Culture, nature, sport : The top events in the Rhineland I

Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park, Photographer: Achim Winkler

The year 2025 holds a multitude of exciting experiences in store in the Rhineland - from fascinating exhibitions by renowned artists to breathtaking natural spectacles and sporting highlights that invite you to both participate and marvel. We have put together the best events of the first half of the year for you, promising an unforgettable short trip. And the best thing is: no matter where you are in the Rhineland, one of the 32 youth hostels is always nearby. All the hostels are looking forward to welcoming you as guests. For families, some hostels even offer Attractive special offers. Young travellers between the ages of 16 and 26 also benefit from our Citytrip4friends offer: In the City-Hostels Cologne-Riehl, Düsseldorf and Bonn you can book a four-bed room including breakfast for two nights for just 244.00 euros - and at a fixed price.

February 2025

Carnival in the Rhineland: 27.02.-04.03.2025

Carnival is the fifth season in the Rhineland. Especially in the strongholds of Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn, the celebrations are once again exuberant. But even those who like it quieter will find colourful carnival parades in the Rhineland that are well worth a visit. If you want to know where you can watch the colourful hustle and bustle in a relaxed way, even with small children, we recommend this Blog post.

Ewald Mataré in Kleve

Ewald Mataré, one of the most important Rhineland artists of the 20th century, is being honoured with a special exhibition at Museum Kurhaus Kleve. Art lovers can still until 9 March 2025 immerse yourself in the world of this extraordinary sculptor and experience his works. More

Titanic exhibition in Cologne

From the 7 February 2025 the exhibition „Titanic: An immersive journey“ opens its doors in Cologne and takes visitors on an impressive journey through time. Equipped with a personalised boarding pass, guests become passengers themselves and experience the legendary fate of the most famous passenger ship in history up close. Real historical artefacts, faithful replicas and interactive worlds of experience bring the atmosphere on board to life and take you right up to the dramatic last night of the Titanic. An absolute must for all history buffs and film fans! More

March 2025

Marc Chagall at the K20 of the Kunstsammlung Düsseldorf

Marc Chagall, one of the most famous painters of the 20th century, is from the 15 March to 10 August 2025 with a major retrospective at the Kunstsammlung Düsseldorf. Experience his unique works full of colour, poetry and profound symbolism - a real highlight for art lovers! More

Marvel exhibition in Cologne

Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Panther - for comic and superhero fans, the exhibition „Marvel: The Exhibition - Universe of Super Heroes“, which opens at the 7 March 2025 at the Odysseum in Cologne is an absolute highlight. The history of the Marvel universe is told in a fascinating way - from the first drawings to modern blockbusters. In addition to original costumes and authentic film props, you can also expect life-size figures for unforgettable selfies. An exciting adventure for young and old! More

April 2025

„21×21. The RuhrKunstMuseen on the hill“, Essen

The „21×21“ exhibition at Villa Hügel in Essen offers a unique look at modern and contemporary art. 21 young artists* present there from 11 April to 27 July 2025 their works and create a dialogue between art history and current topics. Ideal for anyone interested in modern art and new perspectives. More

Cherry blossom in Bonn

The cherry blossom in Bonn is a breathtaking natural spectacle every year. The pink and white blossoms transform the old city centre and the districts of Beuel and Bad Godesberg into a true paradise. The ideal moment to stroll through Bonn's parks and enjoy the spring air. As the cherry blossom is heavily dependent on the weather in April and the preceding winter, it is difficult to predict the exact time of blossoming. The peak of the blossom season in Bonn usually falls in mid-April and lasts a maximum of ten to fourteen days. You can find more information on this Blog.

Daffodil blossom in the Eifel

Not only Bonn, but also the Eifel region shines in beautiful blooms in spring. Depending on the weather and the onset of spring, six million yellow wild daffodils spread out into a huge carpet from the end of March to the beginning of April. The Oleftal valley near Hellenthal and the Perlenbach and Fuhrtsbachtal valleys near Monschau-Höfen are particularly beautiful. The best way to experience this natural spectacle is on a guided hike. These are offered from the end of March to the beginning of May. More

Mammoth march Duisburg

One of the toughest hikes of the year! The mammoth march in Duisburg challenges participants to cover a distance of 30, 42 or 55 kilometres on foot. Along the way, you will pass huge industrial landscapes, old brownfield sites and industrial monuments that make the Ruhr region so unique. The finish line for all distances is the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park, where participants can expect cheers, applause and a big party. Just the thing for anyone who wants to test their limits! More

May 2024

The Bergisch 50

It will also be sporty in May: the „Bergische 50“ is the sporting event in the Bergisches Land region and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year on 10 May 2025. On a 12-hour, 50-kilometre adventure hike, you can really work off your energy and experience the diverse nature of the Bergisches Land region at the same time. If that's too long for you, you can take part in the shorter „Bergische 25“ on 11 May. It starts on both days at the market square in Wipperfürth. More

RhineRuhrMarathon

Runners from all over the world will gather on 18 May 2025 for the RheinRuhrMarathon, which runs through the beautiful Ruhr region. An opportunity for amateur and professional runners alike to take on the challenge and experience the region from a new perspective. More

Japan Day in Düsseldorf

Every year, Japan Day in Düsseldorf celebrates Japanese culture with a colourful programme of traditional and modern music, dance and culinary delights. This year, Japan Day will take place on 24 May 2025. The highlight is the famous Japanese fireworks display in the evening. A cultural highlight for everyone who loves Japan or is curious about the country. More

June 2025

Dreamtime Festival

A true paradise for music fans! Against the impressive backdrop of the former steelworks in Duisburg's Landschaftspark, the Traumzeit Festival offers an extraordinary music programme with artists from all over the world from 20 to 22 June 2025. Whether pop, indie rock, hip hop or electronic music - there's something for every musical taste. More

CHIO Aachen

The CHIO Aachen is the highlight for equestrian sport fans. From 27 June to 6 July 2025, the best riders and horses in the world will compete in disciplines such as show jumping, dressage and eventing at this international equestrian event. An event that equestrian sports enthusiasts should not miss. More

Extra shift

On 28 June, „Extraschicht“ will once again transform the Ruhr region into a huge cultural and art mile. Numerous industrial sites, museums and galleries open their doors for the night and offer a varied programme with live music and DJs, light installations, fire and drone shows, comedy and guided tours to otherwise inaccessible places. More

XLETIX Kids Duisburg

The XLETIX Kids Run Duisburg on 29 June 2025 is an obstacle run especially for children between the ages of 5 and 15. Here, the little ones can test their strength and master an exciting course together with other kids. In the Duisburg sports park, the course runs along the water, through woodland and park areas. Of course, there will be plenty of mud along the way. More