Wegberg: Mills, Forest and Trails

Wegberg combines experiences in nature with a rich history of milling. The sources of the Schwalm are located in the Tüschenbroicher Wald nature reserve in the municipality of Wegberg; the area is also an important wetland. Forest trails and a waterside landscape sit alongside traces of cultural history, which you can discover on a variety of tours.

Nature Reserve and Trails Through the Forest

Spring flowers and several species of woodpecker can be spotted along submerged paths in the Tüschenbroicher Wald; deer are often seen at the forest’s edge. Fishing and boating are also possible there. Tüschenbroich Castle and the large mill pond are historic cultural remnants in the nature reserve. The area appeals both to nature lovers and to travellers who want to explore the landscape and its history together.

For a shorter hiking option, the Tüschenbroicher loop is a 3-kilometre premium walking trail with a total elevation gain of 15 metres. In the Wegberg Nordic Walking Park, seven routes covering a total of 41 kilometres follow forest and meadow trails, as well as some paved farm roads. Information boards about the routes and overview maps showing their courses are provided at the start and finish points. Another hiking trail in the Tüschenbroicher Wald passes the oil mill, the upper pond and the Tüschenbroicher Mill.

Longer tours have different focuses: the Wegberg Mill Route is an approximately 42-kilometre cycling and hiking trail through the landscape of the Schwalm-Nette Nature Park. It links several historic mills, which can be visited along the route. The Wegberg Chapel Route is an approximately 40-kilometre hiking and pilgrimage trail around Wegberg; it links historic chapels, churches and religious monuments. Comparing it with the 3-kilometre loop helps you decide on the scope and theme of your tour.

Discover Mills and Museums

At the Schrofmühle in Wegberg-Rickelrath, visitors can watch milling and oil pressing in action by prior arrangement. The Mill Museum also features the permanent exhibition “Wegberg and the Valley of Mills”: 17 large-format images offer a direct introduction to the individual mills in the municipality of Wegberg. The Schwalm flows right past the historic Wegberg Mill; in the past, it powered two mill wheels there. The mill in the town centre serves as a venue for clubs and associations.

The Flax Museum in Wegberg-Beeck covers the development of flax processing, from sowing through to weaving linen. The process is presented in a former Frankish barn. Flax is grown there every year, demonstrations are held, and visitors can try working with preserved equipment themselves. For groups of ten or more, the Beeck Local History Association offers guided tours at the Flax Museum, as well as coffee and cake and a traditional Rhenish coffee table. The Museum of European Folk Costumes, maintained by the Beeck Local History Association, is also located in Wegberg-Beeck.

Chapels and Traces of Culture

The Holy Cross Chapel in Kipshoven is one of the oldest architectural monuments in the municipality of Wegberg. It was probably built in 1492 and has unique medieval murals inside. Together with the Chapel Route, it offers a way to explore religious architecture and history; the route links the chapel with other historic chapels, churches and religious monuments around Wegberg.

When planning your trip, you can focus on forests and mills or on chapels and churches.

Discover More Destinations

Tüddern, Übach-Palenberg, Holzweiler, Wassenberg, Geilenkirchen, Heinsberg, Hückelhoven, Bocket

For the main travel overview: Heinsberg.