Top scenic driving routes around Duisburg

🌍 Best driving routes around Duisburg

🚗 Explore the beauty of Duisburg and its surroundings by car!  From picturesque riverside roads to charming villages and historical landmarks, there’s so much to discover. Don’t forget to download an offline map and prepare your favorite road trip playlist!

🏭 Industrial Heritage Route (Route der Industriekultur)

🚗 Distance: ~240 km (round trip: Duisburg → Oberhausen → Essen → Duisburg)
🏭 Highlights: Explore the industrial history of the Ruhr area with a recommended route starting from Duisburg, passing through Oberhausen and Essen, and returning to Duisburg. The key sites include the Gasometer Oberhausen and the Zollverein Coal Mine in Essen — both iconic landmarks of industrial heritage. Perfect for history enthusiasts and photographers!
🔗Official map

🍴 Where to Eat:
🎰 Casino Zollverein — Located at the Zollverein Coal Mine in Essen, this restaurant offers modern German cuisine in a unique industrial setting. Known for its fine dining experience and historical atmosphere.

🔗 Website

🌋 Eifel Volcano Route

🚗 Distance: ~350 km (round trip: Duisburg → Eifel Maar Lakes → Andernach Geyser → Duisburg)
🌲 Highlights: Discover the volcanic wonders of the Eifel region with stops at the serene maar lakes, the world’s tallest cold-water geyser in Andernach, and the fascinating Vulkanmuseum in Daun. Perfect for nature and geology enthusiasts!

🌊 Eifel Maar Lakes (Maare)

Highlights: Explore the stunning volcanic crater lakes around Daun, known for their crystal-clear waters and picturesque settings. Ideal for a summer swim or a peaceful picnic by the lake.
Must-see: Gemündener Maar, Weinfelder Maar, and Schalkenmehrener Maar for the best views and photos.

🔗 More info

🌋 Andernach Geyser
Highlights: Witness the world’s tallest cold-water geyser, reaching up to 60 meters! The visit includes a boat ride on the Rhine and an interactive exhibition explaining the natural phenomenon.
Must-see: The geyser eruption and the visitor center for an immersive experience.
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🏛️ Vulkanmuseum Daun
Highlights: Learn about the volcanic history of the Eifel region with interactive exhibits and guided tours. Discover how the maar lakes and volcanic formations were created.
Must-see: The 3D volcano simulation and the fossil collection.
🔗 More info

🍴 Where to Eat:
🌲 Vulkan Waldfrieden   — Located on the Eifel Volcano Route, this place offers fresh regional German cuisine with stunning views of the volcanic landscapes. It is praised for its scenic location and delicious food.

🔗 Website

🏛️ Aachen-Maastricht Heritage Route

🚗  Distance: ~300 km (round trip: Duisburg → Aachen → Maastricht → Duisburg)

🏞️ Highlights: Explore the historic Aachen with its UNESCO-listed cathedral and the charming streets of Maastricht with its medieval architecture.

🌟 Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom)
History: One of the oldest cathedrals in Northern Europe, built in 796 AD by Charlemagne. Known for its octagonal chapel and mosaics, it was the coronation site for over 30 German kings.
Must-see: Charlemagne's Throne and the Cathedral Treasury with rare artifacts.
🔗 More info

🌟 Maastricht
History: One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, famous for its cobblestone streets and the Maastricht Treaty.
Must-see: St. Servatius Basilica, underground catacombs, and the stunning Boekhandel Dominicanen bookstore set in a former church.
🔗 More info

🍴 Where to Eat:
🇩🇪 Am Knipp (Aachen) — Traditional German cuisine in a cozy setting.
🔗 Website

🇳🇱 Café Sjiek (Maastricht) — Local Limburg dishes in a welcoming bistro.
🔗 Website

🚗 Useful tips for travelers in Germany:

🔹 Download an offline map: Apps like Google Maps and Maps.me allow you to navigate without internet.

🔹 Parking: In city centers, look for Parkhaus (parking garages) as street parking is often limited. 

🔹 Charging stations: Popular routes have many charging points for electric cars. Check the Plugsurfing app.

🔹 Plan your stops: Local cafés and restaurants often close between lunch and dinner, so plan accordingly!

🚦 Speed Limits in Germany:

🔹 In town: 50 km/h

🔹 Outside the town: 100 km/h

🔹 Autobahns: No speed limit on some sections, but 130 km/h is recommended.

🔹 Speed cameras: Common in urban areas, so keep an eye out!

🔥 Ready for an unforgettable road trip around Duisburg? Start your engine and hit the road!