Kleve combines a rich cultural heritage with a picturesque setting in the Lower Rhine region. Beautiful parks and gardens recall the town’s heyday as a luxury spa resort in the 18th century. Explore a centuries-old hilltop castle, visit local history museums and discover family-friendly attractions like the urban zoo.
Things to do in Kleve
Schwanenburg Castle dominates the Kleve skyline and has witnessed centuries of history. Perched on a hilltop, the former Dukes of Cleves stronghold is reimagined as a fascinating local history museum. Climb the main tower for panoramic views over the town and surrounding countryside.
Admire works by luminaries like Joseph Beuys and Ewald Matare at Museum Kurhaus Kleve. The museum showcases an impressive collection of art in a handsome 19th-century spa building. Combine your visit with a tour of Ewald Matare House, an engaging museum located in the former home of the celebrated German sculptor.
See animals from around the world at Zoo Kleve. Located in the heart of the town, the family-friendly zoo is home to lemurs, kangaroos, meerkats, monkeys and more. Enjoy a picnic in the beautifully landscaped gardens and shop for animal-inspired souvenirs at the gift shop. Check the daily schedule to catch keeper talks and feeding sessions.
Stroll around Neuer Tiergarten, a beautiful garden laid out by famous Dutch landscaper Jacob van Campen in the 17th century. Forstgarten is another beloved green space and features winding paths lined with mature trees. Enjoy chef-driven cuisine at the restaurant housed in a handsome country house and attend outdoor summer concerts held on the sprawling lawns.
Getting around Kleve
Kleve is compact and easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. Trains connect Kleve with larger cities, including Essen, Dortmund and Düsseldorf in around two hours. Rent a car for the freedom to visit Kleve and explore the Lower Rhine region at your own pace. Düsseldorf International Airport is a one-hour drive away.