Sankt Augustin: Churches, Castles and Nature

Sankt Augustin brings together distinctive traces of history and a variety of natural landscapes: in Niederpleis, they range from the parish church to fully operational mill machinery; the Hangelarer Heide and the Siegaue are known for their landscapes and wildlife. The “Grünes C,” a cycling and hiking trail from Bornheim to Sankt Augustin, also makes the town part of a longer route.

Churches, a Mill and Castle History

The parish church of St. Martinus in Niederpleis is the oldest building in Sankt Augustin. In the southern transept is a cylindrical baptismal font made of trachyte, dating from the 12th century. The church tower also preserves early building fabric: its two lower stories date from the mid-12th century and are built of rubble stone. The building’s history can thus be read in a variety of details—in the material of the font as well as in the tower’s masonry.

The Niederpleiser Mill adds another chapter of history. It is the only surviving mill complex in the city of Sankt Augustin. Its mill machinery underwent extensive restoration in 1998/99 and remains in working order today. Alongside church architecture and stonework, the focus here is on the technology of a mill.

The history of the castles also spans several periods. Niederpleis Castle was one of two medieval knightly estates in what is now the city, alongside Menden Castle. The present-day building of Niederpleis Castle was erected around 1870 and has retained its original structure, with the exception of the former east wing, which had to make way for an animal shelter in 1972. In Menden, the first castle was built around 1100 as the seat of the “von Menden” knightly family. Menden Castle is a former manor house. In Meindorf, the Chapel of St. Mary, Queen of the Rosary, completed in 1912, adds to this architectural history: it is regarded as a kind of landmark there.

Heathland, the Siegaue and Trails

The airfield in Hangelar is located right in the middle of the Hangelarer Heide nature reserve. Notable sandy grassland communities can be found on and around the airfield grounds. Four nature information boards in the heathland describe a municipal orchard meadow, a field hedge, the Hangelarer Heide grassland area and a newly created habitat for the natterjack toad near the outdoor swimming pool. If you include the boards in your nature exploration, it is worth taking a quick look at their condition while you are there.

The Siegaue offers other opportunities for observing nature. Rare bird species occur in the Siegaue nature reserve in Sankt Augustin; large parts of the agricultural floodplain near Meindorf are protected as landscape or nature reserves and are home to valuable flora and fauna. At the Buisdorf weir on the Sieg, you can witness a seasonal spectacle in autumn: returning salmon leap spectacularly over the weir and continue upstream. The Siegaue in the Buisdorf district also invites you to cycle and hike in the surrounding area.

There are several different trail themes to choose from for hikes and cycling trips. The “Grünes C” is a cycling and hiking trail stretching from Bornheim to Sankt Augustin; the Regional Meadow and Pasture Centre in Niederpleis is located along the route. Dambroicher Forest, on the border of Sankt Augustin, is well served by bridleways and hiking trails. Niederpleiser Forest has an extensive network of trails and is primarily used for recreation close to residential areas. This gives you a choice between a trail route covering a wider area and forests with different local connections, without combining them into a single circular route.

Rail connections when choosing where to stay

Transport connections may also be a factor when choosing a location. Menden station has regional rail services. The Stadtbahn line 66 has three stops in the Hangelar district and connects Hangelar with Cologne and Bonn. All line 66 stops have secure bicycle stands and bicycle lockers. For long-distance rail travel, nearby Siegburg/Bonn station is a key option, with a connection via Stadtbahn line 66. Check the current timetables before travelling.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Alfter, Swisttal, Siegburg, Hennef, Neunkirchen-Seelscheid, Windeck, Bornheim, Eitorf

Return to the main travel overview: Rhein-Sieg District.