Culture & trips

Xanten & the Archaeological Park – experience the Romans on the Lower Rhine

Q: What is there to do in Xanten?

Xanten is above all worth visiting for the LVR Archaeological Park (APX), one of the largest open-air archaeological museums in Europe. There is also Xanten Cathedral of St Victor with its picturesque old town, plus the Xanten lakes with a beach and water sports in the warmer months.

The Roman town of Xanten lies around 15 km from the Gartenblick holiday apartment and is one of the finest destinations in the region. In a single day you combine ancient history, a charming old town and – in summer – a swim in the Xanten lakes.

The Romans up close

LVR Archaeological Park (APX)

On the site of the former Roman town of Colonia Ulpia Traiana stretches the LVR Archaeological Park (APX) – one of the largest open-air archaeological museums in Europe. Reconstructed buildings such as the harbour temple, the amphitheatre and the town wall bring the Roman era vividly to life. In the indoor LVR RömerMuseum you can see original finds, and across the wide meadows you can stroll at a leisurely pace from one highlight to the next.

Please check current opening hours and admission prices directly with the APX, as these change with the season.

Niederrheinbrücke near Wesel on the Lower Rhine

Cathedral, old town & lakes

Cathedral of St Victor

Late-Gothic Xanten Cathedral in the historic centre
Cathedral square with cafés and shops
A quiet walk through the Immunität precinct

Old town

Klarer Tower, Meer Tower and remains of the town fortifications
Windmill and cosy lanes
A good spot to stop for lunch

Xanten lakes

Nordsee and Südsee with a beach and water sports
Swimming, sailing and SUP in season
Well connected for cycling too

Tip: if you enjoy cycling, combine Xanten with a tour along the Rhine cycle path. More on this on the Cycling on the Lower Rhine page.

Rhine dyke near Büderich, the starting point towards Xanten

Getting there

Around 15 km from the holiday apartment

From Wesel-Büderich you reach Xanten by car in about 20 minutes (around 15 km) – on the west bank via Ginderich and Birten, without crossing the Rhine. More active guests can also cover the route by bike, largely flat along the Rhine – you can charge e-bikes free of charge and store them securely in the garage. That makes the Roman town a relaxed day trip, at the end of which you can round off the evening on the balcony overlooking the garden.

Frequently asked

Good to know for your Xanten trip

How far is Xanten from the holiday apartment?

From the Gartenblick holiday apartment in Wesel-Büderich it is around 15 km to Xanten. By car the Roman town is reached in about 20 minutes, and by bike along the Rhine, Xanten is a popular day-trip destination too.

What is there to do in Xanten?

Above all, the LVR Archaeological Park (APX) is worth visiting, one of the largest open-air archaeological museums in Europe. There is also Xanten Cathedral of St Victor with its old town, plus the Xanten lakes with a beach and water sports in the warmer months.

Back to the overview: Region & Trips

Xanten and the Archaeological Park (APX) – holiday apartment nearby