Autumn holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia: 11 exciting excursions for the whole family!
Discover Mettmann's highlights for an unforgettable autumn holiday 2025, including the Neanderthal Museum and pumpkin show.

Autumn holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia: 11 exciting excursions for the whole family!
The autumn holidays are just around the corner and North Rhine-Westphalia is showing off its most beautiful side. Whether for families or friends, the region offers a wealth of excursion destinations that are just waiting to be explored. Presented in this spirit 24Rhine a selection of 11 extraordinary activities that will make the fall holidays unforgettable.
This is a very special highlightNeanderthal Museumin Mettmann. This is a fascinating journey through time through four million years of human history. The questions “Where do we come from?”, “Who are we?” and “Where are we going?” are the focus of the permanent and changing special exhibitions. The Neandertal adventure world with its discovery site, game reserve, playground and adventure tower also provides fun and education. The entrance fee is 14 euros for adults and 9.50 euros for children. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., especially during the holidays.
Colorful pumpkins and illuminated parks
Another colorful experience is offered by...Pumpkin show at the Krewelshof, the largest of its kind in North Rhine-Westphalia. With the motto “Atlantis – sunken underwater worlds made of pumpkin” it impresses with creative pumpkin figures and tasty culinary offerings. Until mid-November you can visit the show every day from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at 8.90 euros and entry is free for children under 90 cm.
Anyone who longs for a mystical experience shouldErwentraut Autumn Light GardenDon't miss it in the Sauerlandpark Hemer. This light art installation will delight you every day from October 2nd to 26th from 4 p.m. Admission costs 7 euros for adults, 4 euros for concessions, and children up to 6 years of age have free access.
Nature and adventure
For nature lovers it isForest sculpture trailA must in Wittgenstein-Sauerland. There are 11 sculptures on a 23-kilometer-long art trail that address the relationship between humans and nature. And best of all: the path is free to walk all year round.
Another highlight is thePanarbora Nature Adventure Parkin Waldbröl. A 40-meter-high observation tower and a 1,635-meter-long treetop path await adventure seekers here. The ghost park promises additional spooky tours from the end of September to the beginning of November. The entry price is 10.90 euros for adults and 7.40 euros for children.
The list of exciting excursion destinations is long. TheBirds of prey station and Hellenthal wildlife enclosureoffers air shows and a 64-hectare area with native animal species. Those tooAltena Castlewith its museum and adventure elevator as well as theCologne Zoowith over 10,000 animals are perfect destinations for a day outdoors.
How WA reported, the castles in Brühl such as Augustusburg Castle and Falkenlust Castle are also worth a visit. The historical backdrop and the guided tours are not just a highlight for history fans. In addition, they areKommern open-air museum, which is one of the largest in Europe with some historic buildings, as well as the inviting hiking trails in North Rhine-Westphalia's forests are other great options.
Whether in mild weather or in the rainy season, the region has something for everyone. Indoor activities are also popular and keep you in a good mood, even when the clouds gather. As the ADAC emphasizes, the autumn holidays are the ideal time for experiences that you won't quickly forget. Use the time to discover the colorful landscapes, exciting attractions and cultural highlights in NRW!