Duisburg’s top tours cut straight to the heart of this industrial German city’s character. The Inner Harbour Tour stands out as a must-do, offering an authentic look at the city’s maritime soul through its converted warehouses and modern developments. History buffs will appreciate the Historic Harbor Pub Tour, which cleverly mixes local beer culture with fascinating port stories. For something uniquely photogenic, the Tiger and Turtle evening tour provides access to a remarkable walkable steel sculpture, brilliantly lit after dark. TV fans shouldn’t miss the Schimmi Tour (even better with the Currywurst option), tracing the footsteps of Germany’s beloved crime series through authentic city locations. These tested-and-true walking tours reveal the best of Duisburg’s transformation from industrial powerhouse to cultural destination. Let’s explore the top picks in detail.
Key Points
- The Schimmi Tour offers a 2-hour guided exploration of Duisburg through the lens of the “Tatort” crime series, visiting key filming locations.
- The Duisburg’s Inner Harbour Tour is a 1.5-hour guided walking tour highlighting the city’s maritime history and architectural wonders.
- The Evening Tour at Tiger and Turtle provides a unique opportunity to explore an illuminated, walkable sculpture and learn about its design.
- The Schimmi Tour with Currywurst combines a 2-hour immersive journey through filming locations with a culinary experience of tasting the local currywurst.
- The Historic Harbor Pub Tour is a 3-hour exploration of Duisburg’s maritime history through visits to local pubs, including three beers and a welcome drink.
Duisburg: Schimmi Tour Goes City
Though Duisburg may not be the first city that comes to mind for travelers, the Schimmi Tour Goes City offers a unique opportunity to explore the city through the lens of the beloved Tatort television series.
This 2-hour guided tour takes participants on a journey through the city, visiting filming locations from the show and the new TV series, WaPo Duisburg.
Travelers can expect to discover famous sights and lesser-known areas of Duisburg, all while following in the footsteps of the show’s central character, Horst Schimanski.
The tour includes stops at Schimanski’s favorite bakery and residence, as well as an essential toy store featured in an episode. Participants can also visit a local museum to see Schimanski’s legendary jacket and a sculpture.
Led by a guide recognizable by a red beer crate, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for adults.
With a starting price of $23 per person and flexible booking options, the Schimmi Tour Goes City provides an engaging and informative way to experience Duisburg.
Read our full review: Duisburg: Schimmi Tour Goes City Review
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Duisburg: Guided Walking Tour Through the Inner Harbour
In contrast to the Schimmi Tour’s focus on a beloved TV series, the Guided Walking Tour through Duisburg’s Inner Harbour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s maritime history and modern transformation.
Priced at €1200 per person, the 1.5-hour walking tour provides an engaging exploration of the harbour’s architectural wonders, including the famous Five Boats and marinas. Guests will learn about the area’s transition from a grain-handling hub to a vibrant district with a Mediterranean ambiance, thanks to British architect Sir Norman Foster’s redevelopment plan.
The tour also recommends visiting the Museum of Modern Art Küppersmühle and the Cultural and Urban History Museum to further appreciate Duisburg’s rich heritage.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on past reviews, the Guided Walking Tour promises a memorable experience amidst the harbour’s bustling restaurants, events, and yachts.
Visitors can reserve their spot and enjoy a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Duisburg: Guided Walking Tour Through the Inner Harbour Review
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Duisburg: Guided Evening Tour at Tiger and Turtle
Visitors to Duisburg can experience the city’s architectural highlight, the Tiger and Turtle, on an immersive guided evening tour.
This 1-hour German-language tour takes guests on a walk along the illuminated, walkable sculpture, offering scenic views of Duisburg and the Rhine. Priced from $12.60 per person, the tour provides insights into the artists and concept behind this unique landmark.
Participants can expect an informative and entertaining experience, with a live tour guide sharing details about the structure’s design and construction.
The tour operates rain or shine, though it’s not conducted during thunderstorms or heavy storms. Guests should bring a flashlight and wear closed-toe shoes.
With a 4.8/5 rating based on customer reviews, the Tiger and Turtle evening tour is a must-do activity for those visiting Duisburg.
Booking is available with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Duisburg: Guided Evening Tour at Tiger and Turtle Review
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Schimmi Tour With Currywurst in Duisburg-Ruhrort
This 2-hour Schimmi tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the filming locations of the popular “Tatort” television series, centered around the character of Horst Schimanski.
Priced at €27 per person, the tour begins at PLUS am Neumarkt in Duisburg and concludes at the Horst-Schimanski-Gasse. Along the way, guests will learn about the Port of Duisburg, the world’s largest inland port, and enjoy Schimanski’s favorite meal – currywurst – at the end of the experience.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and available in German. Travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 from 58 reviews, the Schimmi tour is praised for its comprehensive background information and engaging experience for fans of the iconic television character.
Included in the price are a professional local guide, the currywurst tasting, drinks, and pommes.
Read our full review: Schimmi Tour With Currywurst in Duisburg-Ruhrort Review
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Duisburg-Ruhrot: Historic Harbor Pub Tour
Offering a unique glimpse into Duisburg’s vibrant maritime history, the Duisburg-Ruhrot Historic Harbor Pub Tour takes participants on a 3-hour exploration of the district’s storied watering holes.
Priced at Kč 979 per person, the tour departs from the Neumarkt 19 meeting point and concludes in the Horst-Schimanski-Gasse area.
Along the way, guests will discover the legends and history behind local pubs like Zum Itze, Taverne, Zum Hübi, and the iconic Zum Anker, a favorite haunt of TV star Schimanski.
The tour also includes three beers and a welcome drink, as well as non-alcoholic options.
With an overall 5/5 rating based on 11 reviews, the Duisburg-Ruhrot Historic Harbor Pub Tour provides an informative and authentic look at the once-thriving maritime community that made Ruhrort the richest harbor district in the region until the 1960s.
Read our full review: Duisburg-Ruhrot: Historic Harbor Pub Tour Review
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Schimmi Tour Pure (Without Catering)
The Schimmi Tour Pure (Without Catering) offers a 2-hour exploration of Duisburg-Ruhrort’s significant locations, focusing on the cultural impact of the iconic TV character Schimmi. Priced from $23.11 per person, the tour is limited to 10 participants and conducted in German by professional guides.
Highlights include the origins of Schimmi’s famous currywurst and references to other local figures like Thanner and Hänschen.
Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve a spot without upfront payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour operates in any weather, and customers can optionally order a currywurst at their own expense.
Based on 10 reviews, the tour has an impressive 4.9/5 rating, with travelers from various regions praising the engaging storytelling and recognizable locations. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the itinerary is subject to change, focusing on the main stops.
Read our full review: Schimmi Tour Pure (Without Catering) Review
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The Sum Up
Duisburg offers a variety of guided tours that showcase the city’s diverse attractions. Visitors can explore the inner harbor, admire the Tiger and Turtle sculpture at night, and discover the historic pubs in Ruhrort. These tours provide a unique and informative way to experience the rich culture and heritage of Duisburg. Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, or local cuisine, there’s a tour to suit your interests.