Erkelenz offers different ways to explore city history and culture: from the Late Gothic Town Hall to a cycling route tracing the history of National Socialism and a permanent exhibition at Haus Hohenbusch. Nature experiences, a fire brigade museum and an annual market are also among the things to discover. When planning, it helps to first decide what interests you most: architecture, remembrance, museums or events.
Architectural history in the cityscape
The Old Town Hall shapes Erkelenz’s medieval cityscape and was built in 1546 in the Late Gothic style. Erkelenz Castle is more than 600 years old and is considered the oldest building in the city center. Both offer a concrete starting point for exploring architectural history in different forms. The Lambertus Tower in the town center is 83 meters high.
The listed Haus Spiess stands on Franziskanerplatz and was built in the Couven style in 1806. The Town Hall and Haus Spiess can be compared for their different architectural styles and periods of construction. The Leonhardskapelle is now used primarily for cultural purposes; its program varies. Visitors interested in architecture will find another cultural point of interest in the city, alongside its buildings.
Remembrance and special visits
The approximately 24-kilometer-long “Route gegen das Vergessen” (“Route Against Forgetting”) cycling route passes twelve stops in the Erkelenz municipal area. It provides information about Nazi crimes, the dictatorship’s influence on society and resistance. Its length, stops and subject matter make it a distinct way to engage with this part of history.
During visits to the castle, there are occasional opportunities to climb the 100 steps to the roof and enjoy views over the city center. Confirm visiting options with the operator in advance. Members of the castle association also offer tours on request, for example for kindergartens or primary schools; these should be arranged in advance.
The Rhineland Fire Brigade Museum in Erkelenz-Lövenich is run by the Rheinisches Feuerwehrmuseum e. V. It features vintage fire engines, large equipment and other fire service artifacts documenting the development of fire service technology. If you are planning a visit, check the current opening arrangements in advance.
Haus Hohenbusch and nature experiences
The former monastery of Haus Hohenbusch is a destination for day trips, an event venue and a meeting place for many occasions. You can learn more at the permanent exhibition in the manor house from March to October, on Saturdays from 2 to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m. As opening hours may change, check them before you travel.
Haus Hohenbusch also has a medicinal herb garden, a biotope, an orchard meadow and a large insect hotel. These features offer opportunities to experience nature and complement a visit to the exhibition with a different focus. Visitors can access digital information about the city for a tour of the historic city center.
Parks, markets and cycling routes
The listed Old Cemetery on Brückstraße is now a park in the middle of Erkelenz. Many graves remain, particularly those of well-known Erkelenz families. The site thus combines its present-day use as a park with visible traces of the city’s history.
The five-day Lambertus Market takes place annually in the center of Erkelenz, starting on Corpus Christi, and attracts thousands of visitors. The dates vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your stay around the market, check the dates for the relevant year.
Erkelenz and the entire Heinsberg district have a signposted network for cycle touring. The route-marking system includes red-and-white arrows, tables and intermediate signposts. As signage and route infrastructure may change over time, it is advisable to check your route before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Bocket, TĂĽddern, Ăśbach-Palenberg, Holzweiler, Selfkant, HĂĽckelhoven, Wassenberg, Heinsberg.
Go to the broader travel overview: Heinsberg.
