Benrath Palace (Schloss Benrath)
Benrather Schloßallee 100-108, Düsseldorf, Rhine River, 40597
With its fanciful pink façade and landscaped gardens stretching all the way to the banks of the Rhine River, Benrath Palace (Schloss Benrath) is one of the region’s most attractive Baroque palaces. Built in 1755, it’s just 20 minutes from downtown Dusseldorf, so a popular day-trip destination.
The basics
Hop-on hop-off tours of Dusseldorf stop right by Benrath Palace, making it easy to include the palace in your city tour. Start by visiting the palace’s collection of three museums—the Palace Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and the Museum for European Garden Art—then leave time to explore the rest of the grounds. The grand palace looks out over a glittering lake, surrounded by more than 14 acres (six hectares) of idyllic parkland, dotted with water features, herb and flower gardens, and an orangery.
Things to know before you go
Visits to the Palace Museum are by guided tour only, which last about an hour, and English-language audio guides are available. You’re asked to wear slippers during the tour to protect the palace floors.
There is an admission fee to the palace and museums, but admission to the park is free.
There’s a café on-site, but you can also bring a picnic to enjoy by the lake.
How to get there
Benrath Palace is located 7 miles (12 kilometers) southeast of Dusseldorf, or a 20-minute drive or taxi ride. It’s easy to reach the palace by public transport—take train RE3 towards Koblenz Hauptbahnhof from Dusseldorf Central Station and get off at D-Schloss Benrath, from where it’s an under 2-minute walk.
When to get there
The palace is open Tuesday to Sunday from mid-morning until late afternoon, but opening hours may vary throughout the year, so check ahead. The gardens are particularly charming on a sunny summer’s afternoon, when you can relax in the shaded lemon grove.
Where to find Dusseldorf’s parks and gardens
Once you’ve discovered the palace gardens and its open-air art collection, plan to explore some of Dusseldorf’s other green spaces. The vast Hofgarten sits at the top of the Ko, Dusseldorf’s most famous shopping street, with 69 acres (28 hectares) of parkland laid out by landscaper Maximilian Weyhe. The 90-acre (37-hectare) Nordpark is the city’s largest park, bordered by the Japanese Garden. The Volksgarten and Botanische Garden are also favorites among locals.
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