Things To Do
in Issum

Issum is a small town in the Lower Rhine region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It blends rural charm with easy access to cycling routes and nearby cities. The town sits along the Niederrhein landscape with hedgerows, waterways, and a compact historic center.

Visitors find a relaxed pace, friendly locals, and opportunities to explore nature and regional cuisine.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Issum
morning
:

Arrive in Issum and settle into your accommodation. Take some time to explore the immediate surroundings of your hotel or guesthouse. Enjoy a light breakfast at a local café to energize you for the day ahead.

afternoon
:

Stroll through the charming streets of Issum, visiting local shops and absorbing the small-town atmosphere. Stop by the historic St. Lambertus Church, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Grab lunch at a traditional German restaurant, sampling regional delicacies.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy bistro where you can savor an authentic German dinner. Consider trying or sampling local beers to get a taste of the region. End your first day with a peaceful walk through the town, enjoying the quiet ambiance of Issum at night.

day 2
Exploring the Countryside
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then head out to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Issum. Rent a bike and cycle through the scenic backroads lined with lush fields and charming farms. Stop occasionally to take photos and enjoy the fresh air.

afternoon
:

After a morning of cycling, find a picturesque spot for a packed lunch amidst nature. Post lunch, visit the nearby historic villages, such as Sevelen or Vynen, to experience local architecture and culture. Don’t forget to check for any local markets that may be happening.

evening
:

Return to Issum and freshen up for the evening. Enjoy a meal at a different restaurant, perhaps trying a regional specialty that you haven’t tasted yet. Finish the night with a leisurely walk or a small gathering in the town square, where you can savor the local vibe.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee and pastry$3-6
🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant$12-25
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$70-130
🚆Local train or bus fare$2-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Peaceful rural atmosphere
  • Easy day trips to nearby towns in the Lower Rhine region
  • Good cycling and nature access
  • Healthy, approachable local cuisine
  • Limited nightlife within Issum itself
  • Smaller town with fewer major attractions
  • Weather can be variable in spring and autumn
  • "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
  • "Danke schön" - Thank you very much
  • "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like...
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Welche Spezialitäten empfehlen Sie?" - What local specialties do you recommend?
  • "Ich brauche Hilfe" - I need help
  • "Welche Öffnungszeiten haben Sie?" - What are your opening hours?

Places to Visit in Issum

Visit one of these nice places.

Historic Market Square

A charming central square with timber-framed buildings, ideal for morning light.

Riverside Countryside Viewpoints

Quiet banks and hedgerows along the Niederrhein landscape offer wide horizons and sunset opportunities.

Windmill (if accessible)

A traditional mill nearby offers a nostalgic subject and distant farmland backdrops.

Charming Church Facades

Simple religious architecture with stone details perfect for architectural shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Issum

The Lower Rhine region offers hearty, seasonal dishes, simple comforting flavors, and farm-to-table produce. Expect potato-based dishes, cabbage specialties, and sausage dishes, with beers and regional wines to pair with meals.

Issum Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Grünkohl mit Pinkel

A classic winter dish of kale with a smoked sausage, traditionally enjoyed in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Must-Try!

Rheinischer Sauerbraten

Marinated pot roast served with gravy and red cabbage; a regional specialty across the Rhine.

Kartoffelsalat mit Würstchen

Potato salad with sausages, a common accompaniment in casual dining.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Issum Wochenmarkt

Weekly market offering fresh produce, regional cheeses, breads, and periodic street food stalls.

Climate Guide

Weather

Issum has a temperate oceanic climate with mild summers and cool winters. Rain is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with wetter periods in late autumn and winter. Spring and autumn are mild, making outdoor activities pleasant most of the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake is common; use formal 'Sie' until invited to 'du'.

Punctuality

Being on time is valued in appointments and meetings.

Quiet hours

Respect quiet hours in the evenings in residential areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

The town is generally safe with low crime rates. Standard travel safety applies: keep valuables secure, be aware of traffic when cycling, and follow local guidance during poor weather.

Tipping in Issum

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Germany, rounding up or leaving about 5-10% at restaurants is common if service is good.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with blooming hedges; great for cycling and outdoor photography.

Summer

Long days and frequent showers; humidity moderate; outdoor activities popular.

Autumn

Harvest season with colorful fields and markets; ideal for landscape photography.

Winter

Cool temperatures; Grünkohl season and cozy indoor spots shine; expect shorter days.

Nightlife Guide

Issum at Night

Issum has a quiet, village-style nightlife with pubs and small cafés; for more options, the nearby towns of Kleve and Xanten offer bars and live music on weekends. Expect a relaxed atmosphere with locals socializing in community spaces, rather than a large club scene.

Hiking in Issum

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Lower Rhine countryside trails

Scenic, flat routes along hedgerows offering relaxed hikes.

Bush and meadow preserves nearby

Gentle nature trails with opportunities for birdwatching.

Airports

How to reach Issum by plane.

Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS)

Major international gateway, about 1.0-1.5 hours by car or train from Issum.

Weeze Airport (NRN)

Smaller regional airport serving several European routes; typically about 1 hour to 1.5 hours by road from Issum.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

Large international hub with frequent connections; about 2-2.5 hours drive/train from Issum.

Getting Around

Walkability

Issum is walkable in the town center with compact streets; a lot of sights are within easy reach on foot, but longer trips may require a bike or car to reach farms and nature areas.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families live in Issum with a focus on community life and schools.

Commuters

Residents who travel to nearby towns for work, such as Kleve or Duisburg.

Retirees

A portion of the population enjoys a quiet, slower pace and outdoor recreation.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular nationwide; local clubs and school teams active in the region.

Cycling

Flat terrain with many dedicated routes; ideal for day trips and longer rides.

Tennis

Public and club courts available in nearby towns.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light in Issum; cars and bicycles share roads; regular regional trains connect to Kleve, Wesel, and beyond; bike lanes exist on main routes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Issum.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many menus offer meat-free options; look for quark, egg, cheese dishes, and seasonal vegetables; ask for vegetarian adaptations.

Gluten-free

Many locations can accommodate gluten-free meals; request gluten-free bread or starch substitutes and check dressings.

Allergies

Inform staff about allergies and ask for ingredient lists; many venues can adjust sauces and garnishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible in Issum and nearby towns; local clinics and pharmacies serve basic needs, with larger hospitals in Kleve or Duisburg for more specialized care.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide