Things To Do
in Solingen
Solingen is a historic city located in the western region of Germany. Known as the "City of Blades," it has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality knives, swords, and other cutting tools. The city is home to several well-known manufacturers and museums dedicated to the art of blade-making.
Solingen also boasts picturesque architecture, charming old town streets, and beautiful parks for residents and visitors to enjoy.
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please/You're welcome
- "Guten Morgen" - Good morning
- "Auf Wiedersehen" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $120
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Solingen Castle, enjoying the views and learning about the history of the region. Grab a delicious breakfast at a local café nearby, savoring traditional German pastries.
Head to the Wupper Valley for a scenic walk, immersing yourself in nature and taking pictures of the river. Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant with a menu featuring regional specialties.
Wander through the historic Old Town, soaking in the charming architecture. Have dinner at a local brewery, tasting their house-made beer and hearty dishes.
Visit the Kunstmuseum Solingen to appreciate contemporary art exhibitions. Enjoy a fresh coffee at the museum café before heading to your next destination.
Explore the Deutsche Klingenmuseum, where you can learn about Solingen's rich blade-making tradition. Take a break for lunch in the museum's restaurant offering light fare.
Wander through the historic Old Town, soaking in the charming architecture. Have dinner at a local brewery, tasting their house-made beer and hearty dishes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical significance, known for its blade manufacturing and craftsmanship.
- Beautiful scenery with numerous parks and green spaces.
- Cultural attractions, including museums and historical sites.
- Strong local economy and job opportunities, particularly in manufacturing and crafts.
- Accessible public transportation and close proximity to larger cities like Düsseldorf.
- Smaller city with fewer entertainment and nightlife options compared to larger urban areas.
- Limited international travel connections compared to major hubs.
- Weather can be unpredictable, with cold winters and damp conditions.
- Cost of living may be higher due to tourism and demand for local crafts.
- Some residents may find it challenging to adapt to a slower pace of life.
Best Activities in Solingen
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit Burg Castle and enjoy the picturesque surroundings and panoramic views of Solingen.
Explore the charming historic center of Gräfrath, known for its half-timbered houses and artisan shops.
Hike or bike along the scenic Wupper Valley Trail, which offers beautiful views of nature and the river.
Tours
Uncover the best of Solingen with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Solingen
Visit one of these nice places.
A castle with panoramic views of the surrounding area
Charming historic area with picturesque buildings and streets
Botanical garden featuring scenic landscapes and diverse plant life
Food in Solingen
Solingen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional clear soup made with beef broth, vegetables, and strips of pancakes, often served as a starter in local restaurants like Gaststätte Höseler
Must-Try!
A classic dish featuring mashed potatoes ('Himmel') and applesauce ('Ääd') served with blood sausage, available at Gasthaus und Hotel Bischoff
Crispy potato pancakes often served with applesauce or smoked salmon, best sampled at the weekly farmers' market in Solingen-Mitte
Unique Experiences
Get to know Solingen better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in the city center, the weekly farmers' market offers a variety of local products and street food options, including freshly made Bratwurst and artisanal cheeses
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Solingen, it is customary to greet people with a handshake and maintain punctuality in social and professional settings.
Germans, including those in Solingen, value their personal space, so it is important to maintain an appropriate distance when engaging in conversations.
When dining in Solingen, it is important to keep your hands on the table, use utensils properly, and wait for everyone to be served before eating.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Solingen with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Solingen
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Solingen, Germany is generally not compulsory, but it is common to leave a small tip of 5-10% in restaurants and cafes if the service was satisfactory. In bars, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is also appreciated. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also common, but not obligatory.
In Solingen, Germany, cash is widely accepted for transactions, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used, especially in larger establishments. Contactless payment methods are becoming increasingly popular. It's important to carry some cash for small purchases and to check if the establishment accepts cards before making a payment.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Solingen.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Solingen, Germany when the weather is mild, and the city's parks and gardens are in full bloom. Visitors can expect to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the picturesque landscapes.
Summer is a popular time to visit Solingen, Germany due to warm weather and longer daylight hours. It is an ideal time for hiking, outdoor festivals, and enjoying the local attractions.
Autumn in Solingen, Germany is marked by beautiful foliage and milder temperatures, making it a great time for nature walks and exploring the charming countryside.
Winter in Solingen, Germany brings a festive atmosphere with Christmas markets, holiday lights, and the opportunity to experience traditional German winter activities such as ice skating and enjoying warm drinks.
Solingen at Night
Hiking in Solingen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A picturesque hiking trail featuring beautiful landscapes and gentle slopes, ideal for families and casual hikers.
A vast nature park offering numerous hiking routes through forests, hills, and scenic vistas, perfect for more adventurous hikers.
A serene trail along the Wupper River, providing a peaceful hiking experience with opportunities for wildlife spotting.
A charming route that takes you past various historical mills in the region, combining history with nature.
Explore the trails around Germany's highest railway bridge, offering stunning views and challenging hikes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Solingen through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Solingen by plane.
Düsseldorf Airport is the primary airport serving Düsseldorf and the surrounding North Rhine-Westphalia region. It is approximately 30 kilometers from Solingen.
Cologne Bonn Airport is an important international airport located in Cologne, about 40 kilometers from Solingen, serving both domestic and international flights.
Weeze Airport is a small international airport located north of Düsseldorf, approximately 60 kilometers from Solingen, primarily handling low-cost carriers.
Dortmund Airport is located about 65 kilometers from Solingen and serves both national and international flights, primarily catering to low-cost airlines.
Munster Osnabruck International Airport is about 110 kilometers from Solingen and serves both regional and international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group, comprising the majority of the population, mainly consisting of ethnic Germans.
A significant minority group, primarily composed of individuals with Turkish heritage and their descendants.
Includes residents from various European countries, such as Italian, Polish, and Russian demographics.
Composed of individuals from countries like Syria, Iraq, and Iran, adding to the cultural diversity.
Includes smaller groups from countries like Vietnam, China, and India, contributing to the multicultural fabric of the city.
A smaller demographic group, consisting of immigrants and descendants from various African nations.
The Soul of Solingen
Discover the essence of Solingen through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Solingen, with many local clubs and a strong community following.
Handball enjoys popularity in Solingen, with local teams competing at various levels and many fans supporting them.
Basketball has a growing presence in Solingen, with youth programs and local clubs promoting the sport.
Athletics, including running and track events, is popular among residents in Solingen, often promoted through schools and local clubs.
Ice hockey is a popular sport in Solingen, with local teams participating in regional leagues.
Cycling is a favored pastime, with many residents enjoying both competitive cycling and recreational biking.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Solingen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Solingen offer meat-free dishes such as lentil stew, vegetable strudel, and tofu schnitzel to cater to vegetarian and vegan dietary preferences
Visitors with gluten intolerance can enjoy gluten-free bread, cakes, and pasta dishes available at select cafes and restaurants like Café Anker
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Solingen with these cultural adventures.
