Myths and Legends: Joseph Beuys

If you want to follow in Joseph Beuys’ footsteps, the idyllic town of Kleve is just the place for you: Joseph Beuys grew up and went to school here, and this is where he developed and consolidated his artistic thinking. He would have turned 100 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 activities commemorate him in the anniversary year.

Things get underway 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 site today 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, medalist and draftsman drew inspiration from the baroque gardens of the former spa town, where travelers can still recharge their batteries between sculptures, hedges and trees.

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

Speaking of knowledge, travelers will certainly expand their knowledge on the third day when they set off from downtown Kleve along the Voltaire Trail to Moyland Castle 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 trail leads past historical sights such as the Schwanenburg, which tells more about the history of the city of Kleve, as well as the Prinz Moritz Park, once the pleasure garden of the governor Johann Moritz van Nassau-Siegen. It promises a successful mix of cultural and nature experience.

Tour length:

Both hiking routes are about 16 km long. From Moyland Castle there is also the option of returning by bus.

 

 

Included

 

2 x overnight stay incl. rich breakfast

1 x 3-course menu

1 x admission to Museum Kurhaus Kleve

1 x admission to Museum Schloss Moyland

Map material for the hiking trails

 

 

Travel dates

 

Daily 2021 except Mondays

 

 

Price

 

Akzent City Hotel Kleve***Garni, Kleve
Double room per person from € 189,00
Single room per person from € 239,00

The Rilano Hotel Cleve City****, Kleve
Double room per person from € 209,00
Single room per person from € 279,00

 

 

Notes

 

Any applicable visitor’s tax, parking fees and bed taxes 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 upon request.