Krefeld: Zoo, Textile Art and Stadtwald

The city offers a wide range of ways to explore these interests—from the zoo and its educational programs to museums, traditional crafts and green spaces.

Zoo, Wildlife and Environmental Education

Covering 14 hectares, Krefeld Zoo is the largest zoo on the Lower Rhine. At GorillaGarten, you can observe the largest living primates in a spacious outdoor enclosure. In the research lab and the educational programs offered by the BNE regional center at Forscherhaus, children and young people can discover the connection between local environmental and nature conservation and global efforts to protect biodiversity.

There are food and drink options at the zoo around Grotenburgschlösschen, including a terrace and a restaurant. As individual offerings may change, it’s best to check the latest information before your visit. Tram lines 042 and 043 take you from Krefeld Central Station to the zoo; from Uerdingen station, line 043 goes to the Grotenburg/Zoo stop. Check your connection before travelling, as routes may change.

Nature in Krefeld

Stadtwald is open year-round. The Krefeld Environmental Centre offers a different selection of nature-related activities. Its grounds include a kitchen garden, orchards, a grain plot, beehives, a natural pond and woodland. The grounds are generally open to everyone. The Environmental Centre offers age-appropriate programs for school classes and kindergarten groups.

In the Oppum district, the 3.6-hectare Krefeld Botanical Garden lies on the edge of Schönwasserpark. It is home to around 5,000 plant species from around the world. The 2026 events program includes guided tours, workshops, concerts, plant markets and exhibitions. If a particular date is important for your trip, check the event dates in advance.

Textile History and Art

Krefeld has a long textile industry tradition and is therefore known as the “City of Silk.” The German Textile Museum has no permanent exhibition; selected textiles are regularly presented in themed exhibitions. The museum preserves 30,000 textiles, including Late Antique tunics, delicate christening dresses and exquisite evening wear. Exhibition themes include “German Couture,” “Traditional Dress or Fashion” and liturgical textiles. As exhibitions change, it’s worth checking the current program if you’re planning a visit.

The Kunstmuseen Krefeld comprises Haus Lange, Haus Esters and the Kaiser Wilhelm Museum. Its focus is on fine and applied art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Haus der Seidenkultur also explores Krefeld’s textile history: this industrial heritage site has a rich history and preserves an original Jacquard hand-weaving room with eight historic looms from the 19th century. The venue offers guided tours, workshops and special exhibitions for all age groups. As the program may change, check the latest dates if you’d like to attend a particular event.

Linn Castle, Crafts and Events

Linn Castle Museum comprises an archaeological museum, a medieval castle and a Baroque hunting lodge. The Flax Market takes place around Linn Castle at Pentecost. More than 300 exhibitors from Germany and nearby countries demonstrate how clothing, cultural goods and everyday objects are made using traditional methods. Visitors can try a selected traditional craft activity themselves, with guidance from professionals. Check the Flax Market dates before your trip.

Whether you’re exploring Krefeld for its textile collections, art, crafts or nature, these themes offer different focal points for planning your trip. Discover more destinations: Bockum.

For the main travel overview: Krefeld.