Erkelenz is hard to place on the tourist map mainly for its lack of in-your-face touristy gimmicks. Excitement begins to creep up on your vacation as you relish the vast open spaces and pastoral lushness.
Here’s your chance to grab a bike and explore the surroundings to for as long as you want. And then, you may want to venture into the heart of the town which is where you’ll find the historic architecture towering over the quaint old town.
In Erkelenz, head for the neat little Marketplace to get truly enjoy the local flavor. Way side cafes offer temptations that will have you addicted in no time.
Towering over the proceedings in the market place is the St. Lambertus Church with its Gothic spire. It’s certainly a preview of things to come if you like medieval architecture.
While here you can’t miss the Old Town Hall, with its stately façade and an archaic fountain in the premises. Burg Erkelenz, a castle, dating back to the 14th century, is another interesting piece of architecture that you may want to look up. Its forbidding exterior will surely entice you to explore further for mysterious tales that such structures are known to hold.
For something more aesthetic, head for the Haus Spiess which is straight out of a fairy tale. Other similar attractions would include the Wasserturm, the Leonhard Chapel, and the Blancken-Mühle which is a classic windmill.
Of infinitely more interest to kids and, of course, some adults would be a visit to the Fire-brigade Museum. You have to visit the nearby village of Lövenich to find it.
In Erkelenz — being a bicycle-friendly town — you have the fabulous choice of renting a bike and exploring at your leisure. About 100 km of trails await you along a lovely countryside with its crisp freshness and open vistas.
