Summary of Attractions in Düren
Düren, located in the Eifel region, is situated between Aachen and Cologne in North Rhine-Westphalia. Known as Germany’s papermaking capital from the 16th century until the 1980s, the city housed 17 paper mills along the banks of the Rur River at the peak of its industry in 1812.
Visitors interested in the history of papermaking should explore Düren’s Papiermuseum, while the Leopold-Hoesch-Museum is dedicated to art related to the medium of paper.
Although Düren experienced significant challenges during the Second World War, many monuments, such as Schloss Burgau, have been restored, along with salvaged elements from the Gothic Annakirche, which were incorporated into a modern church erected in the 1950s. From Düren, one can venture upriver along the Rur to discover the scenic Eifel region, renowned for its rugged hills, lakes, and historic castles.
Here are some of the top attractions in Düren:
1. Schloss Burgau
Initially constructed around 1100, this moated castle south of Düren transformed into an opulent palace during the Renaissance period.
The most notable feature from this era is the magnificent bay window (1551) on the residence tower, intricately adorned with medallions, coats of arms, and decorative elements.
Though severely damaged in World War II, careful restoration efforts in the 1980s and 1990s revived its former glory.
In 1539, the renowned artist Hans Holbein the Younger was commissioned to create a portrait of Anne of Cleves here for Henry VIII’s consideration regarding marriage.
Today, the castle serves as a cultural and event venue, complete with a concert hall and café.
2. Papiermuseum Düren
Düren has an established paper-making legacy dating back to 1576, with mills located along the Rur River, where the soft water was essential for production.
Continuing until the 1970s, Düren served as Germany’s primary source of paper.
In the 1980s, the decision was made to commemorate this historical significance by establishing a museum, which opened in 1990 adjacent to the old city wall.
This attraction highlights the technical aspects of producing paper, cardboard, and related materials, while also exploring the history of the industry both locally and globally.
The exhibits trace the evolution of paper, starting from Ancient Egyptian papyrus to parchment used in Medieval manuscripts.
3. Leopold-Hoesch-Museum
In the early 20th century, the industrialist Wilhelm Hoesch offered 300,000 marks to the city for the construction of a museum in honor of his father.
The splendid Neo-Baroque structure was completed in 1905 and remains one of the few monuments in Düren to have survived the war intact.
The museum specializes in modern and contemporary art, featuring notable Expressionists such as Kirchner, Max Pechstein, Kandinsky, Emil Nolde, and Otto Dix.
Since the 1980s, it has also curated a collection focused on art on paper to complement the nearby Paper Museum.
Exciting temporary exhibitions have showcased the works of renowned artists like Paul Klee and the ZERO group in recent years.
4. Stadtpark Düren
Situated along the left bank of the Rur, Düren’s city park is officially named in honor of former German Chancellor Willy Brandt.
Established in 1896, the park’s history dates back to the post-war period when the Rur River witnessed fierce battles, leading to substantial destruction.
Following the return of peace, outdoor concerts resumed in this locale, a tradition that has remained since the 1950s.
The shaded pathways adjacent to the Rur are quite pleasant, and the park features a playground, as well as a restaurant and beer garden at Teuter Hof.
As you stroll, be on the lookout for two giant sequoias and a historic cedar tree.
5. Stadtmuseum Düren
The ideal location for understanding Düren’s history is the city museum, operated by volunteers and inaugurated in 2009. Unlike traditional museums, this facility does not maintain a permanent collection and instead hosts three concurrent temporary exhibitions.
In 2017, all of these exhibits explored the 20th century.
The first focused on Düren’s significance during World War I, a time when German soldiers recuperated in the city due to its proximity to the Western Front.
The exhibition titled “Betragene Hoffnungen” (Betrayed Hopes) examined both the promising and challenging aspects of the 1920s, revealing the fashion trends and home appliances of the Weimar years, alongside the economic hardships experienced at the decade’s outset and conclusion.
The museum also provided narratives on the Royal Air Force’s bombing of Düren on November 16, 1944, which resulted in the destruction of 90% of the city and claimed the lives of 3,126 individuals.
6. Annakirche
The parish church, dating back to the 13th century, was completely destroyed in 1944, with only the Gothic southern portal surviving.
When the modern church was constructed on this site in 1954, the portal was thoughtfully incorporated into its design.
In the 1950s, notable artists including Ewald Mataré and his students were commissioned to create decorations, resulting in 13 reliefs on the outer north wall depicting “man’s relationship to Christ.” Within, visitors may discover several decorations that survived from the original Gothic church.
Additionally, the Renaissance choir stalls from 1562 and 1563 are remarkable features, as is the 14th-century Annaschrein reliquary, which is said to contain a portion of St. Anne’s skull enclosed within a silver bust.
7. Bismarck-Denkmal
This life-sized statue of Otto von Bismarck, Germany’s first Chancellor, is prominently located next to Bismarckstraße in Theodor-Heuss-Park and is classified as a historic monument.
Upon closer inspection, one can observe that Bismarck is holding a document in his right hand, symbolizing the deed of proclamation for the founding of the German Empire and the unification of Germany.
Created by the notable sculptor Joseph Uphues in 1892, the statue suffered considerable damage during the 1944 bombings. Following its restoration, it was mounted on a simple base rather than its original grand pedestal.
8. Stadtmauer
Despite the extensive destruction experienced in Düren during World War II, remnants of the city wall remain surprisingly well-preserved.
Most of it sustained minimal damage in 1944, and visitors can currently identify five towers and six stretches of fortification.
The walls were initially erected in the 1100s and have endured due to modifications made as recently as the 18th century.
All five towers are designated monuments, one of which, the Pletzergassenturm, houses a restaurant on its lower level and features a stunning vaulted dome above.
The longest section of the wall spans 84 meters and reaches heights of up to 3.4 meters between the two towers, Grönjansturm (1500s) and Dicker Turm (1493).
9. Holzstraße
This street, situated west of the Papiermuseum, retains much of its pre-war architecture.
Holzstraße first appeared on the city map in 1634 as a lumber road leading to the bank of the Rur.
As Düren expanded beyond its walls in the 19th century, the street became lined with grand Historicist mansions and apartment buildings for the growing middle class.
Visitors can admire beautifully preserved listed buildings at addresses such as 15, 17, 19, 31, 25, and 68.
10. Bubenheimer Spieleland
Located on the grounds of the Medieval castle Burg Bubenheim, this children’s amusement park attracts families from across the region.
Bubenheimer Spieleland is particularly appealing as it offers activities for all weather, providing both indoor and outdoor activities.
Opening each July, the 40,000-square-meter site includes an outdoor climbing park, slides, and numerous fun, challenging obstacles.
Additional attractions include a splash ride, carpet slide, go-karting, trampolines, and a water playground.
Should the weather be inclement, visitors can venture indoors for a labyrinth, pedal karts, bowling, and more entertainment options.
11. Burg Nideggen
Perched on a steep ridge at the edge of the Eifel National Park, this Medieval hilltop castle was founded in 1177. Originally built as a stronghold for the Counts of Jülich against the Archbishop of Cologne to the east, the castle served as a residence for these noble families until its decline in 1542 during a war of succession.
Restoration efforts commenced in the 1950s, allowing visitors to explore the 14th-century outer gate, the earlier Romanesque inner gate, the impressive 14th-century Palas hall, and the keep from the late 12th century.
The keep features a museum dedicated to daily life in the castle through the ages, as well as the history of noble families in the Eifel region and the Duchy of Jülich.
12. Rursee Cruise
The Rur Dam, standing at 77 meters high and completed in 1939, created the Rursee, a reservoir measuring nearly eight kilometers, surrounded by dense, wooded hills.
The scenic beauty of the Eifel National Park is best appreciated from a boat, with the Weisse Flotte cruise company providing regular excursions from its docks on the eastern shore.
Between May and September, several daily departures are scheduled, featuring boats equipped with upper open decks and restaurant facilities.
A 45-minute journey from the Schwammenauel jetty arrives at the picturesque village of Rurberg, where visitors can disembark, or continue their journey by catching another boat to explore the Obersee.
13. RurUfer-Radweg
Düren can serve as an ideal starting point for a cycling excursion along the Rur River.
A 180-kilometer trail follows the river’s course, commencing at its highest elevation in Belgium at Botrage and culminating in Roermond in the Netherlands, where the Rur flows into the Meuse River.
Features such as diverse landscapes and a myriad of interesting sights line the route, including Medieval castles, cathedrals, and mining headframes.
Those seeking more challenging climbs and river canyons will find the terrain south and southeast of Düren particularly appealing.
As the river departs from Düren, the scenery becomes less rugged, allowing families to enjoy a relaxed cycle on the northern portion of the trail, making stops at Brückenkopf-Park Jülich, home to a Napoleonic-era fortress.
14. Annakirmes
Each year, nearly one million attendees gather in Düren for a nine-day festival commencing on the last Saturday in July.
Known as Annakirmes, this is regarded as one of the largest folk festivals in North Rhine-Westphalia and throughout Germany.
The festival features a vibrant fair, a large marquee serving as the venue for major events, and over 150 stalls offering food and entertainment.
Unique traditions have emerged over the years, such as a cherry stone-spitting contest held on the first Saturday, attracting competitors from across Germany and as far as Switzerland.
The Tuesday following the festival’s opening is particularly family-friendly, as rides and amusements are offered at half price, while a fireworks display occurs on Friday evening.
15. Christmas Market
Throughout the Advent season, Düren transforms into a winter wonderland, highlighted by a festive Christmas market near the town hall, which runs from the last week of November through December 30. The square becomes a fairytale setting illuminated by nearly 847 meters of fairy lights, comprising almost 4,000 bulbs.
The market offers a wide range of handmade items, including knitwear, wooden toys, tree ornaments, candles, jewelry, and leather crafts.
As is customary at German Christmas markets, visitors can savor roasted almonds, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Glühwein (mulled wine). Children can enjoy a century-old carousel, and weekend visitors can partake in a lineup of musical and family-friendly activities.
