8-Day Rail Adventure: Düsseldorf, Essen, Hagen, Leer, and Iserlohn Castle

Day 1: Explore Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf, Germany on October 12, 2024

10:00AM

Arrival & Check-in

Arrive at Frankfurt Airport, catch the ICE train direct to Düsseldorf, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Direct ICE train from Frankfurt to Düsseldorf.
EUR 50, 1 hour 15 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Uerige

Indulge in traditional German cuisine at this iconic brewery-restaurant, known for its Altbier.
Walk to Uerige, approx. 10-minute walk from the train station.
EUR 15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Rheinufer Promenade

Take a leisurely stroll along the Rhine River while taking in the beautiful views and lively atmosphere.
Short walk along the riverside.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen

Explore an impressive collection of modern art in Düsseldorf's state museum.
15-minute walk from the promenade.
EUR 12, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Brauerei Schumacher

Enjoy a hearty dinner featuring local dishes and home-brewed beer in a historic brewery.
15-minute walk from the museum.
EUR 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Essen

Essen, Germany on October 13, 2024

8:00AM

Train to Essen

Catch an S-Bahn train to Essen for a quick morning ride.
S-Bahn line from Düsseldorf to Essen, approx 30 minutes.
EUR 8, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Blum

Start your day with delicious pastries and coffee in a charming café.
Walk from the station to the café, 5 minutes.
EUR 10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Museum Folkwang

Visit one of the most significant art museums in Germany, famous for its photography collection.
20-minute walk from Café Blum.
EUR 10, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Flehms Restaurant

Enjoy a modern twist on regional cuisine, featuring seasonal ingredients.
10-minute walk from the museum.
EUR 18, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Zollverein Coal Mine

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, a remarkable example of industrial architecture.
20-minute tram ride from the restaurant.
EUR 10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Da Michele

Savor authentic Italian dishes in a cozy setting before heading back to Düsseldorf.
Tram back to Essen center and walk to the restaurant.
EUR 25, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Düsseldorf

Travel back to Düsseldorf for the night.
S-Bahn train from Essen to Düsseldorf, 30 minutes.
EUR 8, 30 minutes
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Day 3: Historical Hagen

Hagen, Germany on October 14, 2024

8:00AM

Train to Hagen

Take a morning train to Hagen, enjoy the scenic route.
IC train from Düsseldorf to Hagen, approx 40 minutes.
EUR 10, 40 minutes

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café am Markt

Try classic German breakfast options in a quaint café overlooking the market square.
Walk from the train station, 5 minutes.
EUR 12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Open-Air Museum Hagen

Visit this open-air museum showcasing traditional German culture and craftsmanship.
Bus from café to museum, 20 minutes.
EUR 10, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gasthof Groppe

Enjoy hearty German fare in a rustic, traditional setting.
Bus back to Hagen city, approx. 20 minutes.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Hagen City Museum

Explore the city museum's collections on local history and art.
15-minute walk from the restaurant.
EUR 8, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Herr Dang

Delight in tasty Vietnamese cuisine to round off your day in Hagen.
15-minute walk from the museum.
EUR 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Discover Iserlohn

Iserlohn, Germany on October 15, 2024

8:00AM

Train to Iserlohn

Head out to Iserlohn, with its beautiful scenic landscapes.
Regional train from Hagen to Iserlohn, approx 30 minutes.
EUR 5, 30 minutes

8:45AM

Breakfast at Café Lothar

Start your day with a fluffy pastry and a cup of coffee.
Short walk from the train station, 5 minutes.
EUR 8, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Iserlohn Castle

Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of this medieval castle.
10-minute ride by local bus from the café.
EUR 6, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Landhaus Eisel

Savor local specialties and traditional German hospitality in a country house setting.
20-minute bus ride from the castle.
EUR 18, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Area

Wander through the picturesque landscapes surrounding the castle, or enjoy local hiking trails.
Walk or hike from the restaurant, 1-2 hours.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Coffee at Café Blum

Relax at a quaint café before returning to Düsseldorf.
Travel back to Iserlohn center by bus, short walk to café.
EUR 5, 1 hour

5:00PM

Train back to Düsseldorf

Catch an evening train back to Düsseldorf, wrapping up a day of exploration.
Regional train back from Iserlohn to Düsseldorf.
EUR 5, 30 minutes
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Day 5: Adventuring in Leer

Leer, Germany on October 16, 2024

8:00AM

Travel to Leer

Take an early morning train to the charming town of Leer.
IC train from Düsseldorf to Leer, approx. 2 hours.
EUR 20, 2 hours

10:00AM

Breakfast at Störtebeker

Experience breakfast in a cozy café known for its homemade breads and baked goods.
Walk from the station, 5 minutes.
EUR 10, 1 hour

11:30AM

Leer Town Center

Stroll around the picturesque town, with its quaint canals and traditional architecture.
30-minute walk to explore.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Restaurant am Yachthafen

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch by the marina.
15-minute walk from town center.
EUR 25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Ostfriesisches Museum

Learn about the local history and culture through engaging exhibits.
10-minute walk from the marina.
EUR 5, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Die Nordsee

Indulge in delightful North Sea dishes in a casual environment before returning to Düsseldorf.
20-minute walk from the museum.
EUR 20, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Return to Düsseldorf

Travel back to Düsseldorf to unwind after a full day.
IC train back to Düsseldorf, approx. 2 hours.
EUR 20, 2 hours
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Day 6: Relax in Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf, Germany on October 17, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Hüftgold

Start the day with a hearty breakfast in one of Düsseldorf's renowned cafés.
Walk to Café Hüftgold, 10 minutes.
EUR 10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Shopping on Königsallee

Wander down the iconic luxury shopping street and indulge in some retail therapy.
Stroll along the street, accessible from the café.
Free (shopping varies), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bendra

Try some unique fusion dishes in a modern dining space.
10-minute walk from shopping area.
EUR 20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum

Explore fascinating aquatic exhibits and learn about biodiversity.
Take tram from lunch spot to museum, approx. 20 minutes.
EUR 15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Le Flair

Enjoy a culinary journey with a blend of international flavors and local ingredients.
Tram back to the city center, 20 minutes.
EUR 30, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Frankfurt

Frankfurt, Germany on October 18, 2024

9:00AM

Last Breakfast at Biff Baff

Before leaving, enjoy a farewell breakfast at this trendy breakfast spot in Düsseldorf.
Walk to Biff Baff, 10 minutes.
EUR 12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Travel to Frankfurt

Catch the direct ICE train back to Frankfurt to catch your return flight.
Direct ICE train from Düsseldorf to Frankfurt.
EUR 50, 1 hour 15 minutes
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