Leverkusen combines industrial heritage and contemporary art with green spaces and opportunities for active days out. When planning your trip, you can focus on exhibitions, gardens, cycling and hiking trails, or destinations by the water.
Gardens and Parks in Many Forms
Neuland-Park lies directly on the Rhine and serves as both a local recreation area and an excursion destination for visitors from across the region. Its themed gardens range from the Eifel Garden and Rose Garden to the “Seasons of Life” Garden, the Feng Shui Garden and the Witches’ Garden. Open-air events are held here regularly, and the programme may vary. The park also has a 16-hole miniature golf course; if you are planning a visit specifically for this attraction, check its current operating status.
NaturGut Ophoven offers a different focus: its six-hectare site includes meadows, ponds and pools, a Climate Experience Park and the Path of the Senses. The grounds are freely accessible all year round. NaturGut Ophoven is also one of Germany’s largest environmental education centres.
Carl-Duisberg-Park is a landscaped park of around two hectares on the edge of Leverkusen, designed in the style of an English landscape garden. Its features include broad paths and spacious green areas lined with trees. The Japanese Garden was created in 1912 and covers around 15,000 square metres. It features colourful plants, sculptures and lanterns from many parts of East Asia. Leverkusen’s green spaces therefore showcase a variety of garden designs.
Museums, Art and City Landmarks
The Freudenthaler Sensenhammer was once an early industrial forge and is now a museum with original factory rooms, working machinery and demonstrations. Blacksmithing demonstrations take place there; the programme may vary. Museum Morsbroich regularly exhibits works of contemporary art. Its exhibition programme changes over time, offering a different cultural focus.
During the annual Leverkusen Art Night, galleries, studios and museums open their doors. The programme also includes readings, music and cabaret. Check the specific event dates when planning your trip.
The Bayer Cross is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest illuminated sign. In Bürrig, the 73-metre-high water tower operated by Energieversorgung Leverkusen serves as an observation platform, offering panoramic views over Leverkusen and the Neuland-Park grounds.
On Foot and on Two Wheels
Leverkusen and the surrounding area have more than 150 kilometres of signposted cycling routes. The SchiffsbrĂĽcke WuppermĂĽndung is located where the Wupper flows into the Rhine. Its three ships are connected by a footbridge, and the site is easy to reach on foot or by bicycle.
The hiking trails also vary considerably in length: the “Around Leverkusen” route is 62 kilometres long in total and divided into ten sections. The five-kilometre Leverkusen Orchard Trail starts at NaturGut Ophoven. These figures provide two different route lengths for planning, without specifying a walking time.
The climbing park on Birkenberg in Leverkusen-Opladen has four courses, including one with a 13-metre free fall. It operates seasonally; check whether it is open before visiting.
Hitdorfer See is a former gravel pit covering around 9.5 hectares and reaching depths of up to 18 metres. Stand-up paddling is permitted on the lake. As local rules may change, check them before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Hitdorf
Go to the main travel overview: Leverkusen.
