Neanderland Steig through the Neander Valley

The Neanderland Steig through the Neander Valley is a section of a long-distance circular trail of about 237 km in the Neanderland region east of Düsseldorf, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The valley, near Mettmann, is known worldwide as the site where Neanderthal remains were found in 1856. The starting point is Neanderthal station on the S28 line at Talstraße, 40822 Mettmann, reached from Düsseldorf Hbf in about 20-25 minutes; connections should be confirmed at bahn.de or vrr.de. No permit or fee is needed to walk the trail, and parking near the museum is possible but not required. A typical section is about 8-12 km, taking 2.5-4 hours, with an approximate cumulative climb of 150-250 m, which places it in the moderate category because of its sustained but short ascents on the valley sides. The trail is waymarked with the Neanderland Steig logo, so navigation is straightforward. Surfaces are forest paths, gravel tracks and some stony or root-covered sections, with muddy patches after rain, and the valley woods give plenty of shade. Landmarks include the Düssel stream, the wooded limestone valley sides, the area around the Neanderthal Museum and the Ice Age wildlife enclosure in the valley. Turn-around points are possible wherever the trail meets a road or a station, and the S28 can be used to shorten the route. Water and food are available at the museum area and in Mettmann, but not reliably along the forest sections, so water should be carried. There are no mountain huts, but the museum and cafes provide shelter. Sturdy shoes, a rain jacket and tick protection are advisable.