Historic Sites in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany 2023

Most reviewed Historic Sites in North Rhine-Westphalia

4.5 Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen (1.454 reviews)
- A must see - with a guide
Historic Sites

UNESCO site with plenty for everyone. Be sure to take a guided tour and then wander at your leisure. Plenty for kids, a park, soccer golf and spots for food and drink. There are many options for tours and I recommend taking more than one in order to get a better understanding of why the mine is being preserved. See more..
4.0 Beethoven-Haus Bonn (1.138 reviews)
- Nice attraction and cultural experience
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

This Place Is Temporarily Closed. See more..
4.5 City Hall Aachen (1.007 reviews)
- Impressive
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

We spent a day in Aachen, and we were grateful that so many things to see were near each other, including the city hall building. The many historical rooms are beautiful and well maintained. From a number of windows, one can look across the town square to see the beautiful cathedral. City hall was extra special to see during Christmastime, with extra lighting and a large Christmas tree. See more..
4.5 Schloss Benrath (733 reviews)
- A Gem !
Friday: Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Natural History Museums • Castles

This has been my old school, so I am slightly biased..but when I visited it again, after over 40 years, none of the charm has been lost. The Schloss itself charges an entry fee, but the gardens can be visited for free and are probably just as important as the inside of the building itself. If you are looking to get a feel for the real Germany, you really kust visit the palace..and Benrath. See more..
4.5 Schloss Augustusburg (612 reviews)
- Great tour! If you’re in Cologne/the area, definitely go
Friday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Great palace, photos were allowed, but access is ONLY AVAILABLE by tour (you must stick to the group, and each door will be locked behind you). Our tour guide was very friendly and enthusiastic, and he conversed with guests a lot, both in German and English :) 10/10 tour guide. Can be confusing if you don’t speak German and have to use the audio guide, since sometimes it is hard to find/see the number needed. Was a fairly short tour in my opinion, but none the less worth while! The rooms are very ornately decorated even though there isn’t much furniture there (most of the furniture present, I believe, is not original) Would recommend going. The gardens area was also free with no restricted access, and also very nice. I did not visit the hunting lodge, because it is more than a 2km walk from this palace. See more..
4.5 Muenster Cathedral (St. Paulus Dom) (539 reviews)
- Majestic
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Religious Sites

Münster Cathedral is one of those churches that is both overwhelming and soothing. Sit down in the cavernous space and take in the heritage atmosphere. For this church, however built in the 13th century, is already the third "edition" of the most important Catholic church in Münster. The first church on this spot was built in the 9th century. Münster Cathedral is one of the most important buildings of the historic center of Münster. Entrance is free and the place isn't overrun by tourist groups, surely not in January. See more..
4.5 Historisches Rathaus Münster (338 reviews)
- A must in town
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

This 12th-century building is where the Westphalian Peace Treaty was ratified. See more..
4.0 Ordensburg Vogelsang (214 reviews)
- One of the largest architectural relics of National Socialism.
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Military Bases & Facilities

The former National Socialist “Ordensburg” in the middle of the Eifel National Park Centre is with 100 hectare one of the largest constructions of National Socialism. The stated purpose was to train young men to become leading officials in the National Socialist German Workers’ Party. Many of them were involved in the German crimes in eastern Europe. Through its military use as “Camp Vogelsang” after World War II, the site also reflects the evolution from the “Cold War” to the Europe of today. A new site has been developing here since 2006: Vogelsang IP as an “International Place” for tolerance, diversity and peaceful coexistence. Since September 2016 there are two new central exhibitions: in the west wing, the permanent National Socialist documentation “Destiny: Master Race. National Socialist Ordensburg between fascination and crime”; in the east wing, the adventure exhibition “Wilderness Dreams” of the Eifel National Park Centre. See more..
4.0 Poppelsdorf Palace (123 reviews)
- An amazing day trip
Historic Sites • Gardens

The botanical garden of Bonn is one of my favorite places to visit over and over. With its wide selection of plants, it’s a one of a kind botanical garden. It’s not so big, which makes it good for me, so I can go around easily in one day, not worrying about missing out parts of it! I love the cute animals which also live in the garden. There is also a nice Cafeteria which you can enjoy a cup of coffee or even a meal after visiting the garden! It’s beautiful in it’s own way in each season. See more..
4.0 Reinoldikirche (92 reviews)
- One to visit if you like old buildings!
Historic Sites • Religious Sites

I visited the Renoilikirche last week and throughly enjoyed it. The work that has gone into restoring this building to its pre-war splendour must have been immense. Although the stained glass windows are now modern they fit so beautifully into the building that it doesn't actually dawn on you that they are from a different era until you look closely. See more..
4.5 Kloster Kamp (81 reviews)
- Visit if you are in the area
Historic Sites

Lovely location but not too much to see. The church was simple but the grounds around were beautiful. See more..
4.5 Friedenssaal - Peace Hall (74 reviews)
- Worth a visit!
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Very important historical things happened here. Well displayed and easy to access. Also close to good German food. See more..
4.5 LWL-Industriemuseum Zeche Nachtigall (66 reviews)
- Mine and tile museum
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

People began chipping out the first lumps of “black gold” from the hillsides of the Ruhrgebiet around 300 years ago. The Nightingale Colliery will take you back to the time when miners could walk straight inside the galleries to get at the coal; and later sunk the first shafts below ground. Equipped with a helmet and pit lamp visitors can take a walk down the narrow gangway of our mining gallery to a genuine coal streak and experience the unique atmosphere of early mining. One of the oldest hauling engines in the region can be seen in operation in the engine house. See more..
4.0 Rathaus Duisburg (64 reviews)
- Centrum, Altstadt, Duisburg
Historic Sites • Government Buildings

Fine fountain to Mercator; lovely ensemble of buildings; worth seeing and spending some time absorbing the atmosphere See more..
4.0 Himmelstreppe (48 reviews)
- Nice view
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

The "meschedes staircase to heaven" connects the city and the henne-lake. It is 50 meters high and you have to climb 328 steps to reach the dam. In the evening it is beautifully illuminated. On top of the stairs there is a nice viewpoint and a nice walk to the ship. See more..
4.5 Historisches Rathaus (46 reviews)
- Family
Historic Sites

Beautiful old building during the spring summer and autumn there was an ice cream parlour excellent coffee and great ice cream See more..
4.5 Wasserburg Anholt (42 reviews)
- The closest you will get to such amazing pieces of history
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Castles • Parks • Gardens

The imposing, privately inhabited moated castle Anholt is something very special. It offers exceptional art enjoyment and invites you to relax in the picturesque baroque gardens and the english style landscape park. Dear Visitors! The park and gardens of Castle Anholt are in 2022 open daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (last admission). Guided tours on the Beletage of the main castle incl. medieval kitchen and tower (castle keep) are available daily. Please check for times and tickets the onlineshop on our website. The currently valid hygiene protection regulations to contain the pandemic apply accordingly and must be observed and adhered to on site in order to enable a safe visit for everyone. See more..
4.5 Feste Zons (40 reviews)
- A breathtaking time travel
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Zons was one of the highlights of my visit to Germany, not only for its beauty but also because I felt like I was seeing the life of the natives, not just the tourists. It's a beautiful small village from the 13th century, with preserved architecture and style, as well as a very cool old windmill on the big wall that surrounds it. I went on a sunday and saw many people from nearby cities riding their bikes and relaxing by the river, enjoying the day and the beauty of it. It's an easy train and bus ride either from Cologne or Dusseldorf, and it's totally worth visiting! See more..
5.0 LVR Industriemuseum Gesenkschmiede Hendrichs (38 reviews)
- Feels like the workers have just left
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

A "workshop for the world" - that was the city of Solingen with its cutlery production at the end of the 19th century. Even today, in the Hendrichs drop forge of the LVR Industrial Museum in Solingen, you can experience how the red-hot slit pieces are forged into scissor blanks under a loud roar, how it bangs and hisses. You will learn exciting facts about the history of the famous Solingen cutlery industry. See more..
4.5 Schachtschleuse Minden (36 reviews)
- The biggest in Europe, apparently
Historic Sites

The locks at Minden link the Mittellandcanal with the river Weser and a wharf complex.There is an old lock dating back to the late 19th century and a new , huge, one that opened last year. Both are interesting feats of engineering and can be viewed either from land or from a boat trip. The boats/ships have food and drink available and there is a kiosk type place on the canal bank too.Interesting visit and good value See more..
4.5 Kanzlerbungalow (33 reviews)
- Must See in Bonn
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

This is a must see in Bonn. Very impressive by the architecture and interior design! You have to search for tours and make a reservation. See more..
4.5 Burg Hardenstein (31 reviews)
- Great location for a ruin
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Castles

On my walking tour along Mullental, I met this nice ruin. Great to see. No special events, but just a ruin. See more..
4.5 World Conference Center Bonn (31 reviews)
- A piece of History, a must visit if you are in Bonn
Friday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Government Buildings

The World Conference Center Bonn encompasses the new Main Building together with the Plenary Building. The combination of modern architecture and first-class facilities enables events of every sort to be held for up to 5,000 people. The World Conference Center Bonn is located in the middle of Bonn's former government quarter, in the immediate vicinity of the United Nations Campus, Deutsche Post DHL, the international media broadcaster Deutsche Welle, international organisations, and next to the river Rhine. See more..
4.0 Schloss Berleburg (30 reviews)
- Lovely castle to visit!
Historic Sites • Castles

This is a lovely castle to visit. It's only possible to see it with a guided tour, so check the scheduled times beforehand! Most of the rooms you get to visit are still being used for parties or when the royal family have guests so it does give an authentic look behind the scenes. Our guide was informative, funny and gave her tour with enthousiasm. This castle is from the Danish royal family but the Dutch royal family have history here as well. It's a palace where Beatrix and Claus came to meet up in secret before their engagement / marriage. The garden around the castle is lovely as well. All in all, a great place to see and to experience! See more..
4.0 Danzturm (30 reviews)
- Beautiful Views over Iserlohn
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

A lovely bar/restaurant at the top of the hill. Overlooking Iserlohn, lovely venue for a drink on the terrace. See more..
4.5 LVR-Industriemuseum Textile Factory Cromford (27 reviews)
- Amazing welcome and detailed demonstration of cotton production
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

Situated directly on the river Anger and embedded in an old English landscape park is one of the oldest preserved industrial plants in Germany: the Cromford cotton spinning mill in Ratingen. Founded in 1783/84 by the Wuppertal businessman and entrepreneur Johann Gottfried Brügelmann, it is today considered the first fully mechanical cotton spinning mill on the European continent. The early industrial plant from the late 18th century has been almost completely preserved: the five-story "Hohe Fabrik" and the late baroque Cromford Manor - today both buildings of the LVR Industrial Museum, the "Alte Fabrik", the simple workers' apartments, the office and the wheelhouse, which once housed the water wheel. See more..
4.5 Burg Desenberg (26 reviews)
- A must see attraction in Warburg, Germany.
Historic Sites

The ruins are located on the top of a old, really ancient vulcan, that looks more like a little mountain. From the top one can enjoy a 360 degree view of the Burg that once was domain of only one family. A good tip? Pic nic over there! See more..
4.0 Schloss Steinfurt (25 reviews)
- lovely walk around the gardens
Historic Sites • Castles

Lovely grounds & well worth a visit.The house can be visited & is quite interesting.You can have a guided tour with headphones in your preferred language. See more..
4.5 Halde Rheinelbe (22 reviews)
- Interesting
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Set in probably the nicest outside space in the area. Good walking trails in woodlands lead you to this interesting installation. Great views from the top, shame about the graffiti however. See more..
4.5 Stiftung Kloster Dalheim - LWL-Landesmuseum fur Klosterkultur (18 reviews)
- Worth to pay a visit if you are in the neighborhood
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Located in the 550-year-old former Monastery of Dalheim, the LWL-State Museum of monastery culture is also characterized by more than 3.000 sqm of modern exhibition space. The permanent exhibition illustrates 1.700 years of European monastery culture. The historical cloister has been remodelled by modern means and enables the visitor to explore the every-day-life of a (medieval) monastery. The ample monastery garden provides a special area of calmness and inspiration. With brewery and hostelry. See more..
4.5 SinnesWald (16 reviews)
- Überraschend schön
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Schöne Abwechslung auf einer Runde um die Talsperre. Sehenswert nett gemacht, gepflegt und entspannt in die Landschaft eingebettet. See more..
5.0 St. Nicolai Kirche (16 reviews)
- Great place to visit
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The church is amazing. Mostly original from the middle ages, including the art work, since it got mostly spared in the war. Entry is free, but a small donation is encouraged. They have volunteer guides in the church and brochures in multiple languages. Highly recommended. See more..
4.0 Kriegsgraeberstaette Donsbrueggen (16 reviews)
- Let we forget
Historic Sites • Cemeteries

Cant help but be challeneged by the sight of the graves of twelve and therteen year boys old Anton and Otto Baston, worth searching out, See more..
4.5 Jagd-Schloss und Burg Linn, in Krefeld. (16 reviews)
- Ongekende parel
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites

Mooi waterslot dat volledig gerestaureerd is. De opstelling van de permanente collectie wordt geactualiseerd.

Aansluitend museum met romeinse en middeleeuwse voorwerpen is fantastisch! Ontelbare onbeschadigde voorwerpen van zeer hoogstaande kwaliteit. Ondanks talrijke bezoeken aan gelijkaardige musea, zagen we nooit zo een indrukwekkende collectie samen! Een absolute aanrader. See more..
5.0 RevuePalast Ruhr (15 reviews)
- Einfach nur empfehlenswert!
Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Mines
Einzigartiges Ambiente....tolle und ambitionierte Show....Bedienung prima. Tatsächlich erstklassige Unterhaltung zum kleinen Preis! See more..
4.0 Schloss Cappenberg (14 reviews)
- A pleasant area with fine walks on fine day.
Historic Sites

Auf einem Höhenrücken nördlich der Stadt Lünen liegt das Schloss Cappenberg. Das ehemals bedeutende Prämonstratenserkloster wurde nach der Säkularisation zum Altersruhesitz des bekannten preußischen Verwaltungsreformers Freiherr Karl vom und zum Stein. Seinen Nachkommen, der Familie von Kanitz, gehört es noch heute. Rund um Cappenbergzieht sich der Cappenberger Wald. Er markiert den Übergang vom Rihrgebiet in das Münsterland.Gesonderte Erwähnung finden sollte diew alte Stiftskirche 1122 erbaut. Eine der schönsten und ältesten romanischen Kirchen in Deutschland. See more..
4.0 Burgruine Windeck (14 reviews)
- A nature walk up to Burg Windeck(Sieg) in winter...
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Castles

Visited Schladern-Sieg in late Nov 2015, we hiked to the castle ruins of Windeck on a rainy cold winters' day. Not the best time for a hike but the trail and sights were still beautiful and tranquil. The views would have been better during sunset as seen in wikipedia etc. See more..
4.5 The Adam-and-Eve-House (14 reviews)
- Beautiful, restored house
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings • Lookouts

Beautifully restored house in a quite part of town. Easy walking distance from the shopping centre. Well worth a visit See more..
4.0 Abdinghofkirche (13 reviews)
- Beautiful view
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

Its self adds a lot of beauty to the city. From front of this place, you could see the towers of Cathedral and other churches. Very beautiful. See more..
4.0 Liebfrauen- oder Überwasserkirche (13 reviews)
- medieval meets modern
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

I have lived next to this church for over 15 years. I hear its bells regularly. It was originally built in 1300 and was badly destroyed in the Second World War. For this reason, when you walk into the church, you immediately realize that you are confronted with a church that is originally classic Gothic which has undergone many historical changes. I recommend this church not as a monument of Gothic art (though it is), but as a monument to how medieval meets modern after the catastrophe of the Second World War. Next to this church is the stunning ultra-modern "Bishop's Library" or rather "Diözesanbibliothek" which is also worth a quick visit (the interior is absolutely stunning) - and this ultra-modern edifice answers the question: what sort of building do you erect next to an historical church from the year 1300? The interior of the church is very serene. It is also the church where the bishop of Münster, later cardinal, Von Galen delivered one of his sermons denouncing the Nazis' policy of gassing the mentally retarded. He was the only bishop in Germany during the Nazi period to raise his voice in protest. So, if you visit the church, pause for a minute and think back to 1941. There were Gestapo spies in the congregation of course when Bishop von Galen delivered his denunciation (later reprinted by the British and distributed as flyers from airplanes over Germany as evidence of the Catholic resistance to Hitler). Some of the listeners didn't know how to react. Some left, most stayed. Maybe it's worth lighting a candle here before you leave. See more..
4.5 Kloster Knechtsteden (12 reviews)
- Beautiful place
Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Very scenic. Nice place to start a walk in the woods nearby. Can be crowded on weekends, perfect during the week though. See more..
3.5 Siegfried Line - Dragon's Teeth (11 reviews)
- Wonderful and eerie remains of the Siegfried Line Dragon's Teeth
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Along the side of the gravel road on the edge of a field are the remains of dragon's teeth barriers of the Siegfried Line. We stopped here while touring the northern edge Battle of the Bulge region. The remaining dragon's teeth, and there are a lot, really bring history to life. Additionally, just as you pull off the main road there are stone markers and a sign noting that this is the place where the German 277th Volsgrenadier Division attacked the 393rd Infantry Regiment of the 99th U.S. Infantry Division in the opening phase of the Battle of the Bulge. A must see stop for those visiting Bulge sites. See more..
4.5 ehemalige Abtei Altenberg (11 reviews)
- Ruhig und erhaben
Historic Sites

Ruhig und erhaben liegt der Altenberger Dom in der Landschaft. Besondes schön ist die Madonna über dem Altar, die von beiden Seiten ihr Gesicht zeigt. Ganz ruhig und schön kann man den Dom besichtigen. Kaum Schmuck an den Wänden überzeugte uns das Bauwerk durch seine Bescheidenheit. Sehr schön ist auch der Dombuchladen nebenan mit vielen interessanten Büchern und Dekoartikeln.
Ruhig und erhaben liegt der Altenberger Dom in der Landschaft. Besondes schön ist die Madonna über dem Altar, die von beiden Seiten ihr Gesicht zeigt. Ganz ruhig und schön kann man den Dom besichtigen. Kaum Schmuck an den Wänden überzeugte uns das Bauwerk durch seine Bescheidenheit. Sehr schön ist auch der Dombuchladen nebenan mit vielen interessanten Büchern und Dekoartikeln. See more..
4.5 Haus Troistorff (11 reviews)
- Haus Troistorff - well worth having a look at...
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Truly a very beautiful example of distinctive up-scale local 18th century architecture. We found it very interesting the fact that a half-timbered house house was plastered and decorated! Right now this building is used for special events. You cannot miss it walking through Monschau. See more..
4.0 Ravensberger Spinnerei (11 reviews)
- Sommerprogramm 2020
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Jetzt gibt es das Sommerprogramm vom Kulturamt Bielefeld auf einer großen Bühne im Raspi Forum. Viel Musik am Wochenende und Sonntags ein Kinderprogramm. Alles Online buchbar. Erstklassig und außergewöhnlich..... See more..
4.0 Altes Rathaus (10 reviews)
- PRE-LUNCH DRINKS IN HISTORIC ROOM
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

The International club of Werne held a formal pre-lunch drinks event in the second floor hall dominated by the old huge fireplace. Following speeches from the four visiting Twin towns, we were entertained with a brother and sister duet performing a beautiful Polish song. See more..
4.0 Burgruine Eibach (10 reviews)
- Eibach Castle
Historic Sites

Very nice and cozy place, beautiful nature and peaceful atmosphere. Nothing else around except the castle. See more..
4.0 Moerser Altstadt (10 reviews)
- Love coming here for a stroll/coffee
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings

We love coming here for a stroll through the old town and its nearby castle/castle gardens. While there might be more scenic towns around, Moers is great for shopping and sight seeing when in the area. See more..
4.5 Synagogenplatz (10 reviews)
- Moving commorotive monument
Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues

The synagogue in Dutch classicism style was the culmination of a long Jewish history in Kleve and had a very expensive and precious Interior. When on Kristallnacht the synagogue was destroyed an end was made of the Jewish community in Kleve. After the end of WW II the plot of this former synagogue lay bare so at this location a square was created, asphalted and used as a parking lot. Around 2000 the city responsible got the idea to establish a permanent memorial at this square. In this design the bricks mark the former entrance hall, as well as the prayer room. Of the approximately 150 Jewish members about 100 people escaped the Nazism horror, the remaining 50 laggards who stayed foot were ultimately murdered (their names as well as place and date of death are attached on small plaques). See more..
4.0 Der Alte Markt (10 reviews)
- Archäologische Zone - Alter Markt
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites

Archäologische Zone - Alter Markt – ist ein Leitungsgraben wurden im Sommer 1980 eine Fülle von Schichten und Funden aus römische Zeit entdeckt. See more..

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