Medieval Misadventure: Kids Guided by the Nose, Led by Unknown Leaders
In the heart of the picturesque city of Neuss, a unique audio tour is captivating young minds and igniting a passion for history. Dubbed the **"Neusser Geschichte für Kinder"** (Neuss History for Children), this innovative tour is designed to make medieval Neuss come alive for children, with its nine listening stations strategically placed at notable city locations.
What sets this tour apart is its authentic storytelling, with local Neuss children guiding listeners through the city's past. The idea was conceived by Dr. Jens Metzdorf, the director of the Neuss City Archives, who intends to grow the tour with many more historical stations explained by children for children in the future.
The foldable map for the audio tour, known as the **"Faltplan"**, is available at the Neuss City Archives and the Tourist Information Office at the Market. This map includes a city map and QR codes, making it easy for families and children to explore the medieval history of Neuss interactively and on their own schedule. The "Faltplan" has been available since July 2, 2025, and can also be accessed online on the official City of Neuss website.
The content of the audio tour was worked out, recorded, and produced with students from the Kreuzschule, the Leoschule, the Martin-Luther-Schule, and the Görreschule. By being involved in the project, these students gained valuable insights into history, geography, architecture, media, and teamwork.
Ursula Platen, deputy mayor for youth, education, and culture, praises the project, stating that the children will remember it for many years to come. She emphasises the importance of introducing history to primary school students, as it helps to avoid difficulties with increasing age.
The medieval walls of the city of Neuss, the Obertor, and the Quirinus-Münster are just some of the landmarks that children can learn about on this tour. The significance of history in a child's immediate surroundings is emphasised, making the tour both educational and entertaining.
As families and children embark on this historical adventure, they will not only be learning about the past but also contributing to the preservation of Neuss's rich history for future generations.
This innovative audio tour, named the "Neusser Geschichte für Kinder," transforms Neuss's medieval history into an engaging, interactive experience for children. The tour is designed and narrated by local children, with contributions from students from various Neuss schools, fostering their understanding of history, geography, architecture, media, and teamwork. Furthermore, the "lifestyle" of young explorers immersed in home-and-garden settings—like the city of Neuss—can be enriched with educational self-development opportunities, such as this tour.
