Discover Velbert through its pilgrimage heritage, culture and outdoor activities. In Neviges, a centuries-old pilgrimage tradition takes center stage, while Langenberg offers a cultural and event center as well as a landmark. There is also a viewpoint, hiking opportunities and a cycling route. When choosing where to stay, consider whether you would like to focus primarily on religious history, cultural attractions or outdoor trails.
Cultural attractions and pilgrimage history
Velbert-Neviges is a pilgrimage destination: since 1681, people have made pilgrimages to the image of the Virgin Mary known as the “Immaculate Conception,” which is now housed in Neviges Pilgrimage Cathedral. This brings together the long pilgrimage tradition and the image’s present-day home in Neviges. If religious history is your main interest, you can make Neviges a focus of your stay.
The Historic Langenberg Civic Center is now used as a cultural and event venue. The Langenberg transmitter began operating in 1927 and is now a landmark. Together, the two sites offer different cultural points of interest: the civic center is notable for its current use, while the transmitter is distinguished by the historic start of its broadcasting operations and its role as a landmark today.
Another perspective can be found at Bismarck Tower on Hordtberg, which offers views across the region. When choosing what to explore, you can include a viewpoint alongside cultural attractions and trails.
Hiking and cycling
Two different measures are useful when comparing hiking options. Five stages of the Neanderlandsteig, which is 240 kilometers long overall, pass through Velbert’s varied landscape. Officially opened in June 2023, the DeilbachSteig connects Essen, Hattingen and Velbert on a circular hike of around 33 kilometers. For the Neanderlandsteig, the focus is on the route’s total length and the five stages through Velbert; for the DeilbachSteig, it is on the circular route, its approximate length and the link between the three cities. This makes it easier to decide whether you are more interested in a route that forms part of a larger network or a named circular hike.
If you would rather explore Velbert by bike, consider the PanoramaRadweg. It offers another way to discover the city actively and complements the hiking options with a cycling perspective.
Mettmann as a distinct regional cultural highlight
Mettmann itself also offers distinctive cultural attractions. At the City History House, visitors can learn about more than a thousand years of Mettmann’s history across three floors, from the early long-distance trade route “strata coloniensis” and the construction of the royal court during the time of Charlemagne to the present day. The Mettmann Art House organizes around twelve exhibitions and visual arts events each year. These include funded and private exhibitions featuring artists from Germany and abroad; the range extends from painting and sculpture to photography, object art and video art.
The Neanderthal Museum offers a range of guided tours for adults and special tours for children’s groups. For current booking details, please check the museum’s information. The “Mettmann Evolution Trail” connects the town of Mettmann with the Neanderthal Museum, adding a named link between the town and the museum to the cultural attractions there.
Discover more destinations
Langenberg, Heiligenhaus, Haan, Ratingen, WĂĽlfrath, Mettmann, Erkrath, Langenfeld
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