When arriving in the town of Sonsbeck you’d never guess that 85% of the town was flatted during World War II. Thankfully the town’s hundreds of years of history weren’t lost when it happened — and they’ve added more along the way.
You’ll find Sonsbeck bordering the town of Alpen and Xanten, just about 25km southeast of Cleves. If you’re coming from these towns take your time through the countryside, you’ll see “sunken roads” following along old Roman trails.
During the Middle Ages Sonsbeck built the Römerturm over the site of the Roman’s original watchtower. The medieval Römerturm isn’t all from this epic time period though.
There’s also the St. Mary Magdalene Church and Gerebernuskapelle. I can’t forget about the charming Catholic Church located on Herrenstraße. A guided tour by a professional (check at the tourist office) might be a fantastic idea. This way you can enjoy all the history & facts to better appreciate all that you’re seeing.
Guided tour or not, visitors come and see the Plague Cross and old Jewish Cemetery, to visit the Ceramics and Local History Museums, take pictures of the Piglet Marktbrunnen (piglet sculptures at the Market Fountain), see how the Gommansche Mühle (a mill) works, and climb the Observation Tower overlooking the Westphalian countryside.
Of course, if you’d rather be closer to the flora and fauna there are more than enough walking, hiking, and bicycling trails & paths to keep you entertained. The kids, however, might prefer the playground; and there are also tennis and badminton courts.
For the cultural side of Sonsbeck there are comedy acts, musical concerts, and theater performances throughout the year. Not to mention there’s always a movie playing at the cinema.
But, if you like the cultural with the festive, there’s the annual Easter Market and Easter Bonfire. Think of it as great excuse to let your hair down and have a great time. Man (woman, or child) can’t live by history and sports alone, right?
