We can't decide what captivates us more: the sunrises or sunsets in your NRW.
Whether very early in the morning, when everyone is still asleep, the mist slowly recedes over the fields and lakes and the first rays of sunshine colour the morning sky, or when the sun bathes the landscape in a vibrant red and orange in the evening: discover places where you can experience magical moments - by the water, from high above or in the cities of North Rhine-Westphalia.
A deep green forest lake, unspoilt nature and Scottish Highland cattle grazing peacefully on a meadow orchard: at Diersfordter Waldsee on the Lower Rhine, visitors can not only watch the sunset, but also spend the night in lovingly furnished houseboats - ideal for a romantic weekend in the midst of idyllic nature. If the houseboats have piqued your interest, then read on in our article about Volker Dingebauer, the owner of the houseboats.
Boarding towards the sunset? In Langenfeld, you can enjoy the last hours of the day on the water. Afterwards, you can relax on one of the long sandy beaches. Surrounded by trees and meadows, you can enjoy unique views of spectacular sunsets.
Here, on the shores of Lake Aa, romance fans have a box seat for the sunset: boats sail across the surface of the water, geese cackle on the shore willows and the Giant Pool Balls by artist Claes Oldenburg cast long shadows in the evening light. The perfect way to end the day. If you like, you can also enjoy the last hours of sunshine of the day from one of the pedal boats. You can easily hire these on site.
Hikers are not the only ones who can enjoy the view over the mountain ranges of the Eifel. A mountain bike trail leads past the viewing platform of the Krawutschketurm tower - perfect for a tour followed by a sunset on the castle hill in the Eifel.
One of the most beautiful views over the Sauerland is from the Isenberg, on which the four impressive Bruchhauser Steine stand. One of the rocks can even be climbed. But the view from the foot of the rocks is also worthwhile. Illuminated in the spectacular light of the sunset, the place invites you to come to rest in the midst of nature and leave the stress of everyday life behind.
If you visit the Tiger & Turtle walk-through rollercoaster in Duisburg in the evening, don't forget your camera. The work of art on the so-called Magic Mountain is an ideal photo motif. The extraordinary viewing platform is particularly magical in the evening. The sunset bathes the Achterban in a fascinating light.
When the sun slowly rises over Duisburg in the east, there is an ideal place for you to be: On the Rheinpreußen spoil tip in Moers. Here stands the Geleucht, a giant miner's lamp that glows red after sunset. It's worth getting up early, especially in summer, because the unique sunrise can only enchant you.
Without a single step, you can climb the Skywalk in Wuppertal's Nordpark, which juts out over the slopes of the forest and serves as an ideal photo spot with its fantastic view of the sun setting over the city. From here, you can watch the sun set over the Ehrenberg and the southern heights of Barmen in a peaceful atmosphere.
After a visit to a museum, a day of shopping or a walk along the banks of the Rhine in Düsseldorf, you can watch the sun sink behind the Rheinkniebrücke bridge - the most beautiful view is on the terrace of the KIT café or on the city beach with matching drinks and seating. But a walk along the promenade is also always a good choice to experience how the sun bathes the city in golden light.
The magnificent Sparrenburg fortress offers a sweeping view over the city of Bielefeld. It is at its most beautiful here at sunset. If you like, you can also climb the Sparrenburg tower for a very special view until 6 pm.
The five-kilometre trail on the Lower Rhine in the district of Kleve leads over the Schaephuysen ridge with unique views of the sunrise towards the Ruhr area or the sunset towards Geldern - a real cinema programme for the soul. There is also the opportunity to discover the trail in a special way: Changing themes, accessible via QR codes, provide an even deeper insight into the surroundings.
Admittedly, the climb up the Drachenfels is strenuous. But the effort is rewarded: especially in spring and in the summer months, the evening sky displays a unique play of light. Once you reach the top of Drachenfels, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the sun setting over the Rhine Valley. If you want a more relaxed end to the evening, you can also take the Drachenfelsbahn, Germany's oldest cog railway, to the sunset until 7 pm (until 6 pm between October and March).
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