Whether on balmy summer nights or on winter evenings when the sun goes down early: explore yourNRW in the dark, by bike, on foot or by boat - and you will see: The city and countryside seem enchanted at dusk and in the dark, sights exude a charm all of their own and things that are barely visible during the day become radiant eye-catchers. On the way, you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye or illuminated works of art. Pack your torch and be enchanted by our highlights that light up the night.
Stars, lights, photo spots
NRW by night
Highlights in the dark
Our top tips
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- Cycling through the night
Oberhausen Learn moreYou will find photogenic spots and scenery on this night ride tour through the Ruhr Area. The starting point of the 30-kilometre route is Oberhausen. From here, the route heads towards sunset as far as Duisburg. Whether it's harbour romance with illuminated containers, industrial culture that can be seen from afar or a blue grotto. You should plan enough time for this tour through the night, not only because it is much slower in the dark than in the light, but also to make one or two stops to marvel and take photos.
Stefan Ziese, Slinky Springs to Fame - Luminous slag heap art
Moers Learn moreClimbing at night: no problem in the Ruhr Area. Late-night walks on the tops of slag heaps are crowned with glowing highlights. Because on some special slag heaps, it glows particularly beautifully in the dark, for example on the Rheinpreußen slag heap in Moers. Das Geleucht (lightinstallation) is located up here. A red floodlit observation tower in the shape of a miner's lamp. An impressive work of art and unique photo motif, especially at night. A torch or headlamp is highly recommended for the descent, as there is otherwise no light on the path.
Johannes Höhn, Halde Rheinpreussen bei Nacht - Starry sky in the Eifel
Schleiden Learn moreLooking for constellations or seeing the Milky Way with the naked eye - not so easy in well-lit NRW. But there is one place in the Eifel where it gets really dark at night: on the site of the historic village of Vogelsang IP in the Eifel National Park region. In the internationally recognised Eifel Star Park , visitors can experience a very special night landscape with big stars and little stars in the middle of nature by looking up.
Harald Bardenhagen, Eifel Sternenpark Kermeter - Panoramic tour on the Rhine
Köln Learn moreWhen the sun goes down, the city panoramas to the right and left of the Rhine change. Even in bustling metropolises, things slowly become a little quieter and well-known sights appear in a new light. The Cologne Düsseldofer Rheinschiffahrtsgesellschaft (KD), for example, offers evening panoramic cruises in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn, with DJs playing lounge music to create a relaxed atmosphere. In winter, the programme continues with all-inclusive Christmas evening cruises after sunset. In addition to music and atmospheric city panoramas, there is also a buffet on the ships.
