Special places make the hearts of photography fans beat faster. We take you out into the wilderness, to romantic castles, high up on slag heaps and skywalks and right into the heart of bustling and colourful cities. Whether as a hobby, completely professionally or simply for Instagram, grab your camera or smartphone and discover 14 unique photo spots in your NRW!
Photo spot 1Urban Art in Cologne
The street artists have bathed the entire city in a wide variety of colours - bright and legal, they transform grey concrete into colourful works of art to be admired. The large murals in particular, which are created every two years as part of the CityLeaks Urban Art Festival, have in some cases become landmarks and tourist magnets.
www.cityleaks-festival.de
Photo spot 2Kühhude suspension bridge in Siegen-Wittgenstein
Do you prefer to look up from below or do you dare to climb the wobbly suspension bridge on the Rothaarsteig? Both perspectives promise very special photos and a great nature experience - try it out! The 40 metre long suspension bridge is up to 12 metres above a small valley, but can also be bypassed.
www.rothaarsteig.de
Photo spot 3Ice Age game reserve in the Neander Valley
An animal community has set up home right next to the Neanderthal Museum: Tarpans, bison and aurochs live here. In the morning light, when the mist slowly spreads over the meadows, the atmosphere conjures up a very special mood.
www.wildgehege-neandertal.de
Photo spot 4Holstein staircase in Wuppertal
112 steps in 112 colours with 112 words: The Holstein Staircase in Wuppertal is a unique work of art and world-famous. Discover completely new perspectives on the staircase and play with the bright colours for your next Insta post.
www.facebook.com/Holsteiner-Treppe
Photo spot 5Loersfeld Castle in the Rhine-Erft district
A setting straight out of a fairy tale: Loersfeld Castle in Kerpen near Cologne is one of the most beautiful grounds in the whole country. Pack your camera and let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of this place.
A tip for gourmets: the castle is home to a gourmet restaurant that is one of the top 100 restaurants in Germany. www.rhein-erft-tourismus.de
Photo spot 6Old buildings in Bonn
In the districts of the former federal capital, you can discover beautiful old buildings on a stroll through the city: imposing buildings from the Wilhelminian era in the city centre, while small houses from different eras line the cobblestone streets in the old town to the north. There is also a very special natural phenomenon in Bonn's Old Town in spring: countless cherry trees transform the streets into a sea of pink blossom.
www.bonn.de
Photo spot 7Wehrhahn line in Düsseldorf
"Next stop: Graf-Adolf-Platz!" Waiting for the next underground train on Düsseldorf's Wehrhahn line is guaranteed not to be boring. Six stations on the line have been designed by artists and designers and impress with works from the fields of video art, fine art and sculpture.
www.wehrhahnlinie-duesseldorf.de
Photo spot 8Katzensteine in the Eifel
You can discover a fascinating natural spectacle in the Mechernich Forest: The Katzensteine represent 220 million years of the earth's history and create a very special picture with their unique rock formations and layers. A circular hiking trail of around eight kilometres offers different perspectives of the red sandstone rocks.
www.mechernich.de
Photo spot 9Flamingos in the Münsterland
Here you have to show a little patience and stalk slowly and quietly - then you will see the pink flamingos in the Zwillbrocker Venn in the Münsterland region. The exotic animals can be observed here from March to July and, if breeding is successful, until September. A unique nature experience!
www.muensterland.com
Photo spot 10Sequoia farm on the Lower Rhine
Look up! Can you recognise the sky between the giant sequoia trees? At the Sequoia Farm on the Lower Rhine, the ancient trees are the stars in front of the camera. This creates completely new perspectives!
www.sequoiafarm-kaldenkirchen.de
Photo spot 11Aggertalsperre dam in the Bergisches Land region
The lake rests deep in the valley, trees are reflected on the surface and wild geese settle down for a short rest on the water. Nature resembles a painting. Now all you have to do is press the shutter release and capture a snapshot of the landscape.
www.bergisches-wanderland.de
Photo spot 12Bruchhauser stones
Whether very early in the morning at sunrise, in the evening when the sun goes down or at the blue hour - the Bruchhauser Steine in the Sauerland region offer breathtaking views over the region - and there are also hikes on various themed trails as well as a short climbing passage to the highest point of the natural monument.
Photo spot 13The glow
High above, on the Rheinpreußen spoil tip in Moers, sits a shining miner's lamp. Whether during the day, shortly after sunset, during the blue hour or at night, the imposing landmark is a unique photo motif at any time.
www.das-geleucht.de
Photo spot 14Biggeblick in the Sauerland
From the Skywalk over the Biggesee lake, you can see the Sauerland from above - and get a little closer to heaven. Even in the evening, the Bigge view is also an ideal photo motif in the evening. The platform is then illuminated and shines in white and blue light.
