Discover Bedburg: Moated Castle, Alt-Kaster and Nature

In Bedburg, a moated castle, Alt-Kaster’s medieval townscape and diverse natural areas reveal different sides of the destination. At Kasterer See, recreational areas alternate with shores reserved for nature conservation; there are also hiking and trekking trails, an automobile museum and a historic windmill. To plan your visit, you could first consider whether you would like to focus on historic places, walks and observing nature, or on being active on hiking and cycling trails.

Moated Castle and Historic Places

Bedburg Moated Castle dates back to the 12th century and is one of the Rhineland’s oldest brick buildings. It stands in a park with mature trees in the town centre and is surrounded by a pond on two sides. The castle is used for cultural events, conferences, weddings and other private celebrations.

Alt-Kaster has a medieval townscape, including town gates, a castle and outer bailey, a market square lined with old gabled houses, as well as the town wall and defensive towers. Kaster was first mentioned as a town in 1339. Guided tours of Alt-Kaster explain the town’s history and anecdotes. Check the arrangements before your arrival.

The Werwolf hiking trail has a theme of its own: this circular trail has seven stops and takes you to the sites associated with the historically documented werewolf of Epprath. From Alt-Kaster, it runs through the Kasterer See recreational area and along the Erft directly into Bedburg town centre; you can also walk the route in two stages. Check the route details before setting out. In Bedburg-Rath, the Rosengart Automobile Museum is dedicated to Lucien Rosengart and his historic vehicles.

An event date may also be useful when planning your visit: the arts and crafts market in Alt-Kaster’s historic old town is held regularly on the first weekend in July. Check the specific date and programme before travelling.

Walks, Shores and Observing Nature

The Kasterer See recreational area includes the approximately 8-hectare wooded area of Kasterer Höhe and the lake nestled within it. The shores are quite different: the southwest shore is used for recreation, while the east shore is largely inaccessible and reserved for nature. It is home to wetland biotopes and nesting sites for waterbirds. The lake is up to 1,000 metres long and 125 metres wide, making it suitable for walks focused on observing nature.

The settling ponds are another natural area. This protected area has developed into a shallow body of water rich in frogs and aquatic plants. Its waters are an important breeding and resting site for waterbirds and waders. If you want to compare natural habitats, Kasterer See is notable for the distinction between its recreational shore and protected east shore, while the settling ponds are described as a habitat for birds and aquatic plants.

Hiking Trails, Cycling Route and Active Breaks

Bedburg has an extensive network of hiking and trekking trails along the Erft and around Kasterer See and Peringssee. The Water Castles Route passes through Bedburg for cyclists. Check the signage and local conditions before setting out. This gives you different ways to get active when planning your visit: trails to explore on foot and a route that passes through Bedburg by bike.

The free play and sports park in the Lipp district offers numerous sports and leisure activities. Designed as a multi-generational space, it centres on a large pump track for cyclists, inline skaters and skateboarders. Individual facilities may change over time, so check the latest information before your visit.

A miniature golf course with 18 holes is located right next to Bedburg outdoor swimming pool. It is free to use for visitors to the pool only. As it operates seasonally, check the seasonal information before your visit.

Windmill and Regional Perspective

The Grottenherten Windmill was built by Anton Iven in 1831. It lies about one kilometre east of the twin village of Kirch-Grottenherten, amid the fertile farmland of the Jülicher Börde. With two milling runs, it remains operational and can be powered by wind, offering a tangible insight into historic milling technology.

The wider Rhein-Erft-Kreis destination offers further regional points of interest: castles, fortresses, museums and historic mills are among the district’s attractions. As part of the Lower Rhine Bay, it is one of Germany’s regions with the highest concentration of moated castles. Hiking, cycling and water sports are among the leisure activities available there; there is also a dedicated Water Castles Route for cycling.

If you are weighing up different interests as a family, these topics can provide a starting point for planning without making any one activity the focus of your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kirchherten, Pulheim, Kerpen, Brühl, Bergheim, Buir, Erftstadt, Wesseling.

For the broader travel overview: Rhein-Erft-Kreis.