Schloss Dyck: Located just half an hour from Dusseldorf, Schloss Dyck is a moated castle on the Lower Rhine. Built in the 17th century on four islands, this castle complex lies at the heart of an English-style landscaped park. Visitors can enjoy a number of well-designed gardens, peek inside the castle’s state rooms and have tea in the Orangery. There are also a number of temporary exhibitions on gardening and garden art to be enjoyed throughout the year.
Bonn: Only an hour’s drive from Dusseldorf, Bonn is one of the oldest cities in Germany. As the birthplace of composer Ludwig van Beethoven and the temporary capital of West Germany, the city is steeped in history and culture. A visit to Bonn is not complete without visiting the childhood home of Beethoven and one of the five museums on Museum Mile.
Ahr Valley: The Ahr Valley is just less than a two-hour drive south of Dusseldorf, and is one of the Rhine’s tributaries. The hills of the valley are terraced with vineyards which grow grapes that make a velvety red wine. Take a hike on the Red Wine Trail, or get the bike out for the Ahr Cycle Route. If you are looking for panoramic vistas of this wine-making valley, head up the AhrSteig Trail.