Summary
Situated in the Lower Rhine Valley, slightly west of the river, Moers is an unassuming former mining city distinguished by its charming old center. The historic core of Moers remains protected by winding ramparts that stand behind a moat. This water defense effectively bolstered security against adversaries centuries ago, utilizing a system of locks capable of inundating the low-lying areas surrounding the city.
Within the ramparts lies the city’s stronghold, Moerser Schloss, initially a fortress and now a palace that houses the city’s museum and is surrounded by an expansive English-style park. Scattered around Moers are remnants of the city’s Medieval heritage and its industrial history, notably at a high spoil tip where contemporary artist Otto Piene created a monumental sculpture in 2007.
Let us explore the noteworthy attractions in Moers:
1. Moerser Schloss
Originally constructed for the Counts of Moers in the 1100s, the castle is a fortified structure surrounded by a moat, later reinforced by Maurice, Prince of Orange in the 17th century.
During its time, this castle would have posed significant challenges to capture, as it was situated on an isolated island amidst low-lying marshlands along the left bank of the Rhine.
However, an attack by Frederick the Great in 1763 rendered the defenses inadequate, leading to its transformation into a residence for Heinrich Wintgens, a local textiles entrepreneur.
Visitors can explore the Grafschafter Museum within its walls, which will be discussed in the next section, or enjoy a leisurely summer afternoon in the Schlosspark grounds.
2. Grafschafter Museum
The interior of the castle is dedicated to a museum showcasing the history of the building, the noble families who once inhabited it, and everyday life in Moers throughout history.
With 19 exhibition rooms to explore, the largest is the Rittersaal (Knights’ Hall), adorned with intricately carved wooden paneling and tapestries from the 17th century.
Among the castle’s apartments, one can find a four-poster bed and cabinet from the 1700s, alongside a variety of costumes, dollhouses, furniture, ceramics, and tools from various eras.
Additionally, visitors should not miss the Roman-era artefacts from the settlement of Asciburgium.
3. Schlosspark
Following Frederick the Great’s destruction of the fortifications in 1764, the land surrounding the castle fell into disrepair. However, at the start of the 19th century, Heinrich Wintgens transformed this area, including its moat and historic ramparts, into a private park.
The exotic trees and the elements of English landscape design persist to this day.
The property was later acquired by Moers to serve as a park for its growing mining community, and in the latter half of the 20th century, additional recreational facilities were developed just south in the new Freizeitpark.
Moreover, one can follow the course of the serpentine fortifications that border the Schlosspark on its western side, enclosing the entire Altstadt.
4. Halde Rheinpreußen
Situated near a bend in the Rhine in the northern area of the municipality, a spoil tip rises over 100 meters high.
The Halde Rheinpreußen is constructed from waste produced by pit 5/9 of the Rheinpreußen mine during the 1960s. Its uniqueness is highlighted by a landmark erected atop it in 2007. The artist Otto Piene, who was a member of the ZERO group, designed a 28-meter tower resembling a mining tower to honor this industry.
Stairs lead up to an observation deck, providing expansive views of the Lower Rhine valley, while the tower’s illumination at night can be observed from distant locations.
5. Schlosstheater Moers
For enthusiasts of the arts proficient in German, the castle’s vaults have housed a theatre since 1975. The Schlosstheater boasts a separate entrance and accommodates 150 patrons, making it a small yet esteemed cultural venue.
Since its establishment over 40 years ago, the theatre has earned a reputation for experimental productions and social commentary, receiving numerous awards and nominations in the last 15 years alone.
In 2006, director Barbara Wachendorff was nominated for Der Faust, the prestigious German national theatre prize, for a production focusing on Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Turmmuseum in der Repelener Dorfkirche
The church located in the village of Repelen is recognized as one of the seven oldest in Germany.
Its origins date back to the 700s, but the existing structure consists of a 12th-century Romanesque basilica alongside a subsequently added Gothic choir.
To commemorate the long historical journey of the building, a small museum is housed within, accessible during guided tours.
This tour allows visitors to ascend to the top of the ancient bell tower, while exhibits showcase bibles and historical books dating back to the 16th century.
7. Obere Wassermühle
Water has always played a crucial role in Moers, as the city was fortified by a moat.
In times of peace, the moat would be drained utilizing a lock system; conversely, when the city faced threats, the surrounding meadows could be inundated to create barriers.
The last remaining water mill in Moers is located at the site of one such lock.
First documented on a map in 1591, the mill has undergone restoration to restore its 17th-century appearance over the last two decades.
The interior now features a water wheel, and an exhibition educates visitors about the traditional process of converting grain into bread.
8. Stadtkirche Moers
The principal church of the city was originally part of a Carmelite monastery, established in the mid-15th century.
Unfortunately, the church suffered significant damage during a large fire that engulfed the city in the early 17th century, leading Maurice of Orange to oversee its reconstruction around the 1650s.
On the southern transept, one can still discern an inscription from the year 1655. The ribbed vaults within the nave merit a few moments of contemplation.
The church’s organ, dating back to 1787, is flanked by pillars revealing original 17th-century frescoes featuring St. Anne, Mary, Jesus, and St. Barbara.
9. Freizeitpark
Linked with the Schlosspark to the north, Freizeitpark serves as a recreational area for the residents of Moers.
This park was landscaped along the banks of the Moersbach stream in 1960 and offers a variety of activities, particularly suitable for younger visitors.
At the park, you can find a petting zoo featuring goats and chickens, as well as playgrounds and a mini-golf course.
During winter, families with children can enjoy sledding on a specially designed slope, and in summer, rowboat rentals and a café provide added enjoyment.
10. Jungbornpark
This park boasts a rich history, having been established by Emanuel Felke, a pioneering advocate of natural medicine.
Founded in 1898 within the village of Repelen and funded by local supporters, it served as a venue for Felke’s homeopathic healing practices.
In the subsequent years, Repelen transformed into an internationally recognized health resort centered around Jungbornpark, though nearly all remnants of that era, save for the park itself, have vanished.
Over the last ten years, the park has been rejuvenated to include a bandstand, barefoot walking trails, and water features.
11. Felkemuseum
Individuals interested in learning more about Emanuel Felke can visit a museum located in a replica of one of the spa huts that once existed within the park.
The hut displays informational panels detailing Felke’s life as an evangelical pastor and his natural healing methodologies.
Surrounding the hut are gardens cultivating medicinal, aromatic, and culinary herbs, alongside two excavated clay baths that showcase their original state from when the resort reached its peak 100 years ago.
12. Peschkenhaus
Located at Neumarkt in the center of Moers, the Peschkenhaus is an edifice that warrants a visit.
This historic structure is significantly older than it may appear at first glance; portions of the Peschkenhaus date back to the 1400s, establishing it as the oldest townhouse in the city.
By the late 1700s, it received a Neoclassical restoration, a style that has been preserved into the 21st century.
Until 2002, the building was home to Moers’ municipal gallery, and it now serves as a community center, hosting weddings, meetings, and discussions, in addition to contemporary art exhibitions.
13. Kolonie Meerbeck
Visitors can witness the transformations that occurred in Moers during industrialization by exploring this neighborhood, which was intentionally developed for miners starting in 1900. Previously, Meerbeck was a modest village home to only 200 residents, but it rapidly evolved into a thriving settlement housing thousands.
Currently, nearly 9,000 individuals reside in this area, characterized by traditional gabled houses lining tree-shaded streets.
The initial inhabitants at the dawn of the 20th century were employed at shaft 4 of the Rheinpreußen colliery.
As mining activities diminished, Kolonie Meerbeck faced an uncertain future until 1980, when the city acquired a portion of the neighborhood and began investing in its restoration.
14. NiederRheinroute
Germany’s longest cycle route traverses Moers.
The 2,000-kilometer NiederRheinroute follows a network of signposted low-traffic roads.
Travelers will encounter historic city centers, secluded woodlands, floodplains, lakes, and significant landmarks such as mills and castles along the way.
Furthermore, one does not have to cycle for an extended period before arriving at a restaurant or café along the route, rendering it ideal for day trips originating from Moers.
If this appeals to you, the city information office in Moers offers maps to assist in your journey.
15. Duisburg
The world’s largest inland port is located less than 10 kilometers east of Moers.
For those wishing to continue their exploration of the industrial landscape in the Rhine and Ruhr regions, Duisburg represents an excellent next destination.
The Inner Harbour, which once served as the unloading area for seagoing vessels, has transformed into a vibrant cultural and entertainment district.
The enormous old grain silos here serve as galleries and museums, where visitors can learn about historical figures such as the renowned mapmaker Gerardus Mercator, who resided in Duisburg during the 16th century.
Inland shipping is a central theme in Duisburg, and the city’s Inland Waterways Museum stands as a notable attraction within a repurposed Art Nouveau swimming pool.
Additively, a well-regarded zoo and an award-winning public park have been developed on the site of a preserved coal and steel plant.
