12 insider tipsSpecial photo spots

Street artists have bathed the entire city in a variety of colours - brightly and legally transforming grey concrete into colourful works of art to be admired. The large murals in particular, which are created every two years as part of the CityLeaks Urban Art Festival, have in some cases become landmarks and tourist magnets. But there is also plenty of colourful street art to discover in some parts of Cologne, such as Ehrenfeld. So pack your camera or mobile phone and just take a stroll.

An animal community has set up home right next to the Neanderthal Museum: Tarpans, bison and aurochs live here. In the morning light, when the mist slowly spreads over the meadows, the atmosphere conjures up a very special mood. The Ice Age Game Reserve offers unique photo opportunities, especially early in the morning when the mist is still on the meadows or in the evening when the sun is slowly setting. And before or after that, there is culture in the Neanterthal Museum - the perfect combination.

Nobody would have expected this: Leaving a main road, it suddenly appears. A colourful, long staircase. 112 steps in 112 colours with 112 words: The Holstein Staircase in Wuppertal is a unique work of art and world-famous. Discover completely new perspectives on the staircase and play with the bright colours for your next Insta post.

High above, on the Rheinpreußen spoil tip in Moers, sits a shining miner's lamp. Whether during the day, shortly after sunset, during the blue hour or at night - the imposing landmark is a unique photo motif at any time. For the way back, take a torch or your mobile phone with you and combine your excursion with a night walk.

A setting straight out of a fairy tale: Loersfeld Castle in Kerpen near Cologne is one of the most beautiful grounds in the whole country. Pack your camera and let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of this place. A tip for gourmets: the castle is home to a gourmet restaurant that is one of the top 100 restaurants in Germany.

You can discover a fascinating natural spectacle in the Mechernich Forest: The Katzensteine represent 220 million years of the earth's history and create a very special picture with their unique rock formations and layers. A circular hiking trail of around eight kilometres offers different perspectives of the red sandstone rocks.

"Next stop: Graf-Adolf-Platz!" Waiting for the next underground train on Düsseldorf's Wehrhahn line is guaranteed not to be boring. Six stations on the line have been designed by artists and designers and impress with works from the fields of video art, fine art and sculpture.

You'll need to show a little patience here and stalk slowly and quietly - then you're guaranteed to get the pink flamingos in the Zwillbrocker Venn in Münsterland in front of your lens. The exotic animals can be observed here from March to July and, if breeding is successful, until September. A unique nature experience!

Whether early in the morning at sunrise, in the evening when the sun goes down or at the blue hour - the Bruchhauser Steine in the Sauerland offer a breathtaking view over the region - and there are also hikes on various themed trails as well as a short climbing passage to the highest point of the natural monument.

The lake rests deep in the valley, trees are reflected on the surface and wild geese settle down for a short rest on the water. Nature resembles a painting. Now all you have to do is press the shutter release and capture a snapshot of the landscape.

From the Skywalk above Lake Bigge, you can view the Sauerland from above - and get a little closer to the sky. The Biggeblick is also an ideal photo opportunity in the evening. The platform is then illuminated and shines in white and blue light.