Vettweiß and its eleven shires is just the picture perfect place to visit when you want history. Lots and lots of history. OK, it’s also the perfect place to visit if you’re a bicycle enthusiast.
First off, the bicycle thing. It really is true that once you learn you never really forget how to ride a bike. So, don’t use that excuse when coming to this town that’s only about ten kilometers southeast of the city of Düren. There are no less than three scenic bicycle tours that ride through this town that was once on an old Roman Army Trail.
The first bicycle route is known as the Kaiserroute (a.k.a. Imperial Route), which follows in the footsteps of the infamous Charlemagne, going from Aachen to Paderborn.
Another bicycle route is the Heath Route. This is a relatively easy route that’s only about 13 kilometers; taking you along some mighty wonderful countryside with lots of rare plants. Just follow the information boards and you’ll be just fine.
Your last bicycle route is the Wasserburgenroute. For those of you who don’t know what that means in German — it’s a route that highlights water castles (yeah, moats!). This route is 365km long, so only a small bit passes through Vettweiß.
But, if you want castles Vettweiß’s got ’em! One of the moated castles you’ll see is Burg Sievernich. Originally built in 1153, the one you’re looking at is from the late 17th century. Its gate was destroyed in 1941 and promptly rebuilt.
Castle Gladbach is nearby; and has been inhabited since it was built in the year 1100. It’s a bit more Baroque looking today, but its foundations are purely medieval.
Burg Müddersheim is another fantastic castle; this one even older than the other two. It was built in 1057, although the gardens weren’t added for another 700 years. This is also where you’ll find the 17th stone Antonius Chapel, the final burial place of a German Baron.
As if this isn’t enough to keep you busy for a month of Sundays there is the Holy Trinity Chapel, the remnants of the Roman Army Trail, and four old Jewish cemeteries.
This isn’t even adding in all the Christmas celebrations (including a Christmas Market), Costume Balls, and Carnival festivities that fall around the Lenten season.
If you manage to see and do all this on a vacation to Vettweiß, you’re gonna need a vacation to just relax. ;-)
