Blotschenmarkt (Christmas Market)
A historic Christmas market in Mettmann's old town, one of the oldest in North Rhine-Westphalia. Over several weeks of Advent it draws thousands of visitors with its cozy Bergisches Land atmosphere.
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Mettmann
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ℹ️Practical info — Mettmann
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Neanderthal Museum early in the morning to avoid queues.
- Park centrally at Jubiläumsplatz; the city center is within easy walking distance from there.
- Use the S28 train line (Regiobahn) for quick and easy trips to nearby Düsseldorf.
- Explore the historic upper town with its typical regional half-timbered houses.
- Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to use the hiking trails in the Neander Valley.
🍽 Food
🍽
Bergische Kaffeetafel
A lavish meal with waffles and coffee served from a traditional pot, found in old town restaurants.
🍽
Pillekuchen
A hearty, thick potato pancake with bacon, often served in rustic guesthouses.
🍽
Altbier
Try a freshly tapped dark beer in the breweries around Jubiläumsplatz.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Weekly Market
Held every Wednesday and Saturday at Jubiläumsplatz, featuring fresh regional produce.
🛍
Galerie Königshof
A modern shopping mall located in the city center for fashion and everyday needs.
🧘
Ice Age Game Reserve
A spacious area in the Neander Valley with aurochs and wild horses, great for quiet walks.
🧘
Goldberger Teich
An idyllic pond on the outskirts, surrounded by forest paths for a short break in nature.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
3
Mettmann Heimatfest
A three-day city festival every summer around the St. Lambertus Tower in the old town. It is considered one of the region's most beautiful city festivals and a meeting point for locals and former residents.
Mettmann Wine Summer
A three-day wine festival on the historic market square around the Lambertus Church in early July. Around ten winemakers from German wine regions turn the square into the city's largest wine garden.
Mettmann is situated on the edge of the Bergisch Land and borders the state capital, Düsseldorf. The city is primarily famous as the home of the world-renowned Neander Valley, where the remains of Homo neanderthalensis were discovered in 1856. The local Neanderthal Museum is now a significant research and visitor center. The town itself features an appealing historic upper town around the St. Lambertus Church, characterized by many well-preserved slate houses typical of the region. Economically, Mettmann is defined by a strong medium-sized business sector and its role as the administrative seat of the Mettmann district. With its connection to the Regiobahn, the city is excellently integrated into the railway networks of the Ruhr area and Düsseldorf. The hilly landscape gives numerous hiking trails that blend nature with cultural history.
- Location: North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- Top sights: Neander Valley · St. Lambertus Church · Naturfreibad
- Nearby: Erkrath (5 km)
- Population: ~39.197
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 84 | 67 | 61 | 45 | 65 | 68 | 78 | 82 | 62 | 67 | 77 | 86 |
Geography
Facts
- First documented mention in the year 904.
- The Neanderthal Museum attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
- Mettmann is located at an altitude of approx. 140 meters.
- Twin city of Laval in France and Žatec in the Czech Republic.
- The Regiobahn S28 connects the city with Düsseldorf.
- Features a modern indoor and outdoor swimming pool in the city forest.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Mettmann (7)
Frequently asked questions
What is Mettmann world-famous for?
For the Neanderthal valley. This is where the Neanderthal bones were found in 1856, documented today in the Neanderthal Museum.
Is the Neanderthal Museum worth it for children?
Yes, it is designed to be very interactive. There is also a Stone Age game reserve with aurochs and wild horses nearby.
How do you get from Düsseldorf to Mettmann?
The best way is via the S28 RegioBahn. The trip from Düsseldorf Central Station takes about 20 minutes.
Does Mettmann have a historic town center?
Yes, around the market square with St. Lambertus Church, there are beautiful 'Bergisch' style half-timbered houses and small alleys.
What can you do in the Neanderthal valley besides the museum?
You can hike to the discovery site, visit the adventure trail, or explore the Ice Age game reserve.
Mettmann: where is it located?
Mettmann is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Mettmann: what is there to see?
Highlights include Neander Valley, St. Lambertus Church, Naturfreibad.
Mettmann: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Mettmann: why is it worth visiting?
Mettmann is situated on the edge of the Bergisch Land and borders the state capital, Düsseldorf.
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