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Hello, Spring! It’s finally time to get back outside for some fresh air, whether that means shopping at outdoor markets, playing sports or having a picnic in the park.

We’ve put together some of our favourite Springtime activities in and around Düsseldorf, which we hope will inspire you to experience something new and interesting this season.

1. Visit a Farmers’ Market

Buying fresh local produce is a fun way to shop in the spring. Farmers’ markets such as the Markt am Carlsplatz and Rheinischer Bauernmarkt (4 locations in Düsseldorf) offer a great range of fruit, vegetables and other local products. Not only that, but they’re typically better for the environment as well, since most most of the food is regional and doesn’t require long distance transport.

2. See some spring flowers

Numerous parks in Düsseldorf feature flower gardens, but some of our favourites are Rheingärtchen, the garden at EKŌ-Haus and Nordpark. Discover more in our new guide to the top 10 places to see Spring Flowers in Düsseldorf.

Outdoor Sports & Fitness

As the weather finally begins to warm up and gray skies give way to sunshine (or so we hope!) there are plenty of outdoor sport and fitness options to keep you busy:

3. Group Sports in the Park

The city of Düsseldorf offers a free group exercise program known as Sport im Park which takes place at Rheinpark Bilk. The dates that have been announced so far are as follows:

28 March from 6:30-7:30pm
4, 11, 18 and 25 April from 6:30-7:30pm

4. Hop on Your Bike…

Düsseldorf has an extensive bicycle network with a variety of interesting routes. One such route is taking a scenic spin along the Rhine, then cycling across the Rheinkniebrücke (bridge) towards Oberkassel, and finally stopping off at the Rheinwiesen park for excellent views of the city. For more ideas, check out this handy map which gives you an overview of the full network.

5. Or take a hike!

The lush and hilly terrain of Grafenberger Wald (forest) is perfect for hiking and getting some fresh air. This is one of the best spots for a panoramic view overlooking the city, and if you’re in the mood for an outdoor workout there’s parcour equipment at various points along the trail. For more details read our full guide to Grafenberger Wald.

6. Freizeitpark Ulenbergstraße

This park has a lot of outdoor sporting options, including volleyball, basketball, trampolines, a boule court, football, handball, ping pong. There’s also a bike/skatepark, and a playground. Be sure to bring your own equipment.

7. Freizeitpark Niederheider Wäldchen

Another great option, this park has a climbing wall, zip line, beach volleyball, table tennis, dodgeball, badminton and more. Be sure to bring your own equipment. (Note: Selected equipment such as ping pong paddles and volleyballs are available for loan, simply show your ID card.)

Experience Top Events

Many popular events return to Düsseldorf each Spring, here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss:

8. Fischmarkt Düsseldorf

The Fischmarkt (fish market) is situated directly alongside the Rhine river. But beyond the great location, the main attraction here is the extensive collection of about 90 stands which offer a wide range of food, drinks and unique products.

When: Spring Dates: 17 Mar. | 07 Apr. | 02 Jun. (Future dates: 30 Jun. | 11 Aug. | 15 Sep. | 06 Oct. | 03 Nov.)
Where: Tonhallenufer
Admission: Free

9. Wine & Taste Festival

Love good wine? You’re in luck – at the Wine & Taste Festival you’ll have a chance to sample about 200 wines in a relaxed atmosphere and wines are available for purchase directly from the wineries. A DJ and food trucks will be on hand too.

When: 29-30 March
Where: Boui Boui Bilk, Düsseldorf

10. Nacht der Museen

When: 6 April
Where: Citywide / Multiple Museums

11. Street Food Festival

Go on an outdoor culinary expedition as you sample a wide selection tasty treats. You’ll find fine food trucks, professional chefs and amateur cooks serving up delicious dishes from around the world.

When: 11-12 May
Where: Schwanenhöfe, Düsseldorf
Admission: Free

12. Japan Tag (Japan Day)

This popular annual event always features a diverse program. Last year’s event included everything from martial arts demonstrations and Japanese music to anime contests. The grand finale is a spectacular fireworks show over the Rhine. A full guide to the event is available here.

When: 25 May
Where: Multiple Locations (see above)
Admission: Free

13. Düsseldorf Literature Days & Book Market

Celebrate great literature at this citywide event. Browse thousands of books at the book market on Königsallee, attend a reading and much more.

When: June 6-10 (Book Market)
Where: Various Locations

14. Düsseldorf Panthers Football

If you haven’t had a chance to experience the action and excitement of an American football game, here’s your chance. The Düsseldorf Panthers are one of the oldest teams of their kind in Germany. Check out their full schedule for the 2019 season.

15. Go Golfing

Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just want to give it a try, there’s a course for you in Düsseldorf. GSV Golf is situated along the Rhine and offers an inexpensive beginner’s course which will get you up to speed quickly, and they have a driving range too.

16. Or Try Mini Golfing

Put your putting skills to the test at City Minigolf Düsseldorf, the course at Unterbacher See or check out ActionZone blacklight minigolf which is an ideal option for rainy days.

17. Head out on Horseback

Learning to ride a horse is a unique experience which allows you to interact with these incredible animals up close. Reitanlage Bergerhof is a beautiful facility that offers riding lessons for all ages.

18. Set Sail

Enjoy being on the water? Boat rentals at Unterbacher See (Lake Unterbacher) begin on 6 April, and the sailing school opens on 29 April.

19. Pick Your Own Strawberries…

Starting around May you can also pick your own fresh strawberries at Erdbeerhof Dahmen, which is just a short drive from Düsseldorf.

20. And Your Own Tulips!

At Gut Clarenhof near Düsseldorf you can pick your own tulips in the Spring, and in May they host Hoffest 2019, a family friendly festival complete with live music, horseback riding, wagon rides and much more.

21. Get away for the day

There are many great day trips from Düsseldorf, whether you’re searching for peaceful historic towns or vibrant university cities Some excellent picks are Essen-Kettwig (pictured) and Münster. Check out our full guide to Great Day Trips from Düsseldorf for five of our favourites.

Looking for more things to do?

Here are our other new articles that we think you’ll like:

Check out what’s new in Düsseldorf for the latest openings, from restaurants and shops to experiences.
Discover 10 Unique Spas and Saunas in Düsseldorf and North Rhine Westfalia.
Not sure what to do on Sundays in Düsseldorf? We have some ideas for you!