Located along the Rhine River in western Germany, this industrial city is the global headquarters of Bayer AG and home to one of the Bundesliga's top soccer teams, Bayer 04.
Leverkusen lies between Cologne and Düsseldorf along the Rhine River. You can walk through the 1913 Japanese Garden, explore art exhibitions at Morsbroich Castle, or join 30,000 fans watching Bayer 04 Leverkusen play at the BayArena. The city's most recognizable symbol, the illuminated Bayer Cross, shines above the skyline as one of the world's largest advertising signs.
The BayArena Experience
The BayArena is home to Bayer 04 Leverkusen, the 2024 Bundesliga champions. The 30,000-seat stadium has a compact design that puts you close to the field. It hosted several matches during the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup and continues to be central to local football culture. You can join a guided tour to see the players' areas and dugouts, or attend a Bundesliga match to experience the crowd's energy.
Parks and Green Spaces
The Japanese Garden maintains its 1913 design with stone lanterns, curved bridges, and traditional plants. Gardeners still use original Japanese landscaping methods from when the garden expanded in 1923. The Neuland Park runs along the Rhine River, with paved paths for walking and cycling. At NaturGut Ophoven, children and adults can participate in hands-on environmental education programs and explore the ecological exhibits.
Architecture and Industry
The Bayer Cross Leverkusen lights up the night sky, visible from many parts of the city. In the Workers' Colony, you can see the preserved 1890s buildings where chemical plant workers lived with their families. The Water Tower in Leverkusen-Bürrig has an observation deck at 72.45 meters, giving you views across the Rhine-Ruhr region.
Cultural Landmarks
Schloss Morsbroich, a moated Baroque castle, contains modern art collections and hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. At the Freudenthaler Sensenhammer museum, you can see working historical machinery and tools that show how manufacturing shaped the region. The Carl Duisberg Mausoleum sits within its namesake park, remembering the industrial leader who influenced much of the city's development.
