Discover your perfect stay in Kreuzau.
Discover the most iconic attractions in Kreuzau
Find the perfect place to stay in Kreuzau




Questions You Might Need to Know About Traveling to Kreuzau
In Kreuzau, the top boutique choice is Hotel am Schloss, located just steps from the Kreuzau Castle. This beautifully restored 19th-century manor blends original timber beams, antique furnishings, and modern amenities. Each room features unique touches like hand-carved doors or vintage maps. The hotel offers private garden access and guided heritage walks to nearby Westerwald forests and medieval chapels. Guests enjoy personalized service, including curated local experiences such as pottery workshops and wine tastings at regional vineyards. Ideal for travelers seeking authenticity and elegance in a serene German countryside setting.
The historic town center is the ideal base for first-time visitors. Surrounded by cobbled streets, it’s within walking distance of Kreuzau Castle, Town Hall Square, and the St. Maria Church. The area boasts cozy cafes like Brauerei Kray, serving traditional Westphalian beer and hearty stews. Morning strolls along the Kreuzau River Promenade offer peaceful views, while evening visits to local markets reveal artisan crafts and seasonal treats. With excellent access to public transit and scenic routes into the surrounding hills, this district balances convenience, charm, and cultural immersion.
Kreuzau hosts the annual Schlossfestspiele, a classical music festival held in the open-air theater of Kreuzau Castle, featuring opera and symphony performances by renowned German orchestras. Visitors can also join hands-on workshops at the Westerwald Pottery Studio, learning age-old techniques passed down through generations. During winter, the Christmas Light Parade transforms the old town into a magical glow, with stalls offering gingerbread, mulled wine, and handmade gifts. These events highlight Kreuzau’s deep-rooted traditions and make it a living museum of regional heritage.
Key landmarks include Kreuzau Castle, a 13th-century fortress now housing art exhibitions and historical archives, with its lush rose garden and tranquil mirror lake perfect for photography. Nearby, St. Maria Church features Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows, and 15th-century frescoes. The Old Bridge over the Kreuzau River connects the town’s eastern and western districts, especially picturesque at dusk when lights reflect on the water. Together, these sites form a narrative of centuries of history, enhanced by official walking tour maps available at the visitor center.
Absolutely. Kreuzau Castle Park offers a children’s playground, a mini zoo with goats and rabbits, and interactive farm activities like planting potatoes. The Westphalian Nature Museum provides engaging exhibits on local wildlife and geology, ideal for kids. Weekends feature family workshops—such as building wooden toys or baking traditional bread. Restaurants like Haus Bäckerei serve wholesome meals with child-friendly options. With low traffic, safe sidewalks, and a welcoming atmosphere, Kreuzau is a quiet, enriching destination for families seeking nature, culture, and calm.
Try Rote Grütze, a sweet red berry pudding served with vanilla cream—a beloved Westphalian dessert. Another must-try is Pumpernickel Brötchen, a dense rye roll often paired with smoked ham and onion jam. Local taverns like Zum Ritter serve authentic Kreuzau Beer, brewed since the 19th century with a rich caramel finish. During the fall Potato Festival (Kartoffelfest), you’ll find fresh roasted potato platters and creamy potato soup made from heirloom varieties. These flavors reflect the region’s agricultural roots and are best enjoyed in a rustic inn with a view of the countryside.
Yes, Kreuzau is a gateway to the Westerwald Forest Trail Network, offering well-marked paths stretching toward Bad Kreuzau Spa and Hermannsberg Hill. The 12-kilometer Kreuzau–Holzberg route winds through ancient beech and oak forests, past clear streams and birdwatching hides. Trails are accessible year-round, with rental stations providing maps and gear. Early morning hikes offer misty forest views and chances to spot deer. Guided eco-tours are available through local associations, making it ideal for both casual walkers and serious hikers.
Kreuzau is easily accessible via Deutsche Bahn regional trains connecting to Cologne (45 min) and Münster (1 hr). The local station offers frequent departures and seamless transfers. Town buses cover major attractions, accepting the NRW Travel Card. For drivers, A4 Motorway exits are just 8 km away. Bike rentals are available throughout the town, especially near the riverside paths. The combination of rail, bus, and cycling infrastructure makes Kreuzau a sustainable and convenient destination for short or extended stays.
Book a stay in the Castle Garden Suite at Hotel am Schloss for a private terrace overlooking the mirror lake and sunset views. Evening highlights include a castle night tour, where ghost stories and legends unfold in candlelit halls. Couples can stroll hand-in-hand along the Kreuzau River Walk, crossing the stone bridge under soft lighting. Dining options like the rooftop restaurant in the old town offer intimate settings with seasonal menus, including honey wine and artisanal chocolates. Some hotels even provide custom love letters and rose petal arrangements—perfect for creating lasting memories.
The best times to visit are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). Spring brings blooming gardens at Kreuzau Castle, with cherry blossoms and wildflowers painting the landscape. Autumn sees the Westerwald Harvest Festival, celebrating local produce with food stalls and folk dances. Summer festivals attract crowds, so plan ahead if attending events. Winter is quieter but magical during the Christmas Light Parade and festive markets. Avoid peak holidays for a more peaceful experience and better rates.
Kreuzau in North Rhine-Westphalia combines medieval heritage with Rhine tributary landscapes. The town's half-timbered houses and winemaking tradition create a relaxed vibe, best experienced through its riverside cycling paths and weekly craft markets. Autumn vineyard tours highlight regional viticulture.
Don't miss the 13th-century Kreuzau Castle ruins with panoramic views. The Old Town Hall Square showcases Renaissance-era facades and hosts Saturday artisan markets. Rent bikes to explore vineyard trails along the Rur River tributary.
Local taverns serve Riesling wines paired with pork knuckle and sauerkraut. Bakeries offer rye bread with seeds, while market stalls feature smoked sausages and apple strudel. Try Federweisser (young wine) during harvest season.
Attractions are walkable in the compact center. Regional trains to Cologne take 1 hour (VRS network). Day passes (€8) cover buses and trains. Note the environmental zone restricts older vehicles - use marked P+R lots.
May-September offers ideal weather. September wine festivals draw crowds. Christmas markets operate in December, but some sites have reduced hours.
German is primary language, with English museum guides available. Credit cards work in shops but markets prefer cash (keep small bills). Pharmacies (Apotheke) have Sunday rota lists. Dial 112 for emergencies; the train station tourist office provides maps and event calendars.