Things To Do
in Kalkar

Kalkar is a small historic town in the Lower Rhine region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, known for its compact medieval center and the striking silhouette of the repurposed SNR cooling towers at Wunderland Kalkar. It sits near the Rhine and close to the Dutch border, making it a tranquil base for cycling and cross-border day trips. Kalkar blends quiet small-town life with surprising attractions — from timber-framed houses and an attractive market square to a former nuclear site turned leisure complex.

The pace is relaxed, the streets are walkable, and the surrounding flat countryside invites outdoor exploration year-round.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Kalkar
morning
:

Arrive in Kalkar and settle into your hotel, enjoying a delicious breakfast at a local bakery. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, admiring the historical buildings and quaint shops. Visit the nearby St. Nicolai Church, famous for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a traditional German restaurant, explore the picturesque Kalkar town center. Discover local crafts and specialties in the market square, and perhaps purchase some souvenirs. Don’t miss visiting the enchanting Kalkar Castle, which offers insight into the region's rich history.

evening
:

Spend your evening enjoying a quiet dinner at a riverside restaurant, where you can savor locally sourced dishes. As night falls, take a relaxing walk along the River Rhine, soaking in the beautiful views. Wrap up your first day with a refreshing drink at a local pub, mingling with friendly locals.

day 2
Exploring the Land of the Giants
morning
:

Begin your day with breakfast at a cozy café before heading to the nearby Wunderland Kalkar amusement park. Enjoy thrilling rides and attractions, including the legendary 'Super Star' coaster. The park's beautiful layout and whimsical decorations provide a magical experience.

afternoon
:

After a fun-filled morning, have lunch within the park, choosing from a variety of culinary delights. Continue your adventure by exploring themed areas and engaging in family-friendly activities. Take a moment to relax at the park's gardens, perfect for unwinding amidst all the excitement.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Kalkar with a menu inspired by traditional German cuisine. Consider attending a family-friendly evening show or event at the park, helping to prolong the day's exhilaration. Conclude your day with a stroll through the park illuminated by colorful lights.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee (café)$3-4
🍺Local beer (pub)$4-6
🏨Hotel (mid-range double room/night)$80-130
🚌Local bus ticket$2-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming, walkable historic center with calm atmosphere
  • Great base for cycling and nature outings in the Lower Rhine
  • Unique attraction in Wunderland Kalkar — unusual photo subject
  • Close to the Dutch border and easy to include cross-border day trips
  • Limited nightlife and cultural programming compared with larger cities
  • Fewer dining and vegan/vegetarian options in town — may require travel to nearby cities
  • Public transport links are modest; having a car or bike is helpful
  • "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
  • "Danke (schön)" - Thank you (very much)
  • "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Rechnung, bitte" - The bill, please
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Prost!" - Cheers!

Places to Visit in Kalkar

Visit one of these nice places.

Wunderland Kalkar cooling towers

A striking, unusual subject — the former SNR reactor cooling towers now part of a leisure park create dramatic industrial silhouettes, especially at dawn or dusk.

Kalkar market square and Rathaus

Photograph the charming timber-framed houses, the ornate town hall façade and street scenes; good for architecture and people shots.

St. Nicolai Church

The church’s exterior and interiors (when accessible) make for classic heritage photos — pay attention to details like stained glass and woodwork.

Rhine riverbank

Riverside views and sunsets provide wide, open landscape shots; include passing boats and riverside vegetation for variety.

Bislicher Insel (nearby)

Excellent for wildlife and nature photography — marshes, migratory birds and expansive skies yield great natural images.

Culinary Guide

Food in Kalkar

Kalkar shares the hearty, straightforward culinary traditions of the Lower Rhine (Niederrhein) area: simple meat dishes, seasonal vegetables, fresh bread and baked goods, and locally brewed beers. Dining tends toward regional comfort food with influences from nearby Dutch cuisine; farm-to-table produce is common in local eateries.

Kalkar Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Niederrhein potatoes with mustard

Local boiled potatoes often served with a coarse regional mustard and butter — a simple staple found at family restaurants and seasonal markets.

Must-Try!

Pannenkuchen / Himmel und Erde

Variants of potato-and-apple dishes or pancakes popular in the region; hearty, savory-sweet combinations often on menus of traditional eateries.

Local cold cuts and cheeses

Platters featuring regional ham, sausages and cheeses — commonly available in taverns and at markets; pair with locally baked bread.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Kalkar weekly market

Small-town market held weekly on the market square where you can buy fresh bread, local produce, cheeses and seasonal specialties — perfect for picnic supplies.

Nearby farmers' markets (seasonal)

Larger markets in neighboring towns and villages sell meats, preserves and baked goods; try regional sausages and freshly baked pastries.

Climate Guide

Weather

Kalkar has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and moderately warm summers. Rain is distributed throughout the year, spring and autumn can be changeable, and winters are usually cool but not severely cold. The region benefits from relatively moderate temperatures compared with inland Germany, thanks to western maritime influences.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness and formal address

Use formal German greetings (Guten Tag, Guten Abend) and the polite 'Sie' unless invited to use 'du.' A handshake is customary when meeting someone formally.

Punctuality

Punctuality is valued — arrive on time for tours, reservations and appointments.

Quiet hours and recycling

Respect Ruhezeiten (quiet hours) in the evenings and Sundays; follow strict recycling rules — separate waste into designated bins.

Respect for public spaces

Keep noise levels modest in residential areas, and be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians on shared paths.

Safety Guide

Safety

Kalkar is generally very safe with low violent crime rates typical of small German towns. Standard precautions apply: secure bikes with locks, keep an eye on personal belongings in public spaces and avoid leaving valuables unattended in vehicles. Be aware of occasional flooding risk near the Rhine — check local warnings in heavy rain seasons. In emergencies dial 112 for fire/ambulance and 110 for police.

Tipping in Kalkar

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants it’s customary to round up the bill or leave about 5-10% for good service; hand the tip directly to the server when paying. Tipping taxi drivers a small rounding up is normal.

Payment Methods

Cash (euros) is widely used in Kalkar, especially in small cafés, markets and family-run restaurants. Girocard (EC card) is common; credit cards are increasingly accepted but not guaranteed everywhere — carry some cash. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are accepted in many modern outlets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming countryside make spring ideal for cycling and walks; expect occasional rain and muddy trails early in the season.

Summer

Warm, pleasant weather with long daylight hours — best for outdoor activities, river trips and festivals; bring sunscreen and expect busier weekends.

Autumn

Crisp air and colorful foliage create attractive landscapes for photography and hiking; temperatures cool and rainfall increases toward late autumn.

Winter

Cold, quiet months with shorter days; occasional frost and snow are possible but heavy snow is rare — some attractions or small businesses may have reduced hours.

Nightlife Guide

Kalkar at Night

Kalkar’s nightlife is relaxed and centered on pubs, beer gardens and occasional cultural events — expect quiet evenings and friendly local bars rather than late-night clubs. For a wider nightlife scene with bars, clubs and live music, head to nearby cities such as Düsseldorf or Arnhem (Netherlands). Seasonal festivals and events in town can provide livelier evenings.

Hiking in Kalkar

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Reichswald trails

Forest trails east of Kalkar offering shaded routes, quiet woodland scenery and varied paths for hikes of different lengths.

Hohe Mark Nature Park

A broader protected area with marked footpaths, woodland and heath landscapes — a good option for day hikes and nature watching.

Bislicher Insel

A river island and protected floodplain area near Xanten with flat walking trails, observation posts and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Rheinradweg (Rhine Cycle Route)

Although primarily a cycling route, many stretches are suitable for long riverside walks with scenic vistas and stops in riverside towns.

Airports

How to reach Kalkar by plane.

Weeze Airport (NRN)

A smaller international airport serving low-cost carriers; relatively close to Kalkar and convenient for budget flights. Ground transport is by shuttle, rental car or regional buses.

Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)

The largest nearby international hub offering extensive connections; reachable by car or regional trains/buses and useful for onward travel to the region.

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)

Another major airport option with domestic and international flights; a bit farther but accessible by train and road.

Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)

International hub across the border in the Netherlands — useful for international connections and reachable by car or train in under two hours depending on traffic.

Getting Around

Walkability

Kalkar is very walkable within the historic center — compact streets, pedestrian-friendly market square and nearby attractions are easy on foot. For exploring the wider countryside or neighboring towns, cycling or driving is recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local families and older residents

Kalkar has many long-term residents and families; the population tends to be older on average compared with big cities.

Cross-border commuters

Proximity to the Netherlands means there are daily cross-border workers and cultural ties with neighboring Dutch towns.

Small immigrant communities

Like many German towns, Kalkar includes families with migration backgrounds (e.g., Turkish and Eastern European), contributing to local shops and cultural diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport locally with active amateur clubs and youth teams; local matches are community events.

Cycling

Both recreational and commuting cycling are widespread — the flat terrain encourages long-distance rides and bike touring.

Handball

Handball is popular at the club level in the region and draws local spectators for matches.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Kalkar is generally light compared with urban centers; local roads can be narrow in the historic center and parking in town is limited at peak times. Public transport consists mainly of regional buses and nearby train stations in larger towns — schedules are less frequent on Sundays and evenings. A car or bicycle offers the most flexibility for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Kalkar.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but limited in smaller traditional restaurants; cafés and larger nearby towns offer more salads, pasta and vegetarian versions of regional dishes — mention your needs when ordering.

Vegan

Vegan choices may be limited in Kalkar itself; larger supermarkets carry plant-based staples and neighboring cities have more vegan-friendly restaurants — plan ahead or bring snacks.

Gluten-free

Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing; bakeries and restaurants can sometimes accommodate requests but cross-contamination is possible — ask staff and prefer dishes naturally free of gluten (salads, grilled meats).

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are available locally through general practitioners and small clinics; pharmacies operate regular hours with on-call emergency pharmacies. For hospital care, larger hospitals in Kleve, Emmerich or surrounding cities provide emergency and specialist services. In case of medical emergencies call 112. Carry travel insurance if you are visiting from abroad.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide