Bensberg Castle Trail (Stroll #13)
- 2: 57 pm
- 10,12 km
- 238 m
- 237 m
- 127 m
- 222 m
- 95 m
- Start: Wilhelm-Wagener-Platz, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach
- Destination: Wilhelm-Wagener-Platz, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach
The baroque castle high above Bensberg has a fairytale quality, the history of the early earthwork castle is shrouded in mystery, and star architect Gottfried Böhm caused a worldwide sensation in the 1960s with the expansion of an old castle into the town hall. Four very different castles, fortresses, and stately homes can be discovered along the 10,1-kilometer-long "Bensberg Castle Trail."
The contrast between medieval and modern architecture characterizes Böhm's "Bürgerburg" (Citizens' Castle), which, since its completion, has also been jokingly called "Monkey Rock" by locals. From here, the historical discovery tour leads to the Baroque palace, which Elector Jan Wellem of Düsseldorf had built as a hunting lodge in the 18th century. Today, Bensberg Palace is a grand hotel where guests from all over the world and stars like Robbie Williams and Paul McCartney stay. Hikers delve into the history of the old building during the Franco-Prussian Wars by visiting the French and Prussian-Austrian military cemeteries in the neighboring Hardt Forest.
Not far from there, the Schlosshotel Lerbach awaits, whose Michelin-starred cuisine first brought Bergisch Gladbach worldwide renown as a gourmet mecca in the 1990s (closed for renovations since 2015). From this luxury hotel, located on the former estate of a paper manufacturer, the circular route leads back to modern-day Bensberg via the pre-Christian ramparts of Erdenburg.
Bensberg is a stage town on the "Bergisches Weg" trail.
Along the "Bensberg Castle Trail," the "Waldstuben" restaurant at the Romantik Waldhotel Mangold and the Naturfreunde Hardt inn invite you to stop for refreshments. Further dining options can be found on Schlossstraße (and in the surrounding area) in Bensberg.
Walking time: about 3 hours
The trail has a total of 7 information panels. We thank Andreas Lülsdorf, who maintains the trail as a volunteer trail steward.
Those interested in the history of the Bergisches Land region can visit the "Bergisches Museum für Bergbau, Handwerk und Gewerbe" (Bergisches Museum for Mining, Crafts and Industry) before or after the hike, which is located not far from the starting point of the hike.
The contrast between medieval and modern architecture characterizes Böhm's "Bürgerburg" (Citizens' Castle), which, since its completion, has also been jokingly called "Monkey Rock" by locals. From here, the historical discovery tour leads to the Baroque palace, which Elector Jan Wellem of Düsseldorf had built as a hunting lodge in the 18th century. Today, Bensberg Palace is a grand hotel where guests from all over the world and stars like Robbie Williams and Paul McCartney stay. Hikers delve into the history of the old building during the Franco-Prussian Wars by visiting the French and Prussian-Austrian military cemeteries in the neighboring Hardt Forest.
Not far from there, the Schlosshotel Lerbach awaits, whose Michelin-starred cuisine first brought Bergisch Gladbach worldwide renown as a gourmet mecca in the 1990s (closed for renovations since 2015). From this luxury hotel, located on the former estate of a paper manufacturer, the circular route leads back to modern-day Bensberg via the pre-Christian ramparts of Erdenburg.
Bensberg is a stage town on the "Bergisches Weg" trail.
Along the "Bensberg Castle Trail," the "Waldstuben" restaurant at the Romantik Waldhotel Mangold and the Naturfreunde Hardt inn invite you to stop for refreshments. Further dining options can be found on Schlossstraße (and in the surrounding area) in Bensberg.
Walking time: about 3 hours
The trail has a total of 7 information panels. We thank Andreas Lülsdorf, who maintains the trail as a volunteer trail steward.
Those interested in the history of the Bergisches Land region can visit the "Bergisches Museum für Bergbau, Handwerk und Gewerbe" (Bergisches Museum for Mining, Crafts and Industry) before or after the hike, which is located not far from the starting point of the hike.
Bensberg Castle Trail marker
Good to know
Best Season
suitable
depending on the weather
Directions
The "Bensberger Schlossweg" is a circular hiking trail that runs on roads within the town and mostly on well-developed forest paths and narrow trails outside (be sure to wear sturdy footwear).
From the town hall, the trail leads past Bensberg Castle into the Milchborn Valley, from where it continues in a large loop through the Hardt forest. Along the way, you'll pass Lerbach Castle and a former earthwork castle, as well as two ponds and several streams. Finally, the hike leads up to the Bensberg town park near the Vinzenz-Palotti-Hospital and the Cardinal Schulte House (with a beer garden), offering a fantastic view of Bensberg, the Cologne Lowland, and Cologne Cathedral. There are a few minor inclines and declines to navigate.
Trail surface: predominantly well-maintained forest roads and paths
From the town hall, the trail leads past Bensberg Castle into the Milchborn Valley, from where it continues in a large loop through the Hardt forest. Along the way, you'll pass Lerbach Castle and a former earthwork castle, as well as two ponds and several streams. Finally, the hike leads up to the Bensberg town park near the Vinzenz-Palotti-Hospital and the Cardinal Schulte House (with a beer garden), offering a fantastic view of Bensberg, the Cologne Lowland, and Cologne Cathedral. There are a few minor inclines and declines to navigate.
Trail surface: predominantly well-maintained forest roads and paths
Tour features
signage
refreshment possibility
Family Friendly
Culinary interesting
Culturally interesting
Flatly
Tour with dog
Accommodation possibility
Mostly shady
Arrival & Parking
A4 to Moitzfeld exit, turn left at the traffic lights towards Bensberg, then right at the first traffic light intersection, then second street on the left to the town hall.
Parking is available at Burggraben/Engelbertstraße
From Cologne, take tram line 1 to the final stop, Bensberg. From there, it's a short walk to the starting point.
Documents
author
Bergisches Haus GmbH - Bergisches Haus
Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse 75
51429 Bergisch Gladbach
License (master data)
Guido Wagner
Social Media
our recommendation
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