Hünxe Between Nature Park, Mills and Local History

Hünxe lies in the lower Lippe Valley and is part of Hohe Mark Nature Park. Fields, river meadows and extensive forests shape the surrounding area; signposted walking and cycling trails lead out into this landscape. At the same time, various reminders of regional history are in focus, including the “Alte Bergschule” local history museum, Gartrop Watermill and the historic centre of Krudenburg. This makes for an appealing change of pace when planning a trip: outdoor activities and scenery, alongside collections and architectural history that showcase different sides of the destination.

Experience the Landscape Along Different Routes

Signposted walking and cycling trails open up the surrounding area. Routes along the Wesel-Datteln Canal combine nature watching with exercise. The LandschaftsMalerWeg offers a specific change of scenery: starting from the forecourt of the Pankok Museum, it leads through adjacent woodland, orchards and wildflower meadows. This means there are general trails for exploring the surrounding area as well as a route that passes through several distinct landscapes.

Haus Esselt is also linked to two named routes: it lies directly on the Drei-Flüsse-Route and the Hohe Mark Steig hiking trail. Together with the LandschaftsMalerWeg, these offer a range of options for planning a trip—from signposted trails through the surrounding area to a specific route through woodland and meadows.

Cultural History at the Museum, Mill and in the Town Centre

At the “Alte Bergschule” local history museum, a former classroom is furnished as it looked when children in grades 1 to 8 attended lessons there, up until 1954. Other collection areas cover household and agricultural subjects, beekeeping, wooden shoemaking and prehistoric exhibits. A nearly complete mammoth skull, found at Gartrop-Bühl, was prepared for display at the museum. The collection thus ranges from everyday life and work to traces from the distant past.

Gartrop Watermill offers another way to explore history. Its oldest structural elements are estimated to date from the 15th century. As a museum, the mill is open to the public for guided visits and special event days; check the relevant dates before your visit. Groups can arrange historical tours of Hünxe’s districts, the “Alte Bergschule” local history museum or the watermill. Please confirm the availability of a group tour in advance.

Krudenburg adds another local dimension: buildings have been preserved in its historic centre that recall its former character as a towboatmen’s village. Here, history can be seen in the preserved townscape, while the local history museum explores a range of subjects through its collections and the watermill focuses on its architectural history.

An Additional Cultural Highlight in the Wider Wesel Destination

In the wider Wesel destination, Xanten offers a focus on Roman history. The LVR Archaeological Park Xanten, Germany’s largest archaeological open-air museum, is located on the site of the Roman city of Colonia Ulpia Traiana. The LVR-RömerMuseum displays numerous original finds from the Roman city and the two legionary camps; they tell the story of their origins, heyday and decline. Demonstrations, festivals and activities for visitors to watch and take part in are held regularly. Check the specific event dates before visiting.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Voerde, Alpen, Rheinberg, Moers, Neukirchen-Vluyn, Schermbeck, Dinslaken, Kamp-Lintfort

To the overview of the wider destination: Wesel.