Leverkusen can be explored through a range of natural and cultural sites: open green spaces, hiking trails and museums with their own distinct themes. They offer a variety of experiences, from a stroll in the park to a 62-kilometre hiking route. The cultural sites also offer different perspectives: industrial history, contemporary art and exhibitions on Leverkusen’s history.
Parks and Trails Through Green Spaces
The approximately two-hectare Carl-Duisberg-Park is designed in the style of an English landscape garden. Wide paths lead through spacious, tree-lined green areas. Wuppermannpark comprises three historic landscape gardens dating back to the 19th century. It also has a playground, outdoor fitness equipment and a boules court—different ways to spend time in the park.
The approximately 275-hectare BĂĽrgerbusch offers a different kind of landscape as a continuous woodland area. Its extensive network of trails is ideal for walking, running and hiking. The Japanese Garden adds a distinctive design feature: it was created in 1912 and covers around 15,000 square metres. Its features include colourful plants, as well as sculptures and lanterns from many parts of East Asia.
Hiking and Activities
The “Around Leverkusen” hiking route is 62 kilometres long in total and divided into ten sections. The five-kilometre Leverkusen Orchard Trail is a shorter option; it starts at NaturGut Ophoven. Bürgerbusch also has trails for hiking, running and walking.
There is also an opportunity to get active on the water: stand-up paddleboarding is permitted on Hitdorfer See. The lake is a former gravel pit measuring around 9.5 hectares and up to 18 metres deep. As local rules can change, check them before your visit.
The Wupper Estuary Ship Bridge consists of three ships connected by a footbridge. It is easily accessible on foot and by bicycle and was added to the City of Leverkusen’s heritage list in 1983. Its construction and heritage designation make it a special destination for anyone interested in architecture and history.
Museums, Art and History
The Freudenthaler Sensenhammer was once an early industrial forge and is now a museum. Its original factory rooms feature working machinery and demonstrations. The programme also includes concerts, readings, exhibitions and a varied range of educational activities. The forge’s history and cultural events are both at the heart of what the museum offers.
The Museum Morsbroich regularly exhibits works of contemporary art. The Kolonie Museum presents regularly changing exhibitions on topics related to Leverkusen’s history. The two museums thus focus on different areas: contemporary art at one, the city’s history at the other. During the annual Leverkusen Art Night, galleries, studios and museums open their doors; the programme also includes readings, music and cabaret. If you plan to attend, check the dates in advance.
The MutReiferei Children’s and Youth Museum is currently located at its temporary site at Stauffenbergstraße 17. It is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; visits from Monday to Friday are only possible for groups. Courses and events can be attended by prior registration and advance booking. As opening hours may change, check them before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Leverkusen, Mettmann, Siegen-Wittgenstein, Heinsberg, Hamm, DĂĽren, Rhein-Sieg District, Coesfeld.
Back to the main travel overview: North Rhine-Westphalia.
