North Rhine-Westphalia – In the early hours of the morning, when the dew is still soft on the leaves and the first rays of sunlight bathe the landscape in golden light, North Rhine-Westphalia awakens to a new day.
Here we take you on an exciting journey through NRW, from the vibrant metropolises in the flat north to the idyllic highlands in the southern part of the state.
As a camper with a roof tent, you are suitably equipped for such a trip.
Immerse yourself in the diverse world of North Rhine-Westphalia, where you will not only discover exciting cities such as Cologne, Essen and Düsseldorf, but also picturesque landscapes, from flat lakes to the impressive heights of the Rhineland.
But that’s not all – experience the top sights with us, including the enchanting Drachenburg Castle and exciting theme parks.
Join us on this fascinating journey through North Rhine-Westphalia, where city hustle and bustle meets nature.
Camping Ratgeber:
NRW: Between industry & nature – camping, cycling & relaxing
The most populous federal state in Germany offers big city flair and closeness to nature in one.
North Rhine-Westphalia – or NRW for short – offers extensive forests and picturesque river landscapes in the Eifel region.
Whether with the family or as a couple, the federal state offers campers with a roof tent a host of attractions and sights.
Adrenaline junkies enjoy the amusement parks, shopping queens enjoy the big cities and those seeking relaxation enjoy the peace and quiet by the lake.
What more do you need?
The landscape in the north of the state is still very flat and is therefore ideal for cycling tours.
Tip: To make sure you always have your bike at hand, it’s best to take it with you on a bike rack!
However, the further south you go, the more the altitude increases.
This means you can also go hiking in the south-eastern areas.
The mountainous south is sparsely populated and heavily forested, while the flat north is heavily populated and intensively farmed.
City & nature combined: camping adventures summarized
That’s why your next camping vacation should be in North Rhine-Westphalia:
- Rural areas, for experiences in nature
- Large cities, for eventful excursions
- North: Flat land, perfect for long bike tours
- South: Hilly landscapes for hiking
Tip!
So that you can travel back and forth between individual locations in NRW, it is worth choosing a travel option that is as mobile as possible.
A roof tent, for example, is attached to the roof of the car and can be quickly folded up again.
You can then simply drive on and still have a comfortable place to sleep for the night.
You can find a practical solution for such a roof tent here:
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Discover NRW on the map: Cities & nature
North Rhine-Westphalia, or NRW for short, is located in the west of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The Rhine and Weser rivers flow through the state from south to north.
It borders the Netherlands and Belgium.
In addition to the industrial focus in the Ruhr region, it also offers rural areas.
These have extensive nature experiences that invite you to cycle, relax and camp.
Here you can find NRW on the map:
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On this map you can see NRW from close up and find out which places are in NRW:
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Discover North Rhine-Westphalia: with video through NRW
The video gives an insight into North Rhine-Westphalia, a federal state in the west of Germany.
The focus is on Cologne Cathedral with its striking towers and the picturesque view of the Rhine.
The Museum Ludwig presents works of art from the 20th century.
Away from the state capital Düsseldorf, the 18th century Benrath Palace with its gardens and museum provides a historical backdrop.
The video invites you to discover the diversity and beauty of North Rhine-Westphalia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBwoSOTWoE0
From Biggesee to Phoenixsee: the most beautiful lakes in NRW
Enjoy the sun, drink a cold Coke and jump into the water.
We may not have the famous Lake Constance in NRW, but all major cities have beautiful natural spots that are perfect for relaxing.
First of all, here are nine recommendations for the cold water.
- Biggesee
- North & South Seas in Xanten
- Vacation & Camping Park Wisseler See in Kalkar
- Lake Kemnade
- Bathing lake in Haltern am See
- Tenderingssee
- Unterbacher See in Düsseldorf
- Six-lake plate in Duisburg
- Phoenixsee in Dortmund
The only lake that is not suitable for swimming, but offers a fantastically beautiful backdrop for photographers, is the Phoenixsee in Dortmund.
The urban look combines nature and big city flair.
So after sightseeing, you have the opportunity to enjoy some time by the lake.
Our recommendation: Camping at the Biggesee
In NRW’s most famous lake, the Biggesee, you can not only swim on almost 9 km², but also take advantage of one of the numerous water sports on offer.
Whether diving, sailing or fishing – there is something for everyone.
The idyllic region definitely has a lot to offer for young and old.
That’s how beautiful it is at Biggesee:
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From castles to vineyards: camping on the Rhine
It’s not just lakes that inspire camping in NRW, a river can also offer you great beaches and lots of fun on the water.
One of the largest rivers in NRW is the Rhine.
A camping adventure along the Rhine promises unforgettable experiences.
Not only idyllic landscapes, but also impressive natural attractions such as medieval castles, picturesque vineyards and much more await you at the diverse locations along the water.
These things await you on the Rhine:
- Diverse places along the Rhine with idyllic landscapes
- Medieval castles, picturesque vineyards & water fun
You can find more travel tips for the Rhine here:
Natural paradise Eifel National Park: hiking with the whole family
The Eifel National Park offers an idyllic setting for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
Here you can not only experience the beauty of nature, but also encounter rare animals.
The tours offered by experienced rangers allow not only you, but also the children, to discover nature up close.
If it rains, an exhibition about the unique nature of the national park offers an interesting alternative.
You will also find smaller lakes and reservoirs in the surrounding area, which round off the hiking experience in this region.
These are the reasons why a vacation in the Eifel National Park is so beautiful:
- Experience the beauty of nature & relax
- Experience rare animals & new hiking trails
- Offer for tours by experienced rangers
- Exhibition about nature as an alternative in the rain
- Smaller lakes & reservoirs in the surrounding area
If you would like to learn more about hiking, you can take a look here:
Reservoirs and hiking trails – this view awaits you in the Eifel:
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Tip!
Especially after a long hike, it can be helpful if you can cook your own food.
This means you are independent of the campsite and other restaurants nearby.
The best thing you need for this is a camping kitchen.
You can find out what one might look like here:
NRW’s major cities: urban exploration on a grand scale
Whether Cologne, Essen or Düsseldorf – anyone who spends time in NRW’s major cities will immediately notice the large crowds.
On the subway, in the old town or at the train station, the most diverse characters rush from one place to another.
A million inhabitants planning their way through the city day after day.
But this also has its advantages, because unlike in a small village, you can find the strangest things in big cities.
It gets colorful, loud and extravagant on Schaafenstraße in Cologne, the hotspot for the unusual.
Or would you like to try out new culinary and literary delights?
Then you’ll love the cultural exchange on Immermannstraße in Düsseldorf.
Surrounded by Japanese restaurants, supermarkets and manga stores.
You don’t need Tokyo or New York to find a city that never sleeps.
These are the largest cities in North Rhine-Westphalia:
- Cologne
- Düsseldorf
- Food
- Dortmund
- Duisburg
- Bochum
- Wuppertal
- Bielefeld
- Bonn
- Minster
- Xanten
Top 10 sights in NRW: Nature, castles & cathedral
Over 350 towns and municipalities belong to North Rhine-Westphalia.
Some of them are large cities with over one million inhabitants.
It’s easy to lose track.
But on the other hand, there is something for everyone in such a big city.
Or leave all the big city flair behind you and become one with nature?
Then a trip to the Eifel or Königswinter is worthwhile.
Fantastic mountains, vast forests and picturesque river landscapes will accompany you on your journey.
But that’s not all!
Drachenburg Castle is located on Drachenfels in Königswinter and impresses with its magnificent and majestic architecture.
It was built within two years at the end of the 19th century.
Although Baron Stephan von Sarter never lived in his own castle, it has attracted millions of tourists since his death.
No wonder, given the view and the ornate interior architecture.
Here you will find the top 10 most beautiful sights in NRW:
- Archaeological Park, Xanten
- Attahöhle, Attendorn
- Externsteine in the Teutoburg Forest, Horn-Bad Meinberg
- Castle Burg, Solingen
- Drachenburg Castle & Drachenfels, Königswinter
- Aachen Cathedral, Aachen
- Cologne Cathedral & Hohenzollern Bridge, Cologne
- Königsallee & Rhine Tower, Düsseldorf
- Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park
- UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein, Essen
Attractions: Theme parks, museums & co.
Just visiting buildings and castles and relaxing by the lake may be good, but a longer vacation lacks a little adrenaline!
Where better to feel the adrenaline than on a roller coaster?
NRW is home to many well-known theme parks such as Movie Park, Phantasialand and Legoland.
For road trip fans, the Netherlands is not far away either.
So if you’ve always wanted to visit the Efteling theme park in the Netherlands, you can be there in just a few hours.
Even if it rains and you’re looking for an exciting museum for the whole family, you’ll find it here in NRW.
From Legoland to the Chocolate Museum, there is something for every taste.
Other attractions in NRW:
- Legoland Discovery Center, Oberhausen
- Movie Park, Bottrop
- Phantasialand, Brühl
- Irrland Farm Adventure Park, Kevelaer
- Chocolate Museum, Cologne
- ZOOM Erlebniswelt & Zoo, Gelsenkirchen
Camping: a feeling of freedom & closeness to nature
Nature has more to offer than just fresh air and peace and quiet.
You save tons of money and can travel more often than just once a year.
What’s more, you don’t have to sacrifice your luxury and can choose between many high-quality campsites.
Adventure awaits you there.
Whether it’s fun barbecues with the neighbors, singing around the campfire or exploring at night.
Such experiences are unique and if you can share them with your loved ones, they are even more special.
These are further advantages of camping:
- Connection to nature & sense of freedom
- Flexible daily organization
- Cost-effective variant
- Intense time with your loved ones
- Adventures in nature
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Campsite recommendation in NRW
Camping was underestimated for a long time, but is now a big hit with young and old alike.
More and more people are deciding to go camping, especially within Germany.
Whether in a classic tunnel tent, caravan, tent trailer or roof tent, nowhere are you as close to nature as when camping.
You can plan your day flexibly and don’t have to stick to set times in hotels.
Popular campsites in NRW:
Camping Berger (Cologne)
4.4 / 5 (1,867 ratings)
- Address: Uferstr.
71-73, 50996 Cologne-Rodenkirchen - Phone: +49 2219 355240
- Website: Camping Berger
Wildbach Camping (Hellenthal)
4.6 / 5 (464 ratings)
- Address: Platiß 1, 53940 Hellenthal
- Phone: +49 2482 1500
- Website: Wildbach Camping
Campingpark Haddorfer Seen (Wettringen)
4.3 / 5 (1,098 ratings)
- Address: Haddorf 59, 48493 Wettringen
- Phone: +49 5973 2742
- Website: Campingpark Haddorfer Seen
Campsite Gut Habersaul (Heimbach)
3.9 / 5 (773 rating)
- Address: Gut Habersaul 3, 52396 Heimbach
- Phone: +49 2446 437
- Website: Campsite Gut Habersaul
KNAUS Campingpark Hennesee (Meschede)
3.8 / 5 (869 ratings)
- Address: Mielinghausen 7, 59872 Meschede
- Phone: +49 291 952720
- Website: KNAUS Campingpark Hennesee
Weather: temperature and trend
North Rhine-Westphalia has a warm and temperate rainy climate.
This means it has warm and humid summers and mild winters.
In terms of climate, the state is divided into two parts: warm with moderate precipitation in the Westphalian Bay and the Lower Rhine, significantly cooler and rainier in the low mountain ranges (Weserbergland, Sauerland, Siegerland and Eifel).
Nevertheless, NRW is one of the warmer federal states in Germany.
In July, the average temperature here is 23.9 °C.
The sun shines for an average of 1,573 hours a year.
- Highest average temperature: 23.9 °C in July
- Ø hours of sunshine: 1,573 h
Weather today / Weather in 3 days
To help you plan, this map shows you the weather for the next few days and right now.
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Q&A: The most important facts about NRW
Before every vacation there are a few unanswered questions.
That’s why it’s important to find out in advance.
We have summarized the most important questions for you here!
How many inhabitants does NRW have?
NRW currently has 17.5 million inhabitants, making it the most populous federal state in Germany.
What is the largest city in NRW?
In 2019, Cologne was by far the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia with around 1.1 million inhabitants, followed by Düsseldorf with 620,475 and Dortmund with 586,563.
How many large cities are there in NRW?
30 of the cities in NRW are large cities, which means that North Rhine-Westphalia has by far the most large cities in Germany.
Which is bigger, Dortmund or Essen?
Dortmund has had slightly more inhabitants than Essen since around 2003.
Currently, around 586,000 people live in Dortmund.
Essen has around 3000 to 4000 fewer inhabitants.
Which 3 federal states border directly on NRW?
North Rhine-Westphalia borders Lower Saxony to the north and northeast, Hesse to the southeast, Rhineland-Palatinate to the south and Belgium and the Netherlands to the west.
What is the smallest city in NRW?
The smallest municipality in the federal state and also the smallest administrative unit in North Rhine-Westphalia is Dahlem (4215 inhabitants) in the district of Euskirchen, the smallest town is Heimbach in the district of Düren, which has 4328 inhabitants.
How many independent cities are there in NRW?
The state of North Rhine-Westphalia is divided into a total of 31 districts (including the city region of Aachen, which is treated as a district) and 22 independent cities.
Photos & Impressions: North Rhine-Westphalia is so beautiful
Two thirds of the area of North Rhine-Westphalia is rural.
This means there are great areas for long walks. 
In the northern part of the federal state, the terrain is still very flat, making it easy to cycle there.
The Münsterland region is particularly popular for this. 
Due to the high proportion of industry, there are many interesting cities in North Rhine-Westphalia that are ideal for excursions.
Examples include Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Essen and Duisburg. 
Travel destinations nearby!
Day trip or short trip
So that you can also discover beautiful vacation destinations around NRW, you can find travel tips for the whole of Germany here.
Camping in Hesse: a wide range of excursion options
From North Rhine-Westphalia, discover the many excursion options in neighboring Hesse.
Whether you are a water sports enthusiast or prefer to take leisurely walks through the picturesque vineyards along the Rhine, Hesse presents itself as an ideal vacation region, including the impressive Edersee.
You can find more travel tips here:
XXL list: All camping tips for Germany
Immerse yourself in deep blue lakes, blossoming nature and the sweet smell of freedom, as well as in the vibrant nights of the bustling cities of Munich, Berlin or Hamburg.
In this way, you can escape the monotony and stress of everyday life and enjoy freedom to the full.
Whether you prefer untouched nature, want to explore the biggest cities or relax on the most beautiful dream beaches, you can find more travel tips here:
