Things To Do
in Voerde
Voerde is a small riverside town in North Rhine-Westphalia on the banks of the Rhine and close to the Lippe river delta, offering a mix of quiet residential life and scenic natural areas. It sits within easy reach of the larger Ruhr cities (Duisburg, Oberhausen) and has a local character shaped by river transport, farming and commuter culture. Visitors enjoy peaceful river promenades, cycling routes through floodplain meadows and compact historic pockets such as Orsoy with its old town charm.
Voerde is a good base for low-key nature escapes, birdwatching and short cultural day trips into the Ruhr region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the picturesque town center, where you'll find charming shops and beautiful architecture. Visit St. John's Church to admire its stunning stained glass windows and serene atmosphere.
For lunch, try traditional German cuisine at a nearby restaurant, sampling dishes like Sauerbraten or bratwurst. Spend the afternoon exploring the scenic parks and riverbanks of Voerde, perhaps renting a bicycle to cover more ground. You can indulge in a relaxing walk along the Rhine, taking in the lush greenery and tranquil waters.
As the sun sets, head to a local brewery for an authentic German dinner paired with locally brewed beer. Enjoy the warm ambiance of the pub while mingling with locals and sharing stories. Cap off the evening with a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, appreciating the peaceful charm of Voerde at night.
Rise early and enjoy breakfast before embarking on a day of outdoor adventure. Head to the nearby Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park, where you can explore industrial monuments and vast green spaces. Begin your visit by climbing the observation tower for stunning views of the landscape.
After a morning of exploration, have lunch in the park's café, surrounded by lush nature. Spend your afternoon engaging in various activities such as hiking, zip-lining, or simply wandering through the scenic pathways. Take a moment to relax in the gardens, soaking in the beauty of the park.
On your return to Voerde, treat yourself to dinner at a cozy restaurant, sampling regional dishes with a modern twist. After dinner, visit a local music venue or bar to enjoy live entertainment and vibrant nightlife. Let the local beats create a memorable evening filled with fun and excitement.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5 l) in pub | $4-6 |
| 🚌Public transport single ticket (local) | $3-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet riverside location with pleasant natural areas and birdlife
- Good base for exploring both nature reserves and nearby Ruhr attractions
- Accessible by regional transport with short links to larger cities
- Family-friendly, safe and relaxed pace
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options compared with larger cities
- Public transport in very local areas can be infrequent on weekends
- Some attractions and services close on Sundays or have limited hours
- Weather can be changeable, especially in shoulder seasons
- "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist die nächste Bushaltestelle?" - Where is the nearest bus stop?
- "Ich habe eine Allergie gegen ..." - I have an allergy to ...
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Voerde
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide river views, passing barges and dramatic skies; excellent for golden-hour photography and capturing river life.
Picturesque historic streets, old harbour buildings and a compact medieval feel — great for architectural and street photography.
Floodplain landscapes and wetlands with birds, reeds and reflective water surfaces — ideal for nature and wildlife photography.
Open agricultural landscapes and roadside rows offer seasonal motifs — blossoms in spring, harvest scenes in autumn.
Food in Voerde
Voerde Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Marinated pot roast with a slightly sweet (often raisin) sauce; commonly served with potato dumplings or boiled potatoes and red cabbage. Available at traditional Gasthäuser in Voerde and nearby towns.
Must-Try!
Crispy fried potato pancakes often served with applesauce or smoked salmon; a common treat at markets and fairs in the region.
A classic Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes with apple compote and blood sausage or fried onions — hearty and seasonal, found at traditional restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market in the town centre (check local schedule) with fresh bread, regional cheeses, meats and seasonal produce — a good place to sample local specialties and buy picnic supplies.
Seasonal market stalls or summer events along the Rhine often sell grilled sausages, Reibekuchen and local cakes; for larger street-food scenes head to Duisburg or Oberhausen.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time is important for appointments and tours — Germans value punctuality.
Observe Ruhezeiten (quiet times) in evenings and Sundays; avoid loud noise in residential areas and at night.
Follow local recycling rules (separate paper, plastics, organic waste and residual waste). Incorrect disposal may be frowned upon.
A brief greeting (Guten Tag) and a handshake in introductions are common; use formal address (Sie) unless invited to use first names.
Safety
Tipping in Voerde
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is customary; hand tips directly to the server rather than leaving change on the table. For taxis round up or add a few euros; small tips for hotel porters or cleaners are appreciated but not obligatory.
Cash (EUR) is still widely used in smaller shops and cafés; debit (EC/Maestro) and credit cards are accepted at many businesses but not everywhere. ATMs are readily available. Mobile payments are increasingly common but check before relying on them.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming meadows; great for cycling and birdwatching as migratory species arrive. Expect occasional rain and muddy trails in natural areas.
Warm and pleasant, with long daylight hours — ideal for river walks, outdoor cafés and festivals. Popular times can bring more day-trippers, so book accommodation early for weekend visits.
Crisp air, colorful foliage and harvest events; excellent for photography and quieter walks. Rain increases and evenings get chilly, so bring layers.
Cold with occasional frost or snow; town is quiet and cosy with fewer tourists. Some outdoor activities are limited and riverside trails can be muddy or icy.
Voerde at Night
Hiking in Voerde
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A floodplain island with easy walking trails, rich birdlife and scenic viewpoints — excellent for strolls and wildlife photography.
Network of low-difficulty paths through meadows and wetlands along the Lippe river; suitable for family-friendly hikes and cycling.
Larger area of forests, heathland and trails offering more varied day hikes within driving distance, with routes for all fitness levels.
Paths around the Roman ruins and lake combine cultural sightseeing with pleasant walking routes and well-marked trails.
Airports
How to reach Voerde by plane.
Major international airport ~35–45 km south of Voerde with frequent train and road connections; fastest option for long-haul and many European flights.
Low-cost airport ~50–60 km north; convenient for budget carriers but with fewer connections and limited ground transport options.
Larger regional airport ~80 km to the south-west, alternative for some international flights and car rental options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents commute to nearby industrial and service centres in the Ruhr area for work.
Voerde is home to many families attracted by quieter residential neighbourhoods, schools and green space.
Like many small towns in Germany, there is a significant older population that values community services and local clubs.
The surrounding rural areas include farmers and long-established local families with ties to regional traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region has a strong football culture with amateur clubs and enthusiastic local support; many residents play or follow local teams.
Cycling is a common recreational and commuting activity due to flat terrain and extensive local routes.
Proximity to the Rhine and Lippe supports rowing, small boating and angling activities among locals.
Handball is popular in the region with local clubs and youth programs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Voerde.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited in small town restaurants; bakeries, cafés and larger supermarkets offer salads, egg and cheese dishes, and vegetable-focused options. It's a good idea to ask staff ("Ich bin Vegetarier/Vegetarierin") and check menus in advance.
Vegan choices are growing but can be sparse in rural spots — look for vegetarian-friendly cafés in nearby cities for better selection. Always mention allergies in German if possible ("Ich habe eine Allergie gegen ...") and carry translations or cards for complex dietary needs.