You may think that there isn’t a whole lot to do in Bönen, a town in the Ruhrgebiet, and at first glance you are right. There isn’t anything obvious that distinguishes this town from every other town with around 20,000 inhabitants, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth a visit.
The first thing on your to-do list should be the Old Church Tower. This was originally built in the 11th Century and was redone in the 19th Century. It is very interesting and strange that a town so small would have such an old and important church.
When you are in Bönen, make sure to check out the neighborhood Flierich. This neighborhood is really quaint, and has a lot of different sights to see including the Protestant Church, which was built in the 18th Century. What is interesting about this one is its octagon shape.
While you are looking around the church grounds, make sure to see the monument for victims of the war. No, this isn’t a monument to the Second World War, but for victims from the area of the Prussian Austrian War and the French War.
The cultural center of the town is in the Windmill — the Alte Windmühle. Built in 1860, this attraction has been a protected monument since the 1960s. Now, visitors can see art exhibits, while enjoying the history.
Trying to burn off those pints of beer that you had earlier on? If that’s the case, there are trails that are meant to do this, namely the Trimm Dich or “Keep Fit” Path. Going through a forest in the southern part of the town, this is a nice way to burn those extra calories or to stretch your legs after a long train ride.
Perhaps Bönen’s biggest claim to fame, however, is that Queen Elizabeth II stayed overnight in the train station when her Royal Train Went through the area during her first trip to Germany in 1965.
If that doesn’t get you interested, nothing will. ;-)