With its location just about halfway between the metropolitan areas of Bonn and Cologne, Troisdorf makes a pleasant place to visit. The town offers a large pedestrian area in downtown, two museums, many cultural events, and a large nature preserve for the enjoyment of tourists as well as locals.
The major landmark is a 16th century water castle called Wissem Castle. Some of the original towers and walls remain, and much of the building has been carefully restored and preserved. It is also the site of a very unusual museum.
The only collection of illustrated picture books in all of Europe is housed there. Art lovers, book collectors, fairy tale fans, children, and their parents will all enjoy seeing some of the 350 exhibits and more than 15,000 children’s storybooks.
The city gates of Troisdorf are also unique and appealing to art lovers. Contemporary-styled stainless steel panels intertwined with reflective and transparent glass surfaces create beautifully illuminated structures at both ends of the pedestrian walkway.
Hamacher Square is in the heart of the town and provides a good place for business conferences and meetings. There are musical concerts of all types held there as well, from rock, to pop, to classical, cabaret and jazz. The entire pedestrian area is dotted with sculptures and artwork in many styles and formats.
Outdoor recreationalists may want to see the Fishery Museum. This combines information about Fishermen’s Guilds and their history, as well as some of the boats, supplies, and nets that they used. A lot of natural history information about fish, water birds, and other wildlife is included, too.
A large conservation area known as Wahner Heide occupies more than 50 square kilometers near the town. It is a landscape well suited to protecting a large variety of rare plants and animals, and it is close enough to urban areas that many people can easily enjoy it. There are well marked hiking trails and informational signs that will engage and instruct those who choose to spend time at the preserve and bird sanctuary.
