Home to Borussia Mönchengladbach, one of Germany’s most popular football clubs, Mönchengladbach is a small city that makes a popular day trip from Düsseldorf. This leafy city is home to lush woodlands and parks, along with world-class art galleries, theatres and treasured historical monuments.

Things to do

A highlight for art lovers is the Museum Abteiberg, which is renowned for its experimental and avant-garde exhibitions. It’s set within a postmodern building designed by Austrian architect Hans Hollein and showcases artwork by celebrated Expressionist, Dada and Nouveau Realist masters, as well as iconic Pop Art pieces.

Don’t miss the impressive fine art collection and historical displays within the Renaissance palace of SchlossRheydt, which is situated east of Mönchengladbach. Originally built in 1060, most of its present appearance dates from the 16th century, including its iconic pastel-yellow facade.

Another architectural landmark not to miss is Schloss Wickrath, a moated castle complex to the south of Mönchengladbach. It was designed in the shape of a coronet once worn by counts of the Holy Roman Empire, with a fine dining restaurant set within its exquisite 18th-century interior.

Want to experience Mönchengladbach’s most lively ambience? Then coincide your visit for a Bundesliga match between Borussia Mönchengladbach and one of their big rivals, such as Bayern München or Borussia Dortmund. The 54,000-seat Borussia-Park stadium is located to the south-west of Mönchengladbach, and the surrounding pubs ignite with an infectious energy on game days.

Getting around

Mönchengladbach Hauptbahnhof is the main transport hub in the city, situated a 30-minute train ride to the west of Düsseldorf. Public buses access most corners of Mönchengladbach, but it’s also a pleasant area to explore by bicycle.