Erkelenz: City History, Culture and Cycling Routes

Architectural history in the townscape

The Old Town Hall shapes Erkelenz’s medieval townscape. It was built in 1546 in the Late Gothic style. Haus Spiess on Franziskanerplatz is another striking building: the listed house was built in 1806 in the Couven style. Both buildings invite you to notice the different architectural styles and their historical context as you walk through Erkelenz.

Erkelenz Castle is also one of the defining buildings in the town centre. It is more than 600 years old and is considered probably the oldest building in the centre. Lambertus Tower in the town centre is 83 metres high. A visit to the castle can offer special insights: it is sometimes possible to climb the 100 steps to the roof and enjoy views over the town centre. Members of the castle association offer guided tours on request, for example for kindergartens or primary schools. If you are planning a guided tour or the climb, check the visiting arrangements in advance.

Cycling and city history

The approximately 24-kilometre “Route Against Forgetting” cycling route passes twelve locations in the Erkelenz municipal area. It provides information about Nazi crimes, the dictatorship’s influence on society and the resistance. The route thus combines a bike ride with an engagement with history. Erkelenz and the entire Heinsberg district also have a signposted cycle touring network. Red-and-white arrow signs, route boards and intermediate direction signs mark the routes; signage may change over time, so it is worth checking for current information before setting off.

Those exploring the historic town centre on foot can access digital information about the town. QR codes at the locations mentioned add to the walk. The listed Old Cemetery on Brückstraße offers another perspective on the town’s history: today it is a park in the heart of Erkelenz, where many graves remain, particularly those of well-known Erkelenz families. St Leonard’s Chapel is now used mainly for cultural purposes.

Haus Hohenbusch: Culture and experiencing nature

The former monastery of Haus Hohenbusch is a destination for excursions, an event venue and a meeting place for many occasions. Opportunities to experience nature there include a medicinal herb garden, a biotope, an orchard meadow and a large insect hotel, which also offer opportunities to learn. The permanent exhibition in the manor house can be visited 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 the times before your visit.

In Erkelenz-Lövenich, the Rhineland Fire Brigade Museum displays vintage fire engines, large equipment and other firefighting items. The collection documents the development of firefighting technology; the museum is run by the Rheinisches Feuerwehrmuseum e. V. If you are planning a museum visit, check the current visiting arrangements in advance.

Seasonal events and choosing accommodation

The five-day Lambertusmarkt takes place every year in the centre of Erkelenz, starting on Corpus Christi, and attracts thousands of visitors. The dates vary from year to year, so it is advisable to check the date for your travel year. Planning a trip around the market differs from a visit focused on architecture, museums or cycling.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Erkelenz, you can base your choice on the experiences that interest you most: the historic town centre, a bike ride, a visit to Haus Hohenbusch or an event.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Selfkant, Übach-Palenberg, Hückelhoven, Tüddern, Gangelt, Holzweiler, Heinsberg, Bocket.

Back to the main travel overview: Heinsberg.