Krefeld is a city of parks and tree-lined avenues on the western bank of the Rhine, northwest of Düsseldorf. Its best-known sights are the medieval Linn Castle with the adjoining historic old town of Linn, and the modernist houses Haus Lange and Haus Esters, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The city is also known for the Kunstmuseen Krefeld.
For a visitor, the city divides into a compact centre, the historic quarter of Linn to the east, and Uerdingen on the Rhine to the north. The city is reached by the A57 and A44 autobahns, and the central train station survived the war intact, so it remains a practical anchor for arrivals. This guide covers which areas make sense as a base, and what kind of accommodation you will find in each.
Best areas to stay in Krefeld
1. Krefeld city centre
The centre is the most practical base for a first visit. Much of it was destroyed by bombing in 1943 and rebuilt, so you should expect a modern, functional core rather than an old-town streetscape, but it puts you within reach of the Kunstmuseen Krefeld and the main shopping streets, and the central train station is here. This is where you find the largest concentration of hotels in and around the town.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone relying on public transport, since the station keeps you connected to the rest of the city and to Düsseldorf. The historic City Hall, built from 1791 as the residence of the Von der Leyen silk merchant family, is also in the centre.
2. Linn
Linn lies to the east of the centre and is the city's historic quarter, with the medieval Linn Castle and an adjoining old town. It was incorporated into Krefeld in 1901 and had held town rights since 1314, which is why it retains a distinct, older character. Staying here suits visitors who want the castle and the old town on foot rather than as a day trip.
It is quieter and more residential than the centre, so you will need to travel in for the museums and the station. A synagogue in Linn was destroyed during the November pogroms of 1938, part of the area's history.
3. Uerdingen
Uerdingen is the borough situated directly on the Rhine, in the north of the city, and was incorporated in 1929. It has its own historic identity and a location on the river that the rest of Krefeld does not offer. It suits visitors who prefer a riverside setting and do not mind being away from the centre.
Note that Uerdingen was destroyed by troops from Hesse during the Thirty Years' War and almost ceased to exist, so its present appearance is largely later. It is a separate base rather than a walk into the centre, so plan on using transport or a car.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: expect simple, functional rooms in the city centre, where the largest number of hotels in and around the town are found, and where the train station keeps costs down by removing the need for taxis.
- Mid-range: the centre and the areas around it offer the broadest choice, including larger hotels with the usual business-traveller facilities, which is what most of Krefeld's accommodation stock consists of.
- Splurge: the upper end is limited and mostly takes the form of larger, well-equipped hotels in the centre and its surroundings rather than resort-style properties; book early if you want the best rooms.
Best area for a first visit
Stay in the city centre. It is where most of the hotels are, it keeps the central train station within easy reach, and it puts the Kunstmuseen Krefeld and the main streets close by. From there you can reach Linn Castle and Uerdingen as straightforward trips rather than committing your whole stay to one outlying quarter.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Krefeld?
The city is accessed by the A57 (Cologne–Nijmegen) and the A44 (Aachen–Düsseldorf–Dortmund–Kassel) autobahns. The central train station remained intact after the 1943 bombing, apart from minor damage, and is the practical arrival point for the centre.
Which area is best if I want to see the castle?
Linn, to the east of the centre, contains the medieval Linn Castle and the adjoining historic old town of Linn. It was incorporated into Krefeld in 1901 and is the natural base if the castle is your priority.
Which area is on the Rhine?
Uerdingen, in the north of the city, is the borough situated directly on the Rhine. The rest of Krefeld lies a few kilometres west of the river.
Where will I find the most choice of places to stay?
In and around the town centre, which has the largest number of hotels. The outlying quarters such as Linn and Uerdingen are quieter and have far less accommodation.
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