Krefeld has a long tradition of textile manufacturing and is known as the “City of Silk.” But the city’s appeal extends beyond its textile past: Krefeld Zoo, the Botanical Garden and the Krefeld Environmental Center each offer a distinct perspective. When choosing what to explore, consider whether you are more interested in textile history, animal watching, plant diversity or different natural environments.
Discover Textile History and Culture
The House of Silk Culture is an industrial heritage site with a rich history. It preserves an original Jacquard hand-weaving room with eight historic looms from the 19th century. The room and looms give textile history a tangible connection. The house also offers guided tours, workshops and special exhibitions for all age groups. As program details may change, check which activities are currently scheduled before your visit.
The German Textile Museum Krefeld presents changing exhibitions, including the contemporary textile art series “Asia Europe – Fiber Art.” Unlike the preserved Jacquard hand-weaving room, the museum also focuses on changing exhibition themes and contemporary textile art. If you are interested in a particular exhibition, check in advance what is currently on display.
Museum Burg Linn offers another cultural perspective: it comprises an Archaeological Museum, a medieval castle and a Baroque hunting lodge. These three elements bring together different historical themes and architectural styles. Burg Linn thus complements the textile perspective with archaeology and medieval and Baroque history.
Zoo, Botanical Garden and Environmental Center
Krefeld Zoo covers 14 hectares and is the largest zoo on the Lower Rhine. At GorillaGarden, you can observe the largest living primates in a spacious open-air enclosure. A visit combines a large zoo with a particular focus on gorillas and other great apes. To get there, take tram lines 042 or 043 from Krefeld Central Station; from Uerdingen station, take line 043 to the Grotenburg/Zoo stop. As transport connections may change, check locally before travelling.
The 3.6-hectare Krefeld Botanical Garden is located on the edge of Schönwasserpark in the Oppum district. It is home to around 5,000 plant species from around the world. Its 2026 events program includes guided tours, workshops, concerts, plant markets and exhibitions. If you would like to plan your visit around an event, check the specific dates and availability of activities in advance.
The grounds of the Krefeld Environmental Center are generally open to everyone. On-site areas include a kitchen garden, orchards, a grain plot, beehives, a natural pond and woodland. The center also offers age-appropriate programs for school classes and kindergarten groups. In addition to animal and plant attractions, the different landscape features and group programs provide further topics to explore on a visit to Krefeld.
Discover more destinations: Krefeld, Bockum, Oberbergischer Kreis, Lippe, Viersen, Unna, DĂĽren, DĂĽsseldorf.
Go to the main travel overview: North Rhine-Westphalia.
