, and natural beauty. The region features well-preserved medieval architecture and an artistic heritage. Visitors can explore historic town centers, significant churches, and unique natural areas. The diverse landscape provides opportunities for various outdoor activities.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
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Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument
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Highlight • Cycleway
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Highlight • Lake
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Highlight • Lake
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Popular around Kalkar
2-Country Route – Cycling from Germany to Netherlands
The Rhine Cycle Path — From the source to the North Sea
Wonderful round trips along the German and Dutch Hanser Route
Cycling around Kalkar
Hiking around Kalkar
Running Trails around Kalkar
Road Cycling Routes around Kalkar
MTB Trails around Kalkar
Gravel biking around Kalkar
A playground for many outdoor activists.
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The Xanten North Sea is no longer an insider tip.
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To be on the bike again and again to slow down on the Rhine dike.
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The bike path is not paved, but it is still easy to ride on all bikes.
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If it's not too hot and the wind isn't too strong from the front, then this is a great bike path to ride on.
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The Bislicher Insel is always a highlight, thousands of birds of all kinds, information from NABU. Always fantastic to drive here.
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Beautiful section through the NSG Bislicher Insel. Large meadows (flood protection area) are filled with more or less water (depending on the season and the water level of the Rhine) and thousands of different bird species.
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Kalkar boasts a rich history. You can explore the well-preserved Historic old town of Xanten, which features old houses, a market square, and a notable cathedral. Within Kalkar itself, visit the magnificent Gothic Town Hall, built in the 15th century, and the impressive St. Nicolai Church, known for its Gothic oak carved altars. The Historic Town Mill (Mühle Kalkar) and the Kalkar Municipal Museum also offer insights into the town's past.
Yes, Kalkar is surrounded by beautiful natural areas. The Bislicher Insel Nature Reserve is a significant highlight, known for its diverse bird species and as one of Germany's last intact floodplain landscapes. Wissel Lake offers a natural swimming pool, and the Rhine Meadows provide extensive cycling and hiking routes. The Xanten North Sea and Xanten South Lake are also popular for relaxation and water activities.
The region around Kalkar is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling along the Rhine dike on the Old Rhine, Reeser Eyland, or explore the numerous routes in the Rhine Meadows. For hiking, there are trails around Wissel Lake and within the Bislicher Insel Nature Reserve. The Xanten lakes are popular for swimming, surfing, and boating. For more detailed routes, check out the Hiking around Kalkar or Road Cycling Routes around Kalkar guides.
Absolutely! A major family attraction is Wunderland Kalkar Freizeitpark (Kernie's Family Park), a unique amusement park built on the site of a former nuclear power plant. It offers over 40 attractions for all ages, including rollercoasters and a Ferris wheel. Many natural areas like Xanten South Lake and Bislicher Insel Nature Reserve are also suitable for family outings, offering space for picnics, walks, and observing wildlife.
For a scenic bike ride, the Rhine dike on the Old Rhine, Reeser Eyland offers great distant views of the Rhine and its floodplains. The Rhine Meadows also feature routes like the Lower Rhine Route and Via Romana. The areas around Xanten North Sea and Xanten South Lake are also popular for cycling loops. You can find more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Kalkar guide.
The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Kalkar, offering pleasant weather for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the lakes. During these seasons, the natural landscapes are vibrant, and attractions like Wunderland Kalkar are fully operational. The winter months can be interesting for birdwatching at Bislicher Insel Nature Reserve, as large flocks of migratory birds arrive.
Beyond its historic buildings, Kalkar has a rich artistic heritage. St. Nicolai Church is an important art site with intricate sculptures and modern stained glass. You can also find several artistic monuments by Kubach-Wilmsen, such as 'Der Fischbrunnen' and 'Brunnen Quellsteinspirale'. The Small Town of Grieth, a former Hanseatic city, features 'The Stone Boat' sculpture on the Rhine foreland, commemorating its history.
Yes, there are several easy walking paths. The areas around Wissel Lake offer gentle strolls, and the Xanten South Lake is a local recreation area with benches, perfect for leisurely walks. The Bislicher Insel Nature Reserve also has accessible paths for observing nature. For specific easy routes, refer to the Hiking around Kalkar guide, which includes options like the 'Wissel Lake – Dog Bay loop from Wissel'.
Visitors frequently praise the diverse offerings around Kalkar. Many appreciate the well-preserved historic charm of places like the Historic old town of Xanten. The natural beauty of areas like Bislicher Insel Nature Reserve and the Xanten lakes is highly rated for relaxation and outdoor activities. The unique family fun at Wunderland Kalkar is also a big draw. The komoot community has shared over 1700 photos and given more than 4000 upvotes to the region's attractions, highlighting their appeal.
Yes, the Rhine dike on the Old Rhine, Reeser Eyland offers excellent panoramic views of the Rhine and its floodplains. Within the Bislicher Insel Nature Reserve, there are various spots to observe wildlife and the expansive landscape. The shores of Xanten North Sea and Xanten South Lake also provide picturesque settings for enjoying the water and surrounding nature.
Many natural areas around Kalkar are suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash where required. The extensive Rhine Meadows and the paths around Wissel Lake are popular choices. For specific routes, the Hiking around Kalkar guide includes trails like the 'Wissel Lake – Dog Bay loop from Wissel', indicating dog-friendly options.
The Small Town of Grieth, located near Kalkar, holds historical significance as a former Hanseatic city and an important customs station. It features a charming promenade, historic lanes, and a Hanse Shop with a café. The town is also home to 'The Stone Boat' sculpture, a notable art piece situated on the Rhine foreland, commemorating Grieth's 750th anniversary.


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