Rees, recognized as the oldest town on the lower part of the Rhine, charms visitors with its extensive and beautifully landscaped river promenade. This scenic walkway has well-suited opportunities for leisurely strolls while watching the constant flow of river traffic. The rich historical background of the town is immediately visible in the well-preserved remains of its medieval city walls and ancient fortifications. Positioned beneath these historic structures is a unique open-air sculpture park, seamlessly blending contemporary art with centuries-old architecture. Wandering through the historic town center reveals winding streets, traditional brick houses, and cozy squares filled with inviting cafes and local restaurants. Because of its prime riverside location, Rees serves as an excellent starting point for cycling enthusiasts looking to explore the flat, scenic landscapes of the Lower Rhine region. Whether you prefer taking a relaxing boat trip on the water, exploring regional history at local museums, or simply enjoying the peaceful local atmosphere, this welcoming town provides an excellent mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Location: North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Top sights: Rhine Promenade · Mill Tower (Mühlenturm) · Sculpture Park
Nearby: Kalkar (8 km)
Population: ~21.452
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
3
5
10
13
17
19
18
15
11
6
3
Rain mm
74
60
55
39
59
59
77
80
58
64
68
76
Live webcam – Rees
See what it looks like near Rees right now.
Wardt: Xantener Nordsee · 7.9 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Population
22,544
Coordinates
51.76250, 6.39780
Facts
Granted city rights on July 14, 1228.
The Rhine promenade extends for roughly 1 kilometer.
The historic casemates date back to the 16th century.
Home to the Koenraad Bosman House for regional history.
Located at Rhine kilometer marker 837.
Comprises eight distinct municipal districts including Grieth.
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→14:101.6 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 17–23 €Entries 20€ · Transport 0€
Rees attracts with its charming old town and proximity to the Rhine. In the morning we explore historical buildings and the idyllic promenade. At noon we dive into the city's history. The afternoon is dedicated to art and nature, before we end the day relaxing at the sculpture park.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
St. Mariä Himmelfahrt
Start your day in this impressive church with its beautiful stained glass windows, ideally right after a relaxing breakfast.
Morning starts under the dry arches of the church. At noon, we brave the rain on the Rhine promenade before taking cover in the historic Mühlenturm. The afternoon is spent exploring the warm museum galleries. Evening brings a misty charm to the sculpture park; watch your step on slippery paths and bring a sturdy umbrella and waterproof gear for a comfortable walk.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
St. Mariä Himmelfahrt
Enjoy the silence of the Gothic nave while the rain pours outside; an excellent spot for a dry visit. Be careful of the wet, slippery stone floor at the entrance.
The view of the grey Rhine has a unique charm in the rain; use the covered pavilions for breaks. Windproof clothing will protect you from the riverside spray.
Stay longer in the exhibition rooms to comfortably wait out the heaviest rain in the dry. Umbrellas can usually be stored in the designated entrance area.
Morning greets us with the warmth of the heated church, a refuge from the frost. At noon, we take a brisk walk along the frozen Rhine before visiting the historic tower. The afternoon is spent in the cozy museum galleries. Since sunset is around 17:00, visit the sculpture park in the fading light before enjoying the city's charming winter lights.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
St. Mariä Himmelfahrt
The church provides a contemplative and, above all, warm start to the day; admire the details in peace. Watch out for icy patches on the steps.
The bicycle is ideal for discovering Rees and the surrounding lake district. After a cultural dose in the old town in the morning, our path leads out into nature. We spend lunchtime by quiet waters that invite you to linger. In the late afternoon, we enjoy the evening sun by the water.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Museum Koenraad Bosman
Discover the fascinating city history in this welcoming museum, where you can also admire works by Rhenish artists.
Morning starts with a visit to the sheltered Koenraad Bosman Museum. At noon, we cycle carefully to the Mühlenturm to escape the wind. Afternoon routes lead along Wolfersömer Woy and Reeser Meer; watch out for splashes and muddy paths. By evening we reach Aspeler Meer; full rain gear and mudguards are your most important companions today.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Museum Koenraad Bosman
Park your bike in a sheltered spot and use the time for a dry museum visit. The warm atmosphere helps in drying out any damp gear.
Morning starts in the heated museum to prepare for the frosty tour. At noon, a short ride leads to the Mühlenturm to enjoy the view. The afternoon at Wolfersömer Woy and Reeser Meer requires warm gloves and thermal clothing against the icy wind. As it gets dark by 17:00, we finish the excursion at Aspeler Meer well before the winter sunset.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Museum Koenraad Bosman
Use your time in the museum to warm up your limbs before starting the bike tour. You can usually refill your thermos with hot tea here.
By car, the extensive natural and aquatic landscapes around Rees can be easily reached. We start right on the Rhine and then drive from port to lake. At noon, a refreshing stop at the beach awaits us. The day ends at a secluded natural lake, where the silence of the landscape becomes tangible.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Rhine Promenade
Stroll leisurely along the longest and most beautiful Rhine promenade in Germany, enjoying the crisp and fresh morning air.
Morning starts by enjoying the Rhine promenade from the comfort of our dry car. At noon, the drive leads to Sporthafen Obermörmter to watch the boats in the rain. Afternoon visits to Wisseler See and Mahnensee reveal a peaceful lakeside atmosphere. By evening we reach Empelsches Meer; a sturdy umbrella for short walks to the shore is essential for today's trip.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Rhine Promenade
Use the parking spaces with a direct river view to enjoy the panorama while staying dry. A short walk with an umbrella is worth it for the fresh air.
Watch the harbor activity through the windshield; the rain creates a very calm atmosphere. Be careful of puddles on the uneven ground when stepping out.
Morning starts with views of the wintry Rhine with the car heater on. At noon, the drive leads to Sporthafen Obermörmter, where frost decorates the boat masts. Afternoon visits to Wisseler See and Mahnensee offer clear views thanks to the crisp air. We schedule the stop at Empelsches Meer before 17:00, before darkness envelops the landscape.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Rhine Promenade
From the warm driver's seat, you have the best view of the ice floes in the river. Be careful when parking on potentially uncleared areas near the bank.
In clear, frosty weather, the view across the lake is fantastic; use sunglasses against the snow glare. Finding a parking spot is very easy in the winter.
A convenient spot for a short break with hot coffee from a thermos in the warm car. Check the antifreeze concentration in your windshield washer fluid.
Experience the blue hour over the frozen lake before the night's cold intensifies. Drive with extra caution as darkness sets in on potentially icy roads.
