At the original sites there are information boards and other optical attractions. These show fans and visitors in a very approachable fashion what happened there since the founding of the club in 1904.
NK12 board member Oliver 'Wuppi' Willutzki explains how this project came about: "About five years ago we got a tip that there was still an old pillar from the 'Stadion am Stadtpark' ground of 1932 in the city park. That was the crucial event for us to set up the football tour route. Then we did research into other historic venues in the city and and then began to set it up."
One stand-out sight is the reproduction of the old entrance to the Stadion am Stadtpark in its original position. Large signs on the lamp posts lead visitors to the next stop on the route. For example, a corner arc has been painted in the Neulandpark – exactly where the ‘Dhünn pitch’ was, which was the first home ground for the Leverkusen football players up to 1932.
Leverkusen's mayor Uwe Richrath was at the unveiling and opening of the football route. "We want to tell the impressive story of this club. Bayer 04 and the Werkself are part and parcel of the city of Leverkusen," said the 60-year-old. "This project is terrific!"
The Leverkusen football route is not only visible in situ. NK 12 have made this Black and Red experience accessible to Werkself fans throughout Germany and worldwide. Click HERE for the online version of the route with a host of videos.
For the initiators of the tour the highlight was and is bringing the special history of the Werkself to the people. Willutzki: "The club was founded by workers and reached the top flight for the first time in 1951. The players have played with the cross on their shirts for over 80 years – and not for commercial purposes but for reasons of identification. Bayer 04 are undoubtedly a club with tradition."
Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
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Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.
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