Rheinufer, Schelmenturm and floodplains: a city walk in Monheim am Rhein

A city walk in Monheim am Rhein combining Rhine panorama, medieval Altstadt and wide floodplains over 3.4 km.

When the evening light sweeps low across the Rheinauen and the wind turbines on the opposite bank stand as silhouettes in the haze, you are in exactly the right place on the Entdeckerschleife Monheimer Altstadtrunde. The loop in Monheim am Rhein, Kreis Mettmann, measures just 3.4 km – but it packs more into this short distance than many a half-day route.

Start at the Rheinbogen: wide floodplains, quiet water

The starting point is at the Landschaftspark Rheinbogen, Parkplatz Schützenplatz, Am Werth 2 – free of charge, easy to reach, also by bus (lines NE13 & NE14, stop Altstadt Monheim). From here you first head upstream through the Rheinauen. The elevation profile is unspectacular: between 39 and 53 metres, no significant ascent. What counts is the light. Those who set off on an autumn afternoon will experience the floodplains in a golden tone that clashes with the grey of the Rhine – in a beautiful way. Wide gravel paths alternate with paved tree-lined avenues through which the evening light falls diagonally. Herons and ducks regularly rest in the willows along the bank; anyone who packs binoculars will be well rewarded here.

The historic harbour crane – a relic by the wayside

Even before you venture deep into the Altstadt, you pass a striking blue harbour crane that looms prominently over the path. It is a reminder that Monheim am Rhein was shaped by industry for a long time – and today stands as a monument right by the roadside, freely accessible and free of charge. A good first subject for the camera, especially in the backlight of the early evening.

Altstadt: Schelmenturm, half-timbered buildings and sculptures

A few hundred metres further on, the Monheimer Altstadt opens up. The Schelmenturm, the city’s landmark, suddenly appears behind a large deciduous tree – a medieval city tower with an archway through which passers-by stroll in the backlight. Right next to it: a bronze sculpture of a dancing figure on a brick wall, with bicycles on cobblestones in the background. The Altstadt feels lively, not museum-like.

At the Alter Markt a break is worthwhile. Around the square there are cafés and beer gardens – the Rheincafé in a whitewashed half-timbered building is a good stop before or during the tour. For those with a little time: the Monchronik, the city’s decentralised urban museum, is spread across several stations throughout the city – blue goose footprints in the pavement lead from point to point.

A little insider tip that opens up on this route: Sojus 7, an old industrial building that has been converted into an unusual cultural centre. It lies a little off the beaten track and is a good example of how this city deals with its past.

Back to the water: the Piwipp landing stage

At the end of the loop you return to the bank of the Rhine. Here lies the historic ferry landing Piwipp – a place with a long history: Ferry services between Monheim and the opposite bank have been documented since 1374. In 1977 the last ferry ceased operating; since 2013 the “Piwipper Böötchen” has been crossing the Rhine again seasonally. The landing is a good place to pause – the view stretches far across the river, taking in the green embankment on the other side, wind turbines on the horizon, and the silvery water in the evening light.

Practical info at a glance

• Distance: 3.4 km, circular route, barely any elevation change – suitable for all age groups
• Parking: Free car park at the Landschaftspark Rheinbogen, Am Werth 2, 40789 Monheim am Rhein
• Public transport: Bus NE13 & NE14, stop Altstadt Monheim
• Refreshments: Rheincafé at the Alter Markt, further cafés and restaurants in the Altstadt
• Equipment: Sturdy shoes recommended (gravel and cobblestone paths), in autumn a warm jacket for the floodplains
• Best time for this route: Afternoon to evening, to catch the golden hour in the Rheinauen
• Komoot tour: Tour #3263675295

Especially worthwhile in October

In October the Rheinauen transform into a spectacle of gold and orange – and visitor numbers drop noticeably compared to summer. For quiet shots at the Alter Markt and along the promenade, this is the best time. Rhine fog in the early morning hours gives the whole loop a different quality – those who start early have the route to themselves. In North Rhine-Westphalia there are few shorter loops that combine so much river, history and city life in under two hours.