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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔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.
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.
Photograph the charming timber-framed houses, the ornate town hall façade and street scenes; good for architecture and people shots.
The church’s exterior and interiors (when accessible) make for classic heritage photos — pay attention to details like stained glass and woodwork.
Riverside views and sunsets provide wide, open landscape shots; include passing boats and riverside vegetation for variety.
Excellent for wildlife and nature photography — marshes, migratory birds and expansive skies yield great natural images.
Food in Kalkar
Kalkar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Local boiled potatoes often served with a coarse regional mustard and butter — a simple staple found at family restaurants and seasonal markets.
Must-Try!
Variants of potato-and-apple dishes or pancakes popular in the region; hearty, savory-sweet combinations often on menus of traditional eateries.
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
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.
Larger markets in neighboring towns and villages sell meats, preserves and baked goods; try regional sausages and freshly baked pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
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 is valued — arrive on time for tours, reservations and appointments.
Respect Ruhezeiten (quiet hours) in the evenings and Sundays; follow strict recycling rules — separate waste into designated bins.
Keep noise levels modest in residential areas, and be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians on shared paths.
Safety
Tipping in Kalkar
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
Mild temperatures and blooming countryside make spring ideal for cycling and walks; expect occasional rain and muddy trails early in the season.
Warm, pleasant weather with long daylight hours — best for outdoor activities, river trips and festivals; bring sunscreen and expect busier weekends.
Crisp air and colorful foliage create attractive landscapes for photography and hiking; temperatures cool and rainfall increases toward late autumn.
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.
Kalkar at Night
Hiking in Kalkar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails east of Kalkar offering shaded routes, quiet woodland scenery and varied paths for hikes of different lengths.
A broader protected area with marked footpaths, woodland and heath landscapes — a good option for day hikes and nature watching.
A river island and protected floodplain area near Xanten with flat walking trails, observation posts and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
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.
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.
The largest nearby international hub offering extensive connections; reachable by car or regional trains/buses and useful for onward travel to the region.
Another major airport option with domestic and international flights; a bit farther but accessible by train and road.
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.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Kalkar has many long-term residents and families; the population tends to be older on average compared with big cities.
Proximity to the Netherlands means there are daily cross-border workers and cultural ties with neighboring Dutch towns.
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.
The most popular sport locally with active amateur clubs and youth teams; local matches are community events.
Both recreational and commuting cycling are widespread — the flat terrain encourages long-distance rides and bike touring.
Handball is popular at the club level in the region and draws local spectators for matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kalkar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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 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.
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).