Heimbach: Hydropower, Churches and Art

Heimbach combines impressive industrial history, church art and outdoor experiences. The National Park Gate is located in the historic Heimbach railway station building and houses an accessible tourist information office. Heimbach station can be reached on the RB21 from Düren. If you are travelling by train, check the timetable in advance.

Industrial heritage and church art

The Art Nouveau Heimbach hydroelectric power station was commissioned in 1905; its electricity works are still in operation. If you are interested in the facility, you can arrange a guided tour: tours are offered for groups and individuals. Register two weeks in advance with RWE’s visitor service. This visit focuses on both the Art Nouveau architecture and the power station’s industrial use.

Two churches each have their own distinctive character. St. Salvator dates from 1981 and houses the Pietà of the “Sorrowful Mother” in a large Antwerp carved altarpiece; it is considered a pilgrimage destination. St. Clemens was built in the Baroque style in the early 18th century. Highlights include the high altar with its two-tier tabernacle and the richly decorated pulpit. Their different dates and furnishings offer two distinct ways to experience church art in Heimbach.

Walking trails and ranger activities

The “Art in the Woods” circular trail starts in Heimbach, is two kilometres long and takes 45 minutes. It passes various sculptures, statues and installations. Seven works from the permanent art-in-nature project can be seen in the area around Heimbach. The stated distance and duration provide a clear guide when planning this walk as part of your stay.

The National Park Gate is also the starting point for the “Monastery Route” ranger tour, which takes place on Fridays. If this tour fits your plans, take the day of the week into account and check the latest dates before your visit.

More places to explore in the wider Düren destination

The wider Düren destination also offers attractions in their own right. The 36-metre-high Indemann stands on the Goltsteinkuppe in the municipality of Inden. At just under 150 metres, the hill is the municipality’s highest elevation. Viewing platforms offer views of the Inden open-cast mining landscape; you can also walk along the sculpture’s outstretched arm.

Burgau Castle in Düren was destroyed in 1944 and remained a ruin until 1975. It has been restored since 1998. In Jülich, the almost completely preserved and restored citadel offers a very different way to explore history: this fortress with a ducal palace is designed in the Italian High Renaissance style. You can explore its ramparts, bastions and casemates independently or as part of a guided tour. Check the current opening arrangements before your visit.

For outings together, Brückenkopf Park in Jülich offers games and sports facilities, a zoo and numerous cultural events for the whole family. As the events programme may change, check the dates for your travel period. The Düren Paper Museum offers another cultural highlight: its permanent exhibition covers different aspects of paper, the city’s history, industrial and cultural history, and traditional and modern papermaking.

What shapes your accommodation plans

The day of the week, advance planning and time required are different factors to consider when deciding which experiences will shape your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Hergarten, Hausen, Jülich, Merzenich, Niederzier, Kreuzau, Nörvenich, Titz.

Back to the main travel overview: Düren.