Krefeld: Zoo, Silk Culture and Gardens

In Krefeld, wildlife viewing, textile history, archaeology and botanical collections offer different visitor experiences. The city has a long tradition of textile manufacturing and is known as the “City of Silk.” When planning your trip, you can therefore first consider whether you would like to focus on museums and historic weaving technology, the zoo, or gardens and nature.

Zoo and Wildlife Viewing

Krefeld Zoo covers 14 hectares, is the largest zoo on the Lower Rhine and is Krefeld’s most popular leisure attraction. At the Gorilla Garden, you can observe the largest living primates in a spacious outdoor enclosure. A visit to the zoo thus offers a specific focus on wildlife viewing.

For travel by tram, services run to the Grotenburg/Zoo stop: lines 042 and 043 leave from Krefeld Central Station, and line 043 from Uerdingen Station. As routes may change, check local connections before travelling.

Textile History and Museums

The House of Silk Culture in Krefeld is an industrial heritage site with a rich history. It preserves an original Jacquard hand-weaving room with eight historic looms from the 19th century. Guided tours, workshops and special exhibitions are offered for all age groups. As programme content may change, check in advance which offerings are available on your travel dates.

The German Textile Museum in Krefeld presents changing exhibitions, including the contemporary textile art series “Asia Europe – Fiber Art.” These allow visitors to explore different aspects of textile culture: the House of Silk Culture focuses on historic weaving technology, while the series mentioned above focuses on contemporary art. Exhibition themes and dates may change.

Linn Castle Museum comprises an Archaeological Museum, a medieval castle and a Baroque hunting lodge. This combination brings together different cultural highlights: archaeology, medieval architectural history and Baroque architecture are all part of the same museum complex.

Botanical Garden and Environmental Centre

The 3.6-hectare Krefeld Botanical Garden lies on the edge of Schönwasserpark in the Oppum district. It is home to around 5,000 plant species from around the world. The 2026 events programme includes guided tours, workshops, concerts, plant markets and exhibitions. Check dates and the availability of individual activities before travelling.

Krefeld’s Environmental Centre also offers a different perspective on nature. Its grounds are generally open to everyone. They include a cottage garden, orchards, a grain plot, beehives, a natural pond and woodland. The age-appropriate programmes are aimed at school classes and kindergarten groups.

These different highlights can help you plan your stay around your own interests: the zoo and Gorilla Garden offer wildlife viewing, the museums explore textile culture and other historical themes, and the Botanical Garden and Environmental Centre focus on plants and nature.

Discover more destinations: Bockum, Krefeld, Düren, Gütersloh, Lippe, Borken, Hagen, Bonn.

Return to the main travel overview: North Rhine-Westphalia.