Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Remscheid, Germany

Within the hilly and forested region of Bergisches Land in North Rhine-Westphalia, Remscheid is a city that encompasses various smaller towns. The sickle depicted on Remscheid’s coat of arms signifies its historical livelihood.

Famed for its numerous forges, Remscheid emerged as a center for tool manufacturing, establishing extensive trade connections that extended well beyond Germany. Notably, Wilhelm Röntgen, the scientist credited with the discovery of X-rays in 1895, was born in Remscheid; a museum dedicated to him commemorates his groundbreaking achievement.

Moreover, the 1890s witnessed two significant undertakings that marked the city’s progress: the Müngsten Bridge, which stands as Germany’s highest railway bridge, and the region’s first dam dedicated to drinking water supply.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Remscheid:

1. Müngsten Bridge

Soaring 107 meters above the Wupper River, situated on the boundary between Remscheid and Solingen, the steel structure of Müngsten Bridge is the tallest railway bridge in Germany.

This impressive 465-meter length was constructed from 1893 to 1897, featuring a primary arch that spans 170 meters.

For those wishing to traverse this architectural marvel, it is integrated into the Wuppertal-Oberbarmen–Solingen Railway, serviced by the Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn Line 7. A popular piece of folklore surrounding the Müngsten Bridge suggests that Kaiser Wilhelm II declined to attend the opening ceremony because it bore his father’s name, Wilhelm I, rather than his own.

2. Müngstener Brückenpark

The optimal location to appreciate the Müngsten Bridge from below is within Müngstener Brückenpark, a recreational area established approximately ten years ago as part of an employment initiative across the region.

The picturesque valley beneath the bridge boasts stunning cliffs, lush woodlands, and meadows populated with wildflowers.

Within the park’s visitor center, a restaurant offers traditional Bergisch cuisine, alongside amenities such as a mini-golf course and a man-powered ferry on rails.

The unique Schwebefähre ferry crosses the Wupper River slightly south of the Müngsten Bridge; its operation resembles that of an old railway handcar, allowing passengers the opportunity to assist the ferryman in reaching the opposite bank.

3. Deutsches Röntgen-Museum

Wilhelm Röntgen, who first identified X-rays, was born in Lennep, a neighborhood of Remscheid.

In recognition of his contributions, he received the inaugural Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901, awarded for the discovery he made in 1895. Nearby his birthplace, a museum dedicated to Röntgen is housed within a distinguished building on the Gansemarkt.

The museum features newly designed galleries that explore Röntgen’s background and showcase technical apparatus dating over a century.

In addition to contemporary X-ray machines, visitors can observe an accurate replica of the experimental setup Röntgen used to achieve his discovery.

One noteworthy exhibit is the “Glass Woman,” part of a pioneering series of anatomical models crafted by the German Hygiene Museum, illustrating the circulatory system, nervous system, and organs with remarkable clarity.

4. Schloss Burg

Situated in Solingen, merely 10 minutes by vehicle from the heart of Remscheid, this medieval marvel is worth exploring.

Its proximity provides ample reason to discover the ancestral estate of the Counts and Dukes of Berg.

Perched within a wooded setting, 100 meters above the Wupper River, the castle exerted its greatest influence during the High Middle Ages, prior to Düsseldorf becoming the capital of the Duchy of Berg in 1380. Following extensive damage during the Thirty Years’ War, the castle remained in ruined condition until its careful restoration in the early 20th century.

The site is now a museum dedicated to Bergisches Land, featuring engaging exhibits such as a historical apothecary and an armory.

It is advisable to check for schedule updates before a summer visit, particularly to witness the castle’s reenactments and themed medieval markets.

5. Seilbahn Burg

The cable car in Unterburg, which has been operational since 1952, was the first of its kind in North Rhine-Westphalia, ferrying visitors up the steep incline to Schloss Burg. It underwent modernization in 1961 and again in 2013, when the latest control systems were incorporated.

The chairlift spans just under 250 meters and achieves a vertical ascent exceeding 90 meters.

Riding in open air offers spectacular views of the Wupper River, steep wooded hills, and traditional Bergisch-style houses.

6. Eschbachtalsperre (Eschbach Dam)

The construction of the Eschbach Dam was pivotal in supporting Remscheid’s growth during the industrial era.

This was the first dam built in Germany specifically for drinking water supplies.

Similar to the Müngsten Bridge, it represented an innovative engineering achievement that was unprecedented in the country at the time.

Designed by Hydraulic Engineer Otto Intze, the project was implemented by the iron industrialist Robert Böker.

This facility not only ensured a consistent water supply for Remscheid’s tool mills but also mitigated production halts that previously occurred during drought periods.

The surrounding scenery is idyllic, accompanied by a nature trail encircling the reservoir.

In the adjacent woodlands, one may discover a 16th-century stone cross, commemorating the site where a man named Josef Weizels fell victim to banditry.

7. Theodor-Heuss-Platz

The primary square in Remscheid is a vibrant public space that hosts the weekly and Christmas markets.

Dominating the west side of the square is the Neo-Renaissance town hall, which was constructed between 1902 and 1906, featuring a 58-meter tower that defines the skyline.

At the base of the tower, a lion statue stands atop a tall pedestal, serving as the emblematic symbol of the Bergisches Land.

The market operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 07:00 to 13:00, featuring over 30 stalls offering poultry, local sausages, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, eggs, baked goods, and flowers, a tradition that dates back to 1755.

8. Haus Cleff

Located in the Hasten district, Haus Cleff stands as perhaps the finest residence in Remscheid, an exquisite Rococo house constructed in the late 1770s by the Hilger brothers, prominent tool manufacturers.

This residence has a storied history; during the French occupation in the 1810s, it served as “La Mairie.” From 1847 through World War I, it was home to the Cleff family, who were also influential tool merchants.

The interiors are adorned with period furniture, and the property has been preserved as a museum, revealing the lifestyles and tastes of Remscheid’s 19th-century bourgeoisie.

Please verify the availability of visits prior to your arrival, as Haus Cleff was closed for renovation in October 2017.

9. Deutsches Werkzeugmuseum

Remscheid’s identity as a hub for tool production dates back five centuries, a legacy celebrated at the museum located adjacent to Haus Cleff.

The Deutsches Werkzeugmuseum features a timeline that starts with Stone Age hand axes and progresses to contemporary high-tech precision tools.

The displays contrast tools produced in small, water-powered workshops with those mass-produced post-1800s using steam power.

A key exhibit includes a steam engine and a flywheel measuring four meters in diameter, while outdoor displays feature original hammer and saw forges that date back to 1890. Additionally, museum staff, skilled in manual work, will offer bike repairs for a modest donation to support the museum.

10. Lennep

Ranked as Remscheid’s most picturesque setting, Lennep lies east of the city, featuring an undamaged old town that showcases typical “Bergisch” architecture—slate-covered walls and triangular gables.

The maze-like cobblestone streets in the historical center boast 116 listed properties, including beautifully preserved medieval half-timbered houses, such as at Kraspütt 3. Lennep’s unique charm stems partially from a tragic event in 1746, during which a fire ravaged the town, leading to a rapid reconstruction in a uniform Bergisch Baroque style.

11. Evangelische Stadtkirche (Lennep)

The principal monument in Lennep is the main Protestant church, which also succumbed to flames during the 1746 fire. Reconstruction commenced shortly thereafter, culminating in the Bergisch Baroque building’s completion in 1756. Notably, its sandstone tower, topped with an onion dome, is beautifully illuminated during the Christmas season.

Reinforcement techniques such as iron anchor plates cover both the tower and the gable of the church.

Visitors should pay special attention to the organ, which dates back to 1779 and was crafted by the Kleine brothers.

12. Falknerei Bergisch Land

Situated in the countryside of Bergisches Land, en route to Ronsdorf, the falconry and bird of prey center offers an engaging experience.

The highlight of any visit consists of the live flight demonstrations, showcasing majestic eagles, falcons, owls, and other birds of prey soaring overhead.

The center provides a varied array of unique experiences, allowing participants to become falconers for a day, feed owls, or engage in private flight demonstrations outside standard hours.

13. H2O Sauna- Und Badeparadies

For families seeking entertainment options, Lennep features an expansive pool complex.

In the summer, the outdoor pool, surrounded by picnic-friendly lawns, is ideal for younger visitors.

The complex also boasts a heated saline pool that remains open year-round, even during freezing temperatures.

Indoor facilities include a lap pool for serious swimmers, an adventure pool for family enjoyment, another saltwater pool, and a designated shallow area with games for toddlers.

H2O caters to both relaxation and recreational needs, offering saunas, steam rooms, and a wellness area encompassing massages and diverse beauty treatments.

14. Allee-Center Remscheid

Situated on the eastern side of Theodor-Heuss-Platz, Allee-Center Remscheid is the largest shopping center in the Bergisches Land region.

In operation for over 30 years, the Allee-Center was developed on land left undeveloped after wartime bombings, featuring over 100 stores and services.

This venue encompasses a wide variety of fashion brands, such as H&M, Esprit, and C&A, along with regional retailers like Deichmann, electronics store Saturn, and the national bookstore chain Thalia.

For those in need of refreshments, a range of cafes and fast food outlets are also available within the center.

15. Christmas Market

The festive season in Germany is enchanting, and Remscheid embodies this charm.

Commencing in late November, a delightful miniature village of wooden stalls fills Theodor-Heuss-Platz.

Central to this festive environment is a 600-square-meter ice skating rink, where visitors can enjoy seasonal delights after some time on the ice.

The evenings in this village contribute to a carefree, communal atmosphere, amplified by the generous servings of Glühwein (mulled wine). Classic culinary treats include roasted almonds, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), popcorn, cotton candy, chocolate-covered fruits, and sizzling meats like Bratwurst and steak.