Leverkusen sits on the eastern bank of the Rhine between Düsseldorf and Cologne. It was officially formed in the 1930s, but was a rural hub as far back as the Middle Ages. It’s characterized by old shopping streets, manor houses, churches and workshops. It’s also home to excellent beer gardens and restaurants and has plenty of green space for those looking to sit back and relax.
Wander around the town to spot 19th-century workers’ cottages, old churches and manors. Visit Schlebusch to find tiny shops in the arcades around St. Andreas Church or head to Morsbroich Palace and admire the Baroque architecture. It was once a hunting lodge for local aristocrats, but is today a contemporary art museum. You can explore the old building or relax on the manicured lawns.
For more local heritage, visit the Freudenthaler Sensenhammer industrial museum, an old scythe factory left untouched since the end of the 19th century. The complex gives a fascinating glimpse into the lives of industrial era labourers, with guided tours and live demonstrations. To get a great view of Leverkusen and the surrounding area, head to the viewing platform atop the 236-foot (72-metre) town water tower.
Take a break and relax in the Japanese Gardens or explore the Ophoven Nature Reserve. Once a country estate, the reserve’s old buildings now host exhibits about environmental conservation and sustainability. Once the sun starts to set, make your way to Opladen for a meal and a beer in one of many pubs along Kölner Strasse.
Leverkusen is a pleasant town with plenty to offer. Its excellent historical and cultural attractions, charming shopping streets, good nightlife and easy access to parks and countryside make it a great place to spend some time.
