- Xanten is the only town in Germany with the official title 'Dom- und Siegfriedstadt', referencing both its cathedral and its connection to the Nibelungen legend.
- The city name originates from 'Sanctos', referring to the martyrs who were allegedly executed here during the Roman era.
- Xanten possesses a unique geographic layout where the ancient Roman city walls and the medieval town walls form distinct, overlapping layers of urban development.
- The town's cathedral, St. Viktor, houses a library that has survived largely intact since the Middle Ages, containing rare medieval manuscripts.
About Xanten
Xanten is a historic town in the Lower Rhine region, internationally recognized for its extensive reconstruction of the Roman city Colonia Ulpia Traiana. Visitors can explore the vast Archaeological Park Xanten (APX), which houses the impressive LVR-Roman Museum and the reconstructed Hafentempel im APX. The town maintains its medieval heritage through well-preserved architecture, including the notable Wall tower at the West Wall. Nature enthusiasts frequent the nearby Bislicher Insel for its protected riverside landscapes.
Highlights of Xanten
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Walk through the sprawling open-air grounds that feature full-scale reconstructions of ancient Roman harbor and residential buildings.
Museums
Examine the vast collection of original Roman artifacts recovered from the ruins of the Colonia Ulpia Traiana.
Venues
Visit the reconstruction of the ancient amphitheater, which historically seated thousands of spectators for gladiator games.
Historical places
Observe the reconstructed Roman temple structure that demonstrates the architectural grandeur of the province's former capital.
Museums
Learn about the Nibelungen saga and how the legendary hero Siegfried is historically linked to the town's folklore.
Historical places
Walk along the remnants of the medieval defensive system that once protected the town's inhabitants.
Parks
Observe diverse wildlife and migratory birds in this protected landscape situated in a historic loop of the Rhine river.
Top things to do in Xanten
The 22 highest-rated places in Xanten, ranked by travellers.
1
Museums
Archaeological Park Xanten (APX) is built directly upon the remains of the Roman city Colonia Ulpia Traiana, one of the...
2
Museums
The LVR-Roman Museum is located directly on the site of the former Roman city Colonia Ulpia Traiana in Xanten, Germany....
3
Museums
RVR Nature Bislicher Island is a 1,200-hectare nature reserve situated in a meander of the Lower Rhine, serving as a vit...
4
Parks
Kurpark Xanten is a green recreational area located adjacent to the historic medieval city wall of Xanten. The park feat...
5
Venues
The Amphitheater der Colonia Ulpia Traiana is a faithful partial reconstruction of a Roman arena situated within the LVR...
6
Zoos
7
Historical places
8
Parks
9
Museums
10
Museums
11
Historical places
12
Natural attractions
13
Beaches and ponds
14
Parks
15
Historical places
16
Museums
17
Parks
18
Places of interest
19
Historical places
20
Venues
21
Museums
22
Historical places
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Xanten on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Xanten
May to September, as these months offer mild weather suitable for exploring the extensive open-air grounds of the archaeological parks and the surrounding nature preserves.
2 days, which allows sufficient time to cover both the Roman historical sites and the town center's medieval core.
The historic center is compact and best explored on foot, while surrounding nature areas are easily reached by bicycle via the well-maintained Rhine cycling paths.
The area around the central market square (Markt) offers proximity to historic landmarks, while hotels near the Archaeological Park provide quiet access to the town's major attractions.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining prices are generally consistent with German regional standards.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 22 curated attractions in and around Xanten, ranked by traveller ratings.
Archaeological Park Xanten (APX) is the highest-rated place to visit in Xanten right now.
The largest category is museums, with 7 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Berlin, Munich, Hamburg.
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