Things To Do
in Mettmann
Mettmann is a small historic town in North Rhine-Westphalia, located east of Düsseldorf and known as the gateway to the Neandertal where the first Neanderthal remains were found. The compact Altstadt (old town) features traditional architecture, a market square, and a relaxed local atmosphere. The town is surrounded by green hills and nature reserves, making it a good base for short hikes and cycling routes into the Bergisches Land.
Mettmann combines easy regional transport links with quiet residential streets and family-run cafés and restaurants.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Mettmann and check into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming old town, soaking up the picturesque half-timbered houses. Stop by the local bakery for a scrumptious breakfast of fresh pastries and coffee.
Head to the Neanderthal Museum, just a short walk away, to explore the fascinating history of early human evolution. Participate in interactive exhibits and learn about the significant archaeological finds in the region. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a nearby café, sampling regional cuisine.
As the sun sets, take a peaceful walk along the Neanderthal valley trails, enjoying the stunning natural landscape. Find a cozy restaurant for dinner, where you can indulge in traditional German dishes paired with local beers. Cap off your day by returning to your hotel and relaxing.
Start your day with breakfast at a local café before visiting the St. Lambertus Church, an architectural gem showcasing Gothic style. Spend some time admiring the intricate stained-glass windows and the peaceful ambiance. Afterward, wander through the nearby park for some fresh air.
Visit the local art galleries to appreciate the works of regional and national artists, enriching your understanding of German art. Enjoy lunch at a bistro, offering a selection of artisanal sandwiches and homemade soups. Then, head to the Mettmann City Museum to delve deeper into local history.
Enjoy dinner at a traditional German restaurant, where you can taste local specialties like Sauerbraten. After your meal, find a local bar or pub where you can mingle with residents and perhaps enjoy some live music. Return to your accommodations, reflecting on the day’s discoveries.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L in a pub) | $3-4 |
| 🎫Public transport single ticket (local) | $3-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start + per km | $5 start, $2-3 per km |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Düsseldorf with easy transport links while retaining a quieter small-town feel
- Excellent access to nature and the Neandertal valley for hiking and outdoor activities
- Compact, walkable Altstadt with local cafés and traditional restaurants
- Neanderthal Museum offers a unique, world-class cultural attraction nearby
- Limited nightlife and fewer international dining options compared with larger cities
- Public transport frequency can be lower on weekends and evenings in smaller local routes
- Some tourist services and rental options are concentrated in nearby Düsseldorf rather than in town
- "Hallo / Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Danke (schön)" - Thank you (very much)
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Mettmann
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic river valley landscapes, wooded trails and interpretive signs; excellent for wide nature shots and seasonal colors.
Modern architecture set in a natural landscape that frames close-ups and architectural compositions, as well as contextual museum displays.
Picturesque streets, half-timbered facades, the town hall and daily market provide charming urban photography opportunities.
Nearby hills and ridgelines offer panoramic views over forests and fields, especially good at sunrise or sunset.
Food in Mettmann
Mettmann Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A marinated pot roast often served with red cabbage and potato dumplings; you can find it at traditional Gasthäuser and seasonal menus.
Must-Try!
Mashed potatoes with apple compote and blood sausage — a classic Rhineland comfort dish served in local taverns.
Crispy potato pancakes typically available at markets and festivals, often served with applesauce or smoked salmon.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The weekly market on the Marktplatz offers fresh produce, regional cheeses, breads and seasonal street-food stalls — great for picnic supplies or quick bites.
A convenient stop for coffee, cakes and light lunches after exploring the museum and valley.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Germans value punctuality — arrive on time for reservations, tours and appointments.
Use formal greetings (Guten Tag) with people you don't know; switching to first names is reserved for friends and family.
Respect quiet hours (especially at night and on Sundays) — many residential areas limit noisy activities and shops are often closed on Sundays.
Safety
Tipping in Mettmann
Ensure a smooth experience
Rounding up the bill or adding 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants and taxis; you can hand cash directly to the server or indicate the total when paying by card.
Cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, especially contactless; smaller vendors and some cafés still prefer cash, so carry some euros for markets and small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes make it ideal for hiking and cycling; trails can be muddy early in the season so wear appropriate footwear.
Warm, sometimes humid weather with long daylight hours; popular time for outdoor dining, beer gardens and full trail use — bring sun protection and water.
Crisp air and colorful foliage create fantastic photo opportunities in the Neandertal and surrounding hills; some restaurants feature seasonal game dishes.
Cold and occasionally snowy; town is quieter with fewer tourists, museums are open but some outdoor services may be reduced — layer up and check transport schedules.
Mettmann at Night
Hiking in Mettmann
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible trails throughout the Neandertal valley with educational stops, river views and relatively easy terrain suitable for most walkers.
A network of hill and ridge routes a short drive away offering longer, more challenging hikes and panoramic viewpoints.
Short circular walks and family-friendly trails on the outskirts of Mettmann ideal for quick nature breaks, jogging and dog walking.
Airports
How to reach Mettmann by plane.
The nearest major airport, about 20–30 km away and reachable by regional train or car in roughly 20–40 minutes depending on connections.
A larger international airport about 60–75 km to the south-west; useful for additional flight options, reachable in about 1–1.5 hours by car or train.
Another regional airport to the north-east, offering some European connections; travel time is longer (around 1–1.5 hours by car).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Families and older residents who have lived in town for generations — engaged in local clubs and community life.
Professionals who live in Mettmann but commute to Düsseldorf, Wuppertal or other nearby cities for work.
Attracted by good schools, green spaces and a quieter residential environment while still close to urban amenities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport with local amateur clubs and lively community involvement; many residents support regional professional teams in Düsseldorf and nearby cities.
Handball is popular at amateur and youth levels across the region with local clubs and school programs.
Outdoor sports like cycling and hiking are widely practiced thanks to the surrounding countryside and dedicated routes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mettmann.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common (salads, pasta, vegetable mains), though traditional restaurants emphasize meat — ask staff for meat-free specials or try cafés and international eateries in nearby towns.
Vegan and gluten-free choices exist but are limited in smaller, traditional restaurants; larger supermarkets and Düsseldorf offer broader selections. Communicate restrictions in German or ask for ingredient details.