Just across the border: A charming weekend in Kalkar, Germany

Looking for a unique weekend getaway in Germany close to the Netherlands? The charming town of Kalkar, located in the Lower Rhine region, is the perfect destination for nature lovers, families, hikers, and road-trip enthusiasts. With beautiful walking trails, historic towns, family attractions, and stunning natural landscapes nearby, Kalkar makes for an unforgettable short break just across the border.

Why Visit Kalkar for a Weekend Getaway?

Kalkar combines the best of Germany's Lower Rhine region: peaceful countryside, picturesque villages, rich history, and easy access from the Netherlands. Whether you're planning an active hiking adventure, a family weekend, or a relaxing road trip, there is plenty to discover. The drive is from Nijmegen only 40 minutes, from Utrecht it is about 1,5 hours.

Things to Do in and Around Kalkar

Hike the Long-Distance Trail from Kleve to Kalkar, Xanten and Alpen

One of the highlights of the region is the beautiful long-distance hiking route that connects Kleve, Kalkar, Xanten, and Alpen. This multi-day trail can be completed over three days and takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in the Lower Rhine area.

Along the way, you'll walk through forests, river landscapes, nature reserves, and charming villages. The route offers a wonderful mix of tranquility, wildlife, and cultural heritage, making it one of the best hiking experiences close to the Dutch border.

Each stage of the hike has its own character. Starting in the historic town of Kleve, you'll pass rolling countryside and peaceful woodland paths before arriving in the medieval town of Kalkar. From there, the trail continues through open river landscapes towards Xanten, where centuries of Roman and medieval history come together. The final stage leads hikers through picturesque rural scenery to Alpen, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the region's natural beauty.

Along the way, you'll find welcoming cafés, local restaurants, and charming accommodation options, making it easy to turn the hike into a relaxing three-day escape. Whether you're hiking for the stunning views, the rich history, or simply to disconnect from everyday life, this trail showcases some of the very best landscapes that western Germany has to offer.

Explore the Historic Town of Xanten

A visit to Xanten is a must during your weekend in Kalkar. This historic German town is famous for its Roman heritage, medieval architecture, and beautiful market square. Stroll through the old town, visit the impressive St. Victor's Cathedral, and discover the fascinating history that dates back to Roman times. The combination of history, culture, and charming cafés makes Xanten one of the most beautiful towns in the Lower Rhine region.

One of the town's biggest attractions is the Archaeological Park Xanten, where visitors can explore the remains of one of the most important Roman settlements north of the Alps. The park features reconstructed Roman buildings, ancient city walls, and interactive exhibitions that offer a fascinating insight into daily life during the Roman Empire.

Beyond its rich history, Xanten is also a wonderful place to relax and soak up the atmosphere. Wander through its picturesque streets, browse local boutiques, enjoy a coffee on a sunny terrace, or take a walk along the nearby lakes. With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Xanten is the perfect destination for a day trip during your weekend getaway in Germany.

Enjoy a Family Day at Wunderland Kalkar

Travelling with children? Then a visit to Wunderland Kalkar is highly recommended. This popular amusement park offers a wide variety of rides, playgrounds, climbing attractions, and entertainment for children of all ages. Families can easily spend a full day exploring the park, with plenty of activities designed to keep both younger children and teenagers entertained.

What makes Wunderland Kalkar truly unique is its location. The park was built around a former nuclear power plant that was never put into operation and has since been transformed into one of Germany's most distinctive family attractions. Today, it combines fun, adventure, and a fascinating history, making it an excellent choice for families looking for a memorable day out during their weekend getaway in the Lower Rhine region.

Discover the Beautiful Maasduinen National Park

Just across the border in Limburg, the Maasduinen National Park offers a completely different landscape from the Lower Rhine region. Here you'll find rolling inland dunes, vast heathlands, peaceful forests, and scenic lakes that create one of the most unique natural areas in the Netherlands. The diverse landscape is perfect for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting, with well-marked trails leading visitors through some of Limburg's most beautiful scenery.

The Maasduinen area is ideal for those who enjoy spending time outdoors and escaping the crowds. Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk, a challenging bike ride, or simply a place to unwind in nature, the park has something for everyone. Its close proximity to Kalkar makes it an excellent addition to your weekend itinerary, allowing you to experience both the natural beauty of the Netherlands and the charm of Germany's Lower Rhine region in a single trip.

Visit the Vibrant City of Nijmegen

If you're looking to combine nature with city life, Nijmegen is only a short drive away. As the oldest city in the Netherlands, Nijmegen offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern city life. Visitors can wander through the charming historic centre, discover centuries-old buildings, explore boutique shops, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city's many cafés and terraces.

Nijmegen is also known for its beautiful location along the Waal River, where you can enjoy scenic walks and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're visiting for shopping, dining, sightseeing, or simply to soak up the atmosphere, Nijmegen makes for a perfect day trip during your weekend getaway in Kalkar and the Lower Rhine region.

Where to Stay During Your Weekend in Kalkar

For a truly memorable weekend getaway, consider staying in a rooftop tent. A rooftop tent allows you to camp comfortably while enjoying the freedom to explore the region at your own pace. Unlike traditional camping, there's no need to spend time pitching a tent on the ground or searching for a perfectly flat camping spot. Simply unfold the tent on your car and you'll have a comfortable sleeping space ready within minutes.

One of the easiest ways to experience rooftop tent camping is by hiring a rooftop tent from Arvo Outdoor. Their rooftop tents can be mounted on a wide range of vehicles, making them suitable for almost every type of car. Because rooftop tents are available in different sizes and weight categories, there is usually a suitable option whether you drive a compact city car, hatchback, station wagon, SUV, or larger family vehicle. This flexibility makes rooftop tent camping accessible to almost everyone and allows you to enjoy an outdoor adventure without needing a campervan or specialised vehicle.

This is the Front Runner Featherlite rooftoptent from Arvo Outdoor

The tents come equipped with a comfortable mattress and can be set up in just a few minutes, allowing you to spend more time exploring and less time dealing with camping equipment. Elevated above the ground, rooftop tents provide extra comfort, protection from damp surfaces, and a unique camping experience with beautiful views. With a rooftop tent, you can stay close to nature, wake up surrounded by stunning scenery, and easily travel between Kalkar, Xanten, Maasduinen, and Nijmegen during your trip.

The flexibility of having your accommodation with you means you can change plans whenever you like and discover new places along the way. It combines the freedom of camping with the comfort and convenience of a mobile basecamp, making it the perfect choice for an unforgettable weekend getaway in the Lower Rhine region.

Plan Your Weekend Getaway to Kalkar

Whether you're looking for scenic hiking trails, historic towns, family attractions, or a unique camping experience, Kalkar and the surrounding Lower Rhine region have something for everyone. Thanks to its location close to the Netherlands, it's the perfect destination for a short but unforgettable weekend escape.

From exploring the historic streets of Xanten and enjoying a family day at Wunderland Kalkar to hiking through beautiful river landscapes and discovering the natural beauty of the Maasduinen, the region offers a wonderful variety of activities. Its central location also makes it easy to combine several destinations in a single trip, allowing you to experience the best of both Germany and the Netherlands during one weekend away.

For those who love outdoor adventure, a rooftop tent adds an extra dimension to the experience. It gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, stay close to nature, and wake up in a different location each day. Combined with the region's excellent hiking trails, cycling routes, and picturesque towns, it creates the perfect setting for a relaxing and memorable getaway.

Pack your walking shoes, plan your route, and discover why Kalkar is one of the best hidden gems for a weekend getaway in Germany. Whether you're travelling as a couple, with friends, or with the whole family, you'll find plenty of reasons to return to this charming corner of the Lower Rhine region time and time again.