Mönchengladbach, a city in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany, is a familiar name among football fans, as it is home to the famed Borussia-Park stadium. The city is also known for its extensive greenery, rich cultural heritage, and buzzing art and theater scene. Here is our compilation of the most enjoyable sights and experiences in this lesser-known but intriguing city.
Borussia-Park Stadium is the home stadium of Bundesliga club Borussia Mönchengladbach. The stadium hosts local as well as international matches. During very important matches, the 54,057-seat (including 16,145 standing spots) stadium is invariably packed. The stadium also offers guided tours on days when there are no matches scheduled.
Abteiberg Museum, a municipal museum of contemporary and modern art, is housed in a stunning, futuristic building that has come to be recognized as an icon of the city. Art lovers come to this museum to feats their eyes on the admirable collection belonging to 20th-century art movements from Expressionism to Minimalism, including priceless works by Franz Marc, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Man Ray, Alexander Calder, Oskar Schlemmer, Roy Lichtenstein, Marcel Duchamp, Yves Klein and Andy Warhol, among others.
Schloss Rheydt is a beautiful moated palace, exhibiting a Renaissance style of architecture. Its existence can be traced back to the year 1060, and over the centuries, it has served as a royal seat. On a tour of the interior of the palace, you get to see paintings, weapons, and more. Every August, the palace grounds host a merry festival.
Though the construction of Schloss Dyck can be traced back to the 1100s, the palace that stands today was vastly reconstructed in the 17th and 18th centuries, lending it the lovely Baroque and Rococo that travelers admire. Perched on a moat and shaded by towering trees, this is a pristine spot to enjoy the summer sun. The palace and its museums are open for guided tours.
The towering structure of Wasserturm, which houses water tanks for the city, dominates the skyline of Mönchengladbach. This water tower, though constructed in the early 20th century, has a distinct medieval appearance. Take time to admire the sculptures in its facade and the beautiful harmony of Gothic, Renaissance, Art Nouveau, and Baroque elements in its architecture. On the first Saturday of every month, the observation deck is open to public, allowing visitors a lovely view across the city and beyond.
Bunter Garten is the green lung of Mönchengladbach, sprawling across 30 hectares, including a five-hectare botanical garden. There is lots to explore in the garden, including a herb garden, a section on medicinal plants, a rockery, playgrounds, an aroma garden, and an aviary that is home to 200 birds. The garden consists of a few thousands trees, plants, and shrubs across hundreds of species.
Alter Markt, the main market square of Mönchengladbach, is among the most ancient parts of the city. In fact, the town as we see it today, grew up centering around the Alter Markt over a thousand years back. This is the beating heart of Mönchengladbach, with rows of cafés and shops and filled with happy chatter. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, flocks of locals come here for the farmers’ market. When you visit, take special note of the thermometer tower and the fountain.