12 Best Things to Do in Leverkusen, Germany
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Written by Kyle Kroeger
Looking for something to do in Leverkusen, Germany? Check out our list of the best things to do in Leverkusen.
This city has many things to do, like exploring historical sights or enjoying a day at the park. This list accommodates various preferences, so travelers should plan their trip today.
Looking for things to do in Leverkusen? We’ve covered you with this list of the top tourist attractions and activities in and around the city.
Things to Do in Leverkusen, Germany
Bayer 04 Leverkusen Football Stadium
Address: Bismarckstraße 122-124, 51373 Leverkusen, Germany
Bayer 04 Leverkusen Football Stadium should definitely be on your list of places to go if you’re a sports fan. It’s one of the most popular football stadiums in all of Germany, and it’s the home ground of the Bayer Leverkusen football club.
The stadium has an impressive capacity of 30,000 people, and it was built back in 2001 in the heart of the North-Rhine Westphalia region.
There’s truly no better place to catch a Bayer 04 Leverkusen game than their home stadium – you’ll be able to feel the energy and excitement of the crowd as they cheer their team on.
Plus, Bayer 04 Leverkusen is a great team to watch, even if you’re not necessarily a diehard fan of them – they’re always a joy to watch play.
Schlosspark Schloss Morsbroich
Address: Gustav-Heinemann-Straße 80, 51377 Leverkusen, Germany
The Morsbroich Castle is a historic castle that dates back to the 14th century of German history. The first mention of the castle is from 1328, when it is mentioned as being owned by one John Moir von dem Brioche.
Perhaps more than most buildings in Germany, the castle has changed hands many times, falling into different ownership in successive regimes. The current form is due to a renovation from the 18th century built in the baroque style; it was extended in the 19th century.
The castle is now the building in which the Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art is housed. The castle was originally on lease to the city of Leverkusen in 1948, and the city used the castle as a center for art exhibitions from 1951. Eventually, the city was able to buy the castle totally in 1971.
The museum displays a vast collection of art from artists with different styles, nationalities, and backgrounds, all within the post-war, contemporary, and modern art movements. The works on display include over 300 paintings or sculptures.
Artists such as Andy Warhol, Gerhard Richter, Yves Klein, and Alexander Calder. There is also a robust display of art done on paper at the museum. Open-air events – “Morsbroich Summer” – are held at the castle’s grounds in the summer. The castle’s grounds are a public park, attracting many people who want to take a stroll or relax in the park.
Like what you are hearing? Check out these best castles in Germany to see if this one makes the list.
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Bayer Cross
Address: Willy-Brandt-Ring, 51373 Leverkusen, Germany
The Bayer Cross Monument on Mount Klarenberg is a memorial to the workers who died during accidents at the Leverkusen chemical factory. It’s also a symbol of the struggles that former slaves experienced when they made their way to Germany, and it stands as an example of how people can overcome difficult circumstances.
The Bayer Cross was originally built in 1932 and was considered a technological wonder at the time. It was the largest illuminated advertising in the world, standing 74 meters tall.
However, the cross was taken down by soldiers before WWII and was not seen again for 20 years. In 1958, a new Bayer Cross was erected, requiring 1710 bulbs. The bulbs had to be suspended 120 meters high on an aft pole.
In 2009, the old bulbs were finally replaced with LED bulbs. The Bayer Cross Monument is an important part of German history and a reminder of the resiliency of the human spirit.
Neuland Park
Address: Nobelstraße 91, 51373 Leverkusen, Germany
The Neuland Park is a public park in Waldorf, southern Leverkusen. The park shares a border with the Rhine River on the river’s eastern bank.
Neuland Park covers an area of over 25 hectares and is situated on land that used to be a landfill. The German pharmaceutical Bayer used the area to dispose of waste from its plant from 1923 to the late 1940s.
Eventually, the area had to undergo some modifications, most notably waterproofing, to prevent water from getting into the waste beneath the area before a garden could be planted there. In April 2005, the garden was opened for the first time for Leverkusen’s horticultural show, and it has been accessible to the public since then.
The park features beautiful themed gardens with different flowers and plants blooming in different seasons. There are also playgrounds situated in the park for younger visitors, with different games and sports available, such as miniature golf. Twelve play stations stand next to each other at the boomerang, which is the park’s heart, inviting challengers.
Neuland Park is situated in such a position that several roads lead to it through several different modes of transportation. The junction of the Leerkusen’s western motorway is on the park’s doorsteps.
It can also be reached via the train stations located at Leverkusen Mitte and Opladen.
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Japanischer Garten Leverkusen
Address: Kaiser-Wilhelm-Allee, 51373 Leverkusen, Germany
The Japanischer Garten in Leverkusen, Germany, is a public Japanese Garden and park. The garden is found on grounds belonging to the German pharmaceutical giant Bayer AG in Flittard, Cologne, just on the edge of Leverkusen.
The garden was originally located elsewhere but was moved in 1960 to its current location. The garden was the brainchild of Carl Druisberg, who was excited about the garden culture and Japanese gardens in particular after he went on a journey around the world.
Initially, just a normal garden was planted in 1912, but Druisberg began expanding the garden in the unique style he witnessed on his travels to Japan in 1926. The Japanese Garden opened in the 1950s and continues to be public.
The garden features several Asian-themed attractions, including a tea house containing statues of Buddha, geishas, and dragons spouting water. The garden has cherry trees, chrysanthemums, and camellias, which gives it a distinct far eastern ambiance.
Lanterns adorn curved gates, sequoia trees bloom, turtles splash around in the ponds, and golden maples blossom. There is also a special bridge in the garden, the Mikado Bridge, which was made exactly like a bridge found in Japan’s temple city of Nikko.
The various plants in the garden combine to make it a spectacular show of colors as redwood trees stand side by side with golden maples, papyrus plants, and chrysanthemums.
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Wildpark Reuschenberg
Address: Am Reuschenberger Busch 6, 51373 Leverkusen, Germany
The Wildpark Rauschenberg in Leverkusen, Germany, is a wildlife and nature park. The park is located in the region of the Rauschenberg forest in Germany‘s Leverkusen-Küppersteg area.
The park was opened in 1976 as a project by the Leverkusen Wildlife Park group, which sponsored and initially managed the project. Eventually, the city of Leverkusen would take over the park’s running until 2008 when the Lebenshilfe-Werkstätten Leverkusen / Rhein-Berg gGmbH took over the park’s running.
The park originally began as a couple of aviaries but has expanded to include over 200 animals of more than 80 species. The animals on display include such exotic species as the lynx, the wildcat, and the ferret.
Other more common species, such as the stork, otters, goats, sheep, and deer, are also common. Tours through the park are possible, and there is also a sitting area where people can sit and look out at the park’s animals.
The mature park is a perfect place to visit with the family as it has a children’s playground. There is also an area for picnics where you can sit with the family and have a snack. There is also a bistro with a sitting capacity 60 for people searching for a meal.
Visit the Bayer Museum
Address: 51373 Leverkusen, Germany
The Bayer Museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Leverkusen. This museum is dedicated to the history of the Bayer Company, which has been headquartered in Leverkusen since 1863.
The museum chronicles the company’s evolution from a small dye factory to a leading chemical and pharmaceutical company. Visitors can see exhibits on the history of Bayer’s products, such as aspirin and nylon, and learn about the company’s role in World War II.
Read Also: Best Parks in Germany to Visit
Kaiser Wilhelm Park
Kaiser Wilhelm Park is a large park in the city of Leverkusen. It is considered by many to be one of the best places to go for a walk or bike ride in the area, as well as being great for running and other outdoor activities.
The park has over 100 different types of trees and many flowers and bushes that bloom at different times during the year. There are also two ponds where you can fish (or feed ducks) and a children’s playground! If you’re taking public transportation, Kaiser Wilhelm Park is within walking distance from the main train station (HBF) and Leverkusen-Schlebusch station on line 905/905A.
Hitdorfer See
Address: Langenfelder Str. 166, 51371 Leverkusen, Germany
Hitdorfer See Lake is a great place to spend some time outdoors if you’re looking for a place to go swimming, fishing, or for a walk. It also has a small area designated for picnics and barbecues, with benches and tables (as well as some trash bins) available for those who want to eat lunch or dinner there.
If you like spending time outdoors but don’t want to take the time out of your day for an actual picnic lunch or dinner outdoors…you could bring some snacks!
Hitdorfer See is definitely a place worth checking out if you’re looking for something to do in Leverkusen.
Stadthalle Hitdorf
Address: Hitdorfer Str. 113, 51371 Leverkusen, Germany
The Stadthalle Hitdorf is a concert hall, arena, convention center, and sports stadium in Leverkusen. It was built in 2001 and has hosted many events since then. The Stadthalle was designed by the architects Roland Kohlhuber and Arno Lentz.
The main construction was done by Bilfinger Berger AG (construction) and Peter Böhm + Partner GmbH (architecture). The Stadthalle Hitdorf is a versatile facility that can accommodate a variety of events.
The main hall has a capacity of up to 8,000 people, making it ideal for large concerts and conventions. There are also several smaller halls and seminar rooms that can be used for more intimate gatherings.
In addition, the Stadthalle Hitdorf is home to a wide range of sports facilities, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, an indoor track, and a tennis court. As a result, the Stadthalle Hitdorf is a popular venue for both local and national sporting events.
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Rathausgalerie Leverkusen
Address: Friedrich-Ebert-Platz 2, 51373 Leverkusen, Germany
Rathausgalerie Leverkusen is a great place to find something fun and cultural to do in Leverkusen, Germany. Rathausgalerie is a modern art gallery located in the heart of the city that features works by local and international artists.
The Rathausgalerie also holds special exhibitions and events throughout the year, so there is always something new to see or experience when visiting this cultural institution. The best part about Rathausgalerie is that admission is free!
Leverkusen-Bürrig Water Tower
Address: Olof-Palme-Straße, 51371 Leverkusen, Germany
If you’re looking for a unique vantage point during your travels in Leverkusen, check out the Leverkusen-Bürrig Water Tower. This 72.45m tall structure is located in the Bürrig district and was completed in 1974. The tank on top of the tower is 42 feet long and has a total capacity of 400 cubic meters.
The Leverkusen-Bürrig Water Tower has since been renovated for Landesgartenschau. Now, it features an observation room that can be accessed via the lift. From here, you’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Neulandpark. You’ll also see the skyline of Köln and the iconic mountain range Siebengebirge to the south.
Read Also: Best Museums in Bremen
What is Leverkusen Known for?
Leverkusen, located in North-Rhine Westphalia, is not a well-known city in Germany, but it’s got many things worth seeing. From museums to parks to historic churches, the town is a perfect day trip from Köln or an overnight visit.
Leverkusen is one of the smallest cities in Germany; nevertheless, it is lovely and wonderful. Even though it is a small town, there are many great things to do in Leverkusen, and it is packed with great scenery not to miss!
A place where Leverkusen shines the most is its luscious parks filled with tall trees and green grass – perfect for picnics, morning jogs, or simply reading a book under the sun. Leverkusen museums such as Bayer Museum and Schloss Morsbroich will quench your thirst for knowledge and history.
When you visit Germany and the North-Rhine Westphalia region, consider a stopover at Leverkusen for a hidden gem. There are many more things to do in Leverkusen, Germany. We hope you will consider visiting and exploring everything it has to offer.
From the beautiful architecture to its rich history, this town is a great place for everyone in your family. If you’re looking for some fun activities while on vacation, Leverkusen is one place to find them all together.
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