The top 10 leisure tips for the Lower Rhine

Picture: Schloss Moyland

Culture, nature and sport: the Lower Rhine offers a wide range of varied excursion destinations that will make your family holiday even more unforgettable. Here are our top 10:

Moyland Castle between Kleve and Xanten is a must-see on any visit to the Lower Rhine. It is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and its history dates back to the 14th century. The castle also houses a museum of modern art with an impressive collection of artworks, including works by Joseph Beuys. The surrounding gardens and park are ideal for walks and offer a relaxing atmosphere in which to enjoy nature. From 11 to 15 December, the popular Arts and crafts Christmas market instead.

The Kleve Zoo is an absolute must-see. It combines the character of a zoo with a landscape park, allowing visitors to stroll around in beautiful surroundings and observe exotic and native animals in a largely natural environment.

For the adventurous, the Adventure Park Xanten a great offer. With an unobstructed view of the Xantener Südsee, the high ropes course can be climbed on 33 elements in the high ropes course and 30 elements in the low ropes course. Thanks to a continuous belay system, there is no need to clamber around the entire high ropes course, making it ideal for beginners.

You can experience even more action in the Xanten Leisure Centre. Wakeboarding, diving, surfing, sailing or simply cruising across the lake in a pedalo - almost all water sports are available here. Of course, you can also just take a dip and relax in the adjacent natural outdoor pool.

Another highlight in Xanten is the LVR Archaeological Park, where visitors can discover the remains of the Roman city of Colonia Ulpia Traiana. The park offers exciting insights into the life of the Romans and impresses with reconstructed buildings and interactive exhibitions.

Not far from Xanten is the Bislicher Insel nature reserve. The floodplain landscape is known for its diverse flora and fauna, especially for the numerous bird species that breed or rest there. The island can be explored both on foot and by bike. Along the way, you will always find observation huts from which, with a bit of luck, you can marvel at many an animal inhabitant.

One destination that combines art, nature and architecture in a unique way is the Museum Island Hombroich. Thanks to the extensive grounds, the island is ideal for walks and exploratory tours. Works of art are often presented freely accessible so that children can move around freely, explore the surroundings on their own and engage with art and nature in a playful way.

Not far away, the Alpine Park Neuss even in midsummer for unadulterated winter fun. Here, skiers and snowboarders can ski on real pistes, take part in ski courses or put their skills to the test.

The journey is the destination? Then we recommend a Cycle tour through the Lower Rhine. More than 2,000 kilometres of cycle paths await you here, connected by the longest network of signposted cycle paths in the whole of Germany. You can easily explore many excursion destinations as well as natural landscapes and nature reserves by bike.

If you fancy a change of perspective, you can also experience the Lower Rhine from the water. The best way to do this is on a canoe tour on the Niers. Various providers offer tours on different sections of the Niers - by kayak, canoe or rubber dinghy.

Youth hostels on the Lower Rhine

Fancy a short holiday on the Lower Rhine? The youth hostels Xanten, Cleves and Neuss are close to many excursion destinations and look forward to your visit.