In the very west of Germany itself in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is the architecturally delightful town of Jüchen. Surrounded by fertile farmland and close to the borders of both the Netherlands and Belgium, you couldn’t pick a better spot to explore this part of the country.
Just 10 km or 6 miles southeast of the busy cathedral city of Mönchengladbach, this little town is completely different — but just as appealing.
Jüchen’s most famous asset, and one of Germany’s most culturally and historically important water castles, is Castle Dyck. When you get here you will see why.
It is so manicured, so perfect and so accessible! This extensive moated castle on four separate islands, and with its own motor-racing track and landscaped gardens, attracts the crowds day after day.
The castle itself is hidden on the final island and a delight to look at. It’s not a windowless brick wall… It is a stately home or chateau with gated bridges leading inside.
The gardens contain rare and exotic plants, and the specialist botanical library here has centuries worth of publications and records from the designers and owners of this land. There is also a recently laid bamboo garden in the grounds.
The current owners host Classic Days where certain makes of cars from the past century all gather in the grounds and race on the purpose built track here. Certainly worth checking out the events before you arrive so that you can join in the fun with your own picnic!
Jüchen has plenty of other interesting and historical buildings equally worth a visit. These include the bright yellow Haus Katz, the Roman Villa of Jucunda, and the neo-Gothic St Jakobus Church that dominates the skyline.
Another is tucked away behind the market place — it’s a Hofkirche. These hidden little churches were built behind house-fronts to hide them from unwanted attention. This way their worship was kept secret and they were not persecuted for their beliefs. See if you can spot it without a map! ;-)
