Monheim am Rhein can be explored through a wide range of themes: Haus Bürgel represents Roman history, the Old Town offers historic architecture and restaurants, and nearby Urdenbacher Kämpe is a floodplain that is regularly inundated. This mix makes it easier to choose a focus for your stay. You can prioritize local history and exploring the town, or focus more on trails and landscapes; there are different ways to do both.
Roman History and the Old Town
Haus Bürgel, a former Roman fort, is located in the district of Baumberg within the Urdenbacher Kämpe nature reserve. The kitchen garden at Haus Bürgel documents how eating and dietary habits have changed over the site’s 2,000-year history. This brings together Roman history and the cultural history of food. Haus Bürgel also offers Roman-themed baking workshops for groups of children and adults. As the program may vary, check in advance which workshops are taking place during your preferred dates.
The Old Town offers a focus of its own: its well-preserved half-timbered houses from the 18th century are complemented by a diverse range of restaurants. The Schelmenturm is 26 meters high and is the last surviving part of a fortification intended to protect the freedom of Monheim. The present-day tower is also the last structural evidence of the third fortification, which probably dates from around 1423. The exhibition in the Schelmenturm is part of Monheim am Rhein’s decentralized city museum.
Exploring the Town and Art
A digital town rally offers a way to explore the town, with 14 stops over 4.5 kilometers. Participants use their smartphones; the route and number of stops give the rally a clearly defined scope. MonGuides offer classic town tours, culinary tours and tours for children, guided bike tours, as well as tours exploring the world of Monheim’s artworks. The range of tours may change, so it is advisable to check the current program before planning.
Another artistic attraction is the Monheim Geyser: this artificial installation on a roundabout was created by Swiss artist Thomas Stricker. During an eruption phase, water jets can reach up to twelve meters high. Its eruption behavior can vary. This adds a public artwork to the itinerary alongside the historic buildings.
Floodplain Landscapes and Activities
Nearby Urdenbacher Kämpe is a regularly flooded Rhine floodplain without dikes. Its landscape includes orchards, wetlands, water features and remnants of alluvial forest. Eight marked trails range from two to ten kilometers in length; along the way, there are information and audio stations as well as benches. The different trail lengths give you options when planning. Flood conditions can affect the trails, and they may be muddy after flooding. Check local conditions before your visit.
Nearby, the AuenErlebnisBegleiter offer guided walks and events for children and adults about Urdenbacher Kämpe and Haus Bürgel. The program and availability may change, so check the current offering before planning. Monheim am Rhein also has a nature trail and a skate park. Check for current information about these facilities before your arrival.
In Monheim am Rhein, you can combine activities on foot and by bike with dining in the Old Town or views of the Rhine. The Tourist Information offers go-kart and bicycle rentals; availability may change, so check what is on offer in advance. This gives you a range of options for planning your trip, from town activities and guided experiences to trails in the nearby floodplain.
Choose Accommodation Based on Your Travel Priorities
Explore more destinations: Baumberg, Mettmann, Heiligenhaus, Wülfrath, Haan, Velbert, Erkrath, Hilden.
Return to the broader travel overview: Mettmann.
