Wesel between the Rhine, history and nature

Wesel combines Rhine and cultural history with distinctive buildings and experiences by the water. The LVR Lower Rhine Museum tells a story spanning 800 years of cultural history, while Auesee, the Hohe Mark Steig and the Lippe ferry offer different highlights. Those who want to combine culture and activity during their stay can choose between a museum visit, the city’s history, a hike and a special river crossing.

The Rhine as a common thread through cultural history

The LVR Lower Rhine Museum Wesel puts the Rhine at the heart of its story as a channel for ideas and goods, weaving 800 years of cultural history into a fascinating narrative. The historic citadel provides the setting: history is brought to life here, and interactive displays invite visitors to try things out. A museum visit therefore brings together a broad sweep of history and opportunities to explore for yourself.

Architectural history and the Hanseatic League in Wesel

The Berliner Tor in Wesel, which still stands today, combines elements of Baroque palace architecture with royal triumphal arches. Another chapter in the city’s history can be found at the Großer Markt: the Gothic town hall was built in the mid-15th century, destroyed during the Second World War and rebuilt in 2011, with its façade reconstructed by a citizens’ foundation.

Wesel’s Hanseatic history also comes to life at a recurring event. Every year, on the last weekend in October, one of Germany’s largest historical festivals devoted to the Hanseatic League takes place here. Between 25 and 30 Hanseatic cities take part, dressed in medieval costumes. If you are planning to visit specifically for this occasion, check the dates and the detailed programme for your travel year.

Auesee, hiking and crossing the Lippe

Auesee in Wesel is a popular destination for day trips and local recreation, attracting water sports enthusiasts, people seeking relaxation and swimmers from near and far. There is also a trail access point for hikers at the lake, where they can enjoy the floodplain landscape. The same destination therefore offers a choice of different ways to spend your stay: water activities or access to a hiking route.

The “Quertreiber” self-service ferry for pedestrians and cyclists offers a special way to cross the river. Up to six people, including their bicycles, can pull themselves across the Lippe using their own strength. The ferry connects, among other routes, the Roman Lippe Route and the Rhine-Lippe Trail. Check the ferry’s current operating hours before setting out.

Getting to the museum and choosing a location

The LVR Lower Rhine Museum is about a 15-minute walk or a 3-minute bike ride from Wesel station. Bus routes SB6, 37, 66, 67 and 68 stop at the LVR Lower Rhine Museum stop at Wesel bus station. Check current bus connections before setting off.

When choosing a location for your accommodation, it helps to consider what you plan to focus on: a stay centred on the museum and city history calls for different destinations than days at Auesee or on hiking and cycling routes. First decide which of these experiences you want to prioritise, then compare locations in relation to the places you have chosen to visit.

More places to discover in the Wesel district

The Wesel district also has destinations outside the city of Wesel, such as Xanten. The LVR Archaeological Park Xanten, Germany’s largest archaeological open-air museum, is located on the site of the Roman city of Colonia Ulpia Traiana. The LVR Roman Museum displays numerous original finds from the Roman city and the two legionary camps. They tell the story of the city’s origins, heyday and decline. A tour takes visitors through the Roman centuries in a spectacular building. Demonstrations, festivals and activities to watch and take part in are held there regularly; specific dates and offerings may vary.

Xanten is also home to Bislicher Insel, one of the last near-natural floodplain landscapes on the Lower Rhine. Large areas are protected. In winter, the area is a habitat for several thousand Arctic geese, especially greater white-fronted geese and barnacle geese. Three observation huts along the trail offer views over the water; with a little luck, visitors can spot numerous bird species. The winter goose season and the chance to see other birds make the island a special destination in the district for nature enthusiasts.

In Hünxe, the grounds of Haus Esselt include a park with the Issel river and a woodland. At the house, you can follow a Biparcours featuring activities and quiz questions, turning a walk into an experience for the whole family. The landscape and opportunities to explore together add to the cultural and historical attractions of the wider Wesel travel destination.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Moers, Hamminkeln, Hünxe, Dinslaken, Xanten, Neukirchen-Vluyn, Alpen, Schermbeck

Back to the main travel overview: Wesel.