- The city's name is derived from the old name 'Medamana', referring to the local river Düssel.
- Mettmann holds a historic town charter dating back to 1424, granted by the Dukes of Berg.
- The valley where the original Neanderthal skeletons were found is technically a gorge carved by the Düssel river.
- Mettmann functions as the administrative seat (Kreisstadt) of the district of Mettmann, which is one of the most densely populated rural districts in Germany.
About Mettmann
Mettmann is internationally renowned as the namesake location of the Neanderthal discovery, a pivotal event in human evolutionary history. The city balances this prehistoric heritage with expansive natural landscapes like the Westliches Neandertal and the serene Stadtwald. Visitors can explore the deep past at the Neanderthal Museum or engage with local heritage at the Katholische Pfarrkirche St. Lambertus. This North Rhine-Westphalian city serves as an accessible gateway to the Düssel valley, blending geological significance with residential greenery.
Highlights of Mettmann
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Explore the interactive exhibits detailing the evolution and cultural history of the Neanderthals.
Parks
Hike the diverse trails through the valley where the first Neanderthal skeletal remains were unearthed.
Museums
View a unique collection of metallic sculptures displayed in an open-air park setting.
Museums
Learn about regional industrial heritage at the historical railway museum site.
Temples
Admire the architecture of this historic Catholic parish church located in the heart of the city.
Museums
Participate in hands-on demonstrations of Stone Age survival crafts and tool making.
Parks
Enjoy a quiet walk through this established municipal forest park near the city center.
Places of interest
Visit this vantage point for panoramic views over the local terrain.
Top things to do in Mettmann
The 37 highest-rated places in Mettmann, ranked by travellers.
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Museums
The Neanderthal Museum is situated directly at the site where the type specimen of Homo neanderthalensis was discovered...
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Parks
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Historical places
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Temples
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Mettmann on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Mettmann
May to September, as these months offer the mildest weather for exploring the expansive park systems and hiking trails.
2 days, which provides sufficient time to visit the major museum sites and walk through the local valley landscapes.
The city is best navigated by bus, regional train connections, or by car, though the central historic district is pedestrian-friendly.
The city center offers proximity to local dining and the historic church, while areas closer to the Neandertal valley provide quieter, nature-focused lodging.
Mid-range; typical for German regional towns with moderate dining and lodging costs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 37 curated attractions in and around Mettmann, ranked by traveller ratings.
Neanderthal Museum is the highest-rated place to visit in Mettmann right now.
The largest category is temples, with 15 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Berlin, Munich, Hamburg.
Explore more of Germany
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
