We will be in the region of Assinghausen/Olsberg ( North Rhine-Westphalia) in late June/early July for a small town Schützenfest festival... and are looking for some other attractions or don't-miss sights, restaurants, or hikes in the region. All suggestions appreciated!
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8025 posts
How long will you be there? There are the larger cities around there, of course, like Cologne, Düsseldorf and Münster and each of them are worth visiting. Cologne is a must-see just for the cathedral, but is a lovely city to walk around in. And there is one restaurant near the cathedral called maiBeck FÜR DICH where I had the best meal of my 30 day stay in Germany. Münster is also lovely with a beautiful cathedral and some interesting history there. I have not been to Düsseldorf but others here have and recommend it.
There will be many places for hiking in the area - also biking if you like that. Münsterland is known for biking opportunities. I would suggest that you check some of the local places' websites - they usually list local hikes and other sights and things to do. Here is the one for Olsberg - https://www.tourismus-brilon-olsberg.de/startseite. You could also check the Sauerland tourist sites. https://www.nrw-tourism.com/region-sauerland#sauerland and https://www.sauerland.com/erleben/wandern
By the way, I'm originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, which has a very large population of Germans. Cincinnati also has the oldest Schützenfest in America, dating back to 1866. Enjoy the one you are going to!
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
Hi,
I have been to a Schützenfest a couple of times, also in Westphalia but in a different town. I went to the Schützenfest in Soest/Westf, not far from Münster......a lot of fun, culturally an eye-opener and enlightening with great music ( German marches, Schlager, traditional Volksfestmusik. etc) as part of the activities. The one thing I can think of that might mar your enjoyment (I saw this once) is if you encounter too many "blaue Leute."
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
In the area of North Rhine Westphalia the most well-known Schützenfest takes place near the end of August, which unfortunately you'll miss but next time !
This famous and popular Schützenfest is in Neuss (Neuß am Rhein), just over the river from Düsseldorf.
You take the U-Bahn from Düsseldorf Hbf to Neuss Hbf or the regional train with its terminus, Venlo, NL. The first stop is Neuss.