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5 Days of Blade-tastic Fun in Solingen, Germany

Discover Solingen on a shoestring budget.

21 June 2023

Solingen, Germany is a charming town located in the North Rhine-Westphalia region and is known for its production of high-quality knives and cutlery. Despite being a traditionally industrial town, there are plenty of affordable things to do, such as visiting the Museum of Blades and taking a stroll through the scenic Gräfrath Old Town. For budget-friendly dining options, check out local cafes or street food vendors.

Travel plan

• Check in at Hotel Schwerthof, a budget-friendly hotel with a traditional German flair.
• Stretch your legs at Gräfrath Old Town, a charming pedestrian zone with half-timbered houses, galleries, and cafes.
• Visit the Solingen Museum, housed in a former castle, to learn about the city's history with blades and cutlery.
• Indulge in Solingen's signature dish, the Solinger Räucherwurst, a smoked sausage, at Haus Hohenstein, a rustic tavern with a lovely beer garden.
• Take a stroll in the tranquil Burg-Museumsgarten and gaze at the panoramic view of the city.

• Relax in nature at the Gräfrath Monastery Park, a serene green space with a pond, sculptures, and historic ruins.
• Discover Schloss Burg, a magnificent castle that dates back to the 12th century and hosts a variety of exhibitions and events.
• Hike to the Lower and Upper Castle of Burg an der Wupper, two impressive fortifications with panoramic vistas of the countryside.
• Refuel at Restaurant Daniel, a cozy place with a panoramic terrace and a rotating menu of regional cuisine.
• Treat yourself to a local brew at the Brauhaus Solingen, a traditional brewery and pub with hearty food and live music.

• Wander around the Clemens-Galerien, a modern shopping center with over 70 stores and a cinema.
• Marvel at the masterpiece stained glass windows of St. Clemens Church, a neo-Gothic gem.
• Admire the contemporary art and design in the Marta van Soolen Foundation, a private museum in a stylish villa.
• Have a light lunch at Café Nasch, a hip spot with vegan and gluten-free options and a cozy outdoor seating area.
• Visit the Zentrum für Verfolgte Künste, a unique museum that showcases the artworks of persecuted and exiled artists.

• Relax in the Solebaderung, a saltwater pool and sauna complex with a panoramic view of Solingen.
• Explore the lush landscapes of the Botanischer Garten Gräfrath, a horticultural playground with themed gardens, a petting zoo, and a garden shop.
• Learn about the secrets of perfumes and fragrances at the House of Cramer, a family-owned perfumery with a long history.
• Savor the flavors of pan-Asian cuisine at the WOK Center, an all-you-can-eat buffet with a live cooking station.
• Treat yourself to a sweet finale at Café Gartenglück, a charming patisserie with homemade cakes, bonbons, and ice cream.

• Buy some souvenirs and gifts at the weekly market in the city center, a lively hub for fresh produce, flowers, clothes, and knick-knacks.
• Say goodbye to Solingen with a scenic drive or bike ride along the Wupper River, a picturesque route with forests, meadows, and waterfalls.
• Have a last meal at Himmel & Ääd, a cozy restaurant that serves traditional Rhineland cuisine and local beers.
• Take a group photo at the Solingen Graffiti Wall, a vibrant urban art installation with changing motifs and colors.
• Check out of Hotel Schwerthof and say "Tschüss!" to Solingen, hoping to come back someday.