At the end of the 9th century the little town of Niederzier in North Rhine-Westphalia was officially founded. Yet, it won’t take but a minute to see why people have taken up residence as far back as the Stone Age.
This old coal mining town, once under French rule, is a likable place with old castles, half timbered buildings, fun festivals, and yummy local food.
In 1921, the town of Niederzier purchased and restored a 13th century water castle that’s now the sight of the town’s administration office.
Schloss Hambach is another 13th century creation, by the 18th century it was used as a monastery and by the 20th century it was used as a refugee camp after World War II. It really doesn’t matter what it is or was used for, it’s still nothing short of beautiful after 700 years.
Also in Hambach is the exceptionally old Schloss Obbendorf. This castle’s foundations date back to the 9th century. You’ll feel like royalty when you stay in a thousand year old castle that’s now a fabulous hotel.
Or what about the Horn House, a half timbered beauty from the turn of the 17th/18th century. It’s now a grand local history museum with a look into life here in Niederzier a couple hundred years ago.
Long before the Middle Ages, the Romans were here and a few monuments from their time are still found around town. There’s a replica of a Jupitergigantensäule, a monument dedicated to the Roman god Jupiter and a Roman Milestone dedicated to the Emperor Constantine (circa 325 A.D.).
You’ll find all this near the nature park known as Sofienhöhe with an old Roman Tower nearby that has great views of the Westphalia countryside.
Paragliding is another way to get a birds-eye view of the countryside, just as well as keeping your feet on the ground with countless hiking and biking trails. The Monte Sophia is an annual race that goes around and across the Sofienhöhe attracting thousands from around the region.
That’s not the only popular celebration here in Niederzier, though. There’s a costume ball and lots of children’s activities during the town’s Carnival Celebration. At the end of June is Niederzier’s annual Folk Festival with great dancing, music, and delicious food.
Whether you want to experience life in a castle, paraglide around the countryside, follow in Roman footsteps, or just eat your way through town; you’ll be able to do it all in Niederzier.
