Wonders of technology, museums that hold world records and unique natural beauty: North Rhine-Westphalia has many superlatives worth seeing that make for unforgettable experiences. These include some that are even less well-known, but no less impressive.
Gasometer and Centro OberhausenShop and watch XXL
It's not big, it's huge! With a storage volume of 350,000 cubic metres, the gasometer in Oberhausen is the largest gas holder in Europe and the second largest in the world. Since the mid-1990s, it has been the highest exhibition hall on the continent, providing space for art and events.
Right next door, voluminous shopping bags dominate the scene: In Westfield Centro, Europe's largest shopping and leisure centre, around 250 retail outlets are spread over two levels on a gross sales area of 120,000 square metres. On the Centro promenade, more than 20 international restaurants offer over 4,000 outdoor seats in fine weather - and the right dish for every taste.
Soothing water from AachenEurope's hottest thermal springs
The hottest thermal springs in Central Europe reach temperatures of up to 75 degrees Celsius in Aachen, which have been used for healing purposes since Roman colonisation. Today, the beneficial effects can be tested in the Carolus thermal baths, for example, continuing a long tradition: even the ancient Romans were aware of the healing power and positive effect of the water on body, mind and soul and built magnificent, ornately decorated bathhouses.
The water bubbles at the Elisenbrunnen and can be tasted. The classicist building with its two fountains is a popular meeting place in the centre of the city.
Bolten has been brewing since 1300Oldest Altbier brewery in the world
The history of the private brewery Bolten in Korschenbroich dates back to 1266, making it the oldest Altbier brewery in the world and it has been brewing in the same place ever since: the Kraushof is still the brewery's headquarters today. Visitors can sample the various brewing specialities in the Altbierstube or in the picnic beer garden.
Design and technologyMuseums hold world records
NRW is top of the league when it comes to museums: more than 1,000 world-famous exhibition centres and lesser-known insider tips are spread across the state, two of which stand out in particular: the Heinz-Nixdorf-Museums-Forum in Paderborn is the largest computer museum in the world and tells the 5,000-year history of information technology from the very beginning with interactive stations.
With more than 1,500 exhibits, the red dot design museum at Zeche Zollverein Essen is home to the world's largest exhibition of contemporary design. On an area of around 4,000 square metres, beautifully designed products are on display in the former boiler house of the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a World Heritage Site. They have all been honoured in the world's largest design competition - with the internationally renowned red dot.
Bridge and inland harbourWonders of technology
The Rhine not only sets standards in terms of romance, but also makes a name for itself with records: At the mouth of the Ruhr in Duisburg, the world's largest inland harbour with 22 harbour basins and around 180 hectares of water has been built over the last 300 years. Daily boat tours take you past cargo cranes and warehouses, while further information on the history of the city on the Rhine and Ruhr is best experienced at the Museum of German Inland Navigation .
Germany's highest railway bridge spans the Wupper valley at a height of 107 metres, connecting the Bergisch towns of Solingen and Remscheid. Travellers can not only cross this marvel by train, but also climb it on foot: 777 steps lead up to the bridge walkway, a unique experience for those with a head for heights.
It's also exciting under the bridge, as the Müngsten Bridge Park not only offers nature experiences and background information on industrial history and engineering, but also extensive play and picnic areas as well as a transporter bridge as an alternative river crossing option.
Click here for the bridge park
Hermann's Monument in the Teutoburg ForestGermany's tallest statue
For us, it is still the tallest today: with a total height of 53.56 metres from the base to the tip of the sword, the Hermannsdenkmal is the tallest statue in Germany. For around ten years after its opening, the monument was even the tallest in the western world - then it was replaced by the Statue of Liberty. This does not diminish its appeal in the slightest: the monument near Detmold, which commemorates the Cheruscan prince Arminius and his victory over Roman legions, is one of the most famous and popular excursion destinations in the country, not least because the monument platform offers a magnificent view over the Teutoburg Forest.
Reservoirs in the Bergisches LandQuite relaxing
A lot has accumulated in the Bergisches Land region: twelve reservoirs not only provide good drinking water, but also a great deal of recreation in, on and around the water. With a total of twelve reservoirs, the Bergisches Land is the region with the most reservoirs in Europe. Visitors can relax and unwind on the cycle and hiking trails along their banks. The Bever-Lingese, Wupper and Aggertalsperre dams are particularly popular in summer for taking a dip and cooling off. Some of the gigantic dam walls can not only be viewed from above, but also from the inside on a guided tour.
Cycling to the nobilityFrom castle to castle to castle
In the city triangle of Aachen, Cologne and Bonn, there are more moated castles in a small area than anywhere else in Europe. Over 120 of these aristocratic residences line the moated castle route, a 400-kilometre cycle route through the landscape of the Eifel, the Jülich Börde and the Rhenish Bay. More than 50 castles, palaces and manor houses can be found in the Rhine-Erft district alone, including the Augustusburg and Falkenlust palaces in Brühl , which are Unesco World Heritage Sites, as well as Gracht Castle in Erftstadt-Liblar and Paffendorf Castle in Bergheim, which are part of the North Rhine-Westphalia "Garden Art Route".
Carousels in front of beautiful backdropsExtreme pleasure
Whether by the river or in a historic old town centre: NRW offers huge carousel fun at different times of the year. The Soest All Saints' Fair, which was first celebrated in 1338 as part of the consecration of St Peter's Church, has become the largest old town fair in Europe over the past centuries and provides its visitors with a great deal of fun every year in November.
In Düsseldorf , a colourful funfair town is created every year in July on the Oberkassel Rhine meadows. Here, the St Sebastianus Schützenverein, which is over 690 years old, celebrates the name day of its patron saint, St Apollinaris. One of the traditional highlights is the historical parade, which is one of the largest in Germany with more than 3,000 uniformed marksmen, bands, horse-drawn carriages and carriages.
