The best city hikes and walks around Reichswald

Within the city limits, the Kermisdahl changes its name and becomes the navigable Spoy Canal, which flows into the Rhine via the Old Rhine near Schenkenschanz. The Spoy Canal, begun around 1400 by the city of Kleve, was further excavated and made navigable again during the governorship of Johann Moritz from 1647 to 1679. It is the oldest still navigable canal in Germany.

Audio file about the Fools' Fountain (German): https://www.kleve.de/wirtschaft-tourismus/audiodatei-zum-narrenbrunnen-deutsch

Elector Frederick William of Brandenburg (1620–1688), known as "The Great Elector," ruled the Duchy of Cleves from 1640 to 1688 and resided at Schwanenburg Castle in Cleves between 1646 and 1649. He shaped the region through modernization, fortifications, and the promotion of Calvinism, which closely tied Cleves to the rising power of Brandenburg-Prussia. + Residence in Cleves: After assuming office in 1640 and his marriage, Frederick William spent several years in Cleves. He appreciated its proximity to the Netherlands, where he had spent part of his youth. + Key Measures: He commissioned the strengthening of Schwanenburg Castle's fortifications. His rule solidified the connection between the Cleves lands and Brandenburg-Prussia, particularly after the final settlement of the succession (1666/1672). + Residence in Cleves: After assuming office in 1640 and his marriage, Frederick William spent several years in Cleves. He appreciated its proximity to the Netherlands, where he had spent part of his youth. + Important Measures: He commissioned the fortification of Schwanenburg Castle. His rule solidified the ties between the Cleves lands and Brandenburg-Prussia, especially after the final settlement of the succession (1666/1672). + + Government policy: Frederick William modernized the administration, promoted the economy, and tolerated different religious denominations, which made Cleves a stable part of his realm. + Monument: An equestrian statue on Dr. Heinz-Will-Platz in Cleves commemorates the Great Elector; it was unveiled in 1909 to mark the 300th anniversary of the union between Cleves and Brandenburg-Prussia. (KI)

"The Kleve Shoemaker's Little... The Kleve Shoemaker's Little... The Kleve Shoemaker's Little... The figure was created by Jupp Brux and erected in 1951. The Kleve Shoemaker's Little... It became known as the "Spitting Man" because a water-spouting figure was considered more suitable for a fountain. The Spitting Man is a reminder of the old days in Kleve, when journeyman shoemakers would whistle on their way to work and of the tradition of chewing tobacco. In the 19th century, the Kleve region was the number one shoe-making town. At that time, countless small shoemakers plied their trade in Kleve." https://klever-stadtring.de/symbole_spukmann.html

The landmark of Kleve is centrally located opposite the hotel.

The fountain invites you to take a break.

Unfortunately, the Spoy Canal is often overgrown with algae in the summer; not a pretty sight.

The stairs are in the second row behind the commercial buildings and therefore not so easy to find.