Explore Neuwied by bike

Explore Neuwied by bike In Neuwied, cycling enthusiasts will find lots of ways to indulge in their favourite pastime. The long-distance Rhine cycle path between Bonn and Wiesbaden follows the course of this magnificent European River. Directly at the route lies Neuwied. Neuwied Castle, the flood protection dike or Engers Palace - on the way there is much to discover.

 Approaching Neuwied from Bonn you first cross the English-style landscaped park. The Castle Park is of historical and botanical importance for its rare and exotic trees. Today it is a recreational area for all generations.

Beyond the castle park as you enter the town you will see the castle built from 1707-1712 in the Rhine-Classicism Nassau style. It is still the residence of the Prince of Wied. The castle is used privately and is not open to the public.

After you leave the palace garden on the Rhine cycle path, you can visit the dike information centre. The hands-on centre gives you a fascination insight into the functioning of the unique flood protection system on the Rhine and the history of floods in Neuwied.

Opening times are: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between 2pm and 5pm, on the dike at Schlossstrasse.

Directly across the street from the dike Information Center, there is the Municipal Gallery Mennonite Church. The former Mennonite church in Baroque style, was built in 1766/1768, with a bell tower added in 1860. The Church is a reminder of the religious freedom as part of privileges granted by the Count of Wied to his town’s citizens. Today it houses the city gallery with changing exhibitions throughout the year. It is well worth a visit!

Opening times for exhibitions: Tue 2pm to 5pm, Wed 12am to 5pm, Thu to Sat 2pm to 5pm, Sun and public holidays 11am to 5pm, Schloßstr 2, 56564 Neuwied, tel: +49 (0) 2631 206 87.

From the Gallery of the Mennonite church, it is only a short walk into the heart of Neuwied. Treat yourself to a little refreshment in one of the cafés on the square in the pedestrian zone Luisenplatz and watch the hustle and bustle in the Neuwied city.

Refreshed, we recommend a trip to the romantic district Altwied with its castle ruins on an imposing rock above the village. With its extremely well-maintained streets and houses, including several half-timbered houses of the 17th and 18th century, its 500-year-old Gothic village church and its imposing ruins of the village fortifications, it is a hidden gem. Its attractive countryside location in a loop of the river Wied adds to its beauty; and having won a silver medal in a national competition for villages, Altwied is officially one of the most beautiful places in Germany.

How to get from Neuwied to Altwied: Follow the road “Am Schloßpark”. This turns into the street "Rasselsteiner Straße". Continue straight on and follow the "Wiedbachstraße" and the "Augustastrasse" (L 255). Continue further along the road "Im Wiedtal" until you arrive at the district Altwied. Between Neuwied and Niederbieber there is a cycle path on the “Rasselsteiner Straße”which leads to Niederbieber. In Niederbieber there is no special cycle path.

Back on the Rhine cycle path you now leave the town centre towards Neuwied Engers. Engers is the perfect place for those who prefer a quieter and older yet still historic surrounding. It was first documented around 1190 and was granted city rights by Emperor Charles IV more than 650 years ago. Today the district of Engers is a part of Neuwied.

The Baroque summer palace was built from 1759 to 1762 by Archbishop and Elector Johann Philipp von Walderdorff on the Rhine, for entertainment and to pursue hunting in the nearby forest. It is now the headquarters of the "Villa Musica", a chamber music academy of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The Palace's lavishly decorated concert hall dedicated to the goddess Diana can be visited by appointment.

On the village square outside the palace, you could have a break. Enjoy the view towards the palace from the historic setting of the former town hall and the half-timbered castle tavern. There is no need to stay thirsty or hungry, you are well taken care of by the local bistros and restaurants in the village square.

Leaving Engers, it is well worth making a trip to the district Heimbach-Weis. Here you will find the largest zoo in Rhineland-Palatinate. It houses around 1200 animals from 155 species. Generous outdoor areas are close to the natural habitat of the animals. Furthermore, you are offered a guidebook for the young and old, evening tours, tree and nature trail, playground, zoo restaurant, seal and penguin house, ape house and the largest living herd of grey kangaroos outside of Australia.