Niederkassel: River History and Culture

Niederkassel stretches for almost twelve kilometres along the right bank of the Rhine between Cologne and Bonn. In Lülsdorf, the riverside setting and local history come together particularly vividly: a preserved church tower, the Catholic Church of St James, a historic blacksmith’s workshop and Lülsdorf Castle represent different chapters of local history. There is also a cultural trail throughout the town and a swimming pool at the Helmut-Loos-Bad.

Ancient Traces on the Rhine and in Lülsdorf

Lülsdorf Castle lies on the southeastern edge of the old settlement, directly on the Rhine, and is a registered archaeological monument in Niederkassel. The right to ferry passengers from the right bank to the left bank of the Rhine at the Mondorf ferry has been documented in writing since the 15th century. If you are planning a crossing, check the current timetable in advance.

The Catholic Church of St James in Lülsdorf was completed in 1880 and consecrated in 1889. The Old Tower survived the demolition in 1880 of the nave, choir and side aisle of the former St James’ Church; architectural elements dating from the 11th to 12th centuries have been preserved there. Today, the tower serves as a town gallery, where art exhibitions are held regularly. If you would like to see an exhibition, check the current dates in advance.

The original Chapel of Jesus on Burgbitze was built in 1700 and dedicated to Saint Roch shortly afterwards. The Helmut-Loos-Bad in Lülsdorf has a swimming pool measuring 25 by 10 metres.

Culture in the Town and Its Collections

The Niederkassel Cultural Trail comprises 70 cultural history information panels, installed throughout the town between 2007 and 2010. The panels place individual buildings in a town-wide cultural and historical context.

Since 2010, the Alte Schmiede Blacksmith Museum in Lülsdorf has housed exhibits dating from the 18th to 20th centuries. The Friends of the Alte Schmiede Blacksmith Museum organise visits and events such as live blacksmithing demonstrations and open days. Check the current dates before setting out if you are planning a visit or an event.

In the wider Rhein-Sieg-Kreis destination

Four regions are particularly important for tourism in the Rhein-Sieg-Kreis: the Siebengebirge, the Siegtal, the Bergisches Land and the Rhein-Voreifel region. The Wahner Heide in the Rhein-Sieg-Kreis is both a local recreation area and a popular destination for day trips; in the nature reserve, you should stay on the marked paths.

The town of Blankenberg offers a different facet of the Rhein-Sieg-Kreis’s history: it grew out of a castle built by Counts Heinrich II and Eberhart II of Sayn on a rocky spur above the Sieg. A viewing platform with a telescope atop the Georg Tower at Blankenberg Castle offers views across the Siegtal and the surrounding area.

The castle park at Burg Wissem is another regional example: it leads directly into the Wahner Heide and features an experience trail for the senses, game enclosures with red deer and several Sika deer, as well as other leisure activities.

Choose the Right Focus

You can therefore choose your accommodation based on the place and experiences that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Sankt Augustin, Troisdorf, Windeck, Meckenheim, Siegburg, Wachtberg, Ruppichteroth, Bornheim.

View the wider travel guide: Rhein-Sieg-Kreis.