Ratingen Between Cultural History and Landscape
Accommodation in Ratingen
Ratingen combines urban history with diverse landscapes: Around 70 percent of the city’s area consists of forests, meadows, fields, lakes and rivers. Museums, historic buildings and parks add their own cultural touches. So you can choose different focuses for your trip – from art and industrial history to walks and cycle rides.
Art, Industrial History and Historic Landmarks
The Ratingen Museum houses the city’s collection of modern art as well as a cultural history exhibition about Ratingen’s history and development. Temporary special exhibitions complement the permanent displays. This brings art and urban history together as distinct ways of exploring the city.
One particularly striking landmark of industrial history is the Cromford Cotton Mill in Ratingen. It is one of Germany’s oldest surviving industrial facilities and is considered the first fully mechanised cotton mill on the European continent. At the LVR Industrial Museum Cromford Textile Factory, visitors can see 18th-century spinning technology in action and gain an insight into working life at the time.
Ratingen’s historic buildings also tell the story of its past. St. Peter and Paul Church stands on the market square and is one of the oldest surviving Gothic hall churches in the Rhineland. The moated castle Haus zum Haus is considered the most significant castle in Ratingen’s urban history. In the historic old town, the town wall and impressive towers invite visitors to explore. Poensgen Park, a listed historic site, is one of the Rhineland’s greatest cultural treasures.
Another example of designed landscapes can be found in the park of Schloss Landsberg, which has largely been restored to its original form. The park and the surrounding woodland are open to visitors.
Lakes, Parks and Trails
On the edge of the city, the Blue Lake lies in an idyllic, wooded landscape conservation area. The recreational area by the Blue Lake offers a fairytale zoo, mini golf and boat rides – a range of ways to enjoy a break by the water. In Volkardey Recreation Park, the Green Lake and the protected Silver Lake form part of a popular destination for water lovers, walkers and cyclists.
Ratingen has more than 200 kilometres of various circular hiking trails. Within Ratingen, the “Ratingen pur” and “Industriepfad & Kunstweg” discovery loops add to the trail network. An extensive, well-developed cycling network connects natural areas and sights with the city’s various districts. This makes it easy to plan hiking and cycling trips as different ways to spend active days.
Plan a Market Visit and Find Accommodation
The Ratingen After-Work Market takes place in the market square on the third Friday of each month from May to October. The offerings include numerous food trucks and drinks. If a market visit is part of your plans, check the date in advance.
Ratingen offers options for both interests. Compare accommodation based on your travel plans and the options that suit your search.
In the wider destination of Mettmann
In the wider destination of Mettmann, the Haus BĂĽrgel Biological Station manages protected areas in the City of DĂĽsseldorf and the District of Mettmann. It also offers nature excursions, talks and activities. The neanderland STEIG also runs through this wider region: This nearly 240-kilometre long-distance hiking trail circles the entire District of Mettmann in 17 stages.
Discover more destinations: WĂĽlfrath, Heiligenhaus, Mettmann, Langenfeld, Monheim am Rhein, Erkrath, Hilden, Haan.
Back to the wider travel overview: Mettmann.
