Myths and Legends: Joseph Beuys

three day walking tour around Kleve

Viersen

If you want to follow in Joseph Beuys’ footsteps, the idyllic town of Kleve is the place to be: Joseph Beuys grew up and went to school here, and this is where he developed and consolidated his artistic thinking. He would have been 100 years old in 2021. The right time to approach his ideas, his work and his remarkable personality on a trip to the Lower Rhine, where many special exhibitions and events will commemorate him in the anniversary year.

The journey starts on the day of arrival at the Museum Kurhaus Kleve, where the jack-of-all-trades ran his studio from 1957 to 1964 in the so-called Friedrich-Wilhelm-Bad, which was still abandoned when it was set up. Visitors can still tour the historic creative and recreational space and also take a look at the artist’s early work. The Büderich memorial, the largest Beuys work in public space, was created here along with other important works. The sculptor, medallist and draughtsman drew inspiration from the baroque gardens of the former spa town, where travellers can still recharge their batteries between sculptures, hedges and trees.

With renewed energy, exploring the surroundings of Kleve on the second day of the trip is all the easier: a walk through the historic centre of the district of Materborn sets the mood for a hike in the idyllic Reichswald forest. Along the “Seven Springs” forest adventure trail, excursionists can discover avenues, streams and natural gems. The young Beuys knew the Reichswald like the back of his hand.

Speaking of knowledge: travellers will certainly expand their knowledge on the third day when they set off from the centre of Kleve along the Voltaire Trail to Schloss Moyland in Bedburg-Hau, one of the most beautiful neo-Gothic buildings in North Rhine-Westphalia with the world’s largest collection of Beuys works. The path leads past historical sights such as the Schwanenburg, which tells more about the history of the city of Kleve, and the Prinz Moritz Park, once the pleasure garden of the governor Johann Moritz van Nassau-Siegen. It promises a successful mix of cultural and natural experience.

Tour length
both walking routes are approx. 16 km long. From Schloss Moyland there is also the option of returning by bus.

Included
– 2 x overnight stay incl. breakfast
– 1 x 3-course menu
– 1 x admission to Museum Kurhaus Kleve
– 1 x admission to Museum Schloss Moyland
– Maps of the hiking trails

Travel dates 2023
daily, except mondays

Price
Akzent City Hotel Kleve***Garni, Kleve
Double room per person   from € 199,00
Single room per person     from € 269,00

The Rilano Hotel Cleve City****, Kleve
Double room per person   from € 229,00
Single room per person     from € 309,00

Notes
Any applicable visitor’s tax, bed tax and parking fees are not included in the price and must be paid on site. All prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and in compliance with the Corona Protection Ordinance. Additional overnight stay possible on request.