Discover Sonsbeck: Pottery heritage, towers and the Lower Rhine

Sonsbeck showcases the Lower Rhine from several distinct perspectives: geological trails, an observation tower with sweeping views and a long ceramic history. This lets you focus your trip planning on different interests, rather than reducing the town to a single theme.

Views and geological trails

The 26-metre-high observation tower, made of steel and wood, stands on Dürsberg. From there, panoramic views stretch across much of the Lower Rhine. The Geological Trail is 1.2 kilometres long and has six information boards. It runs from the Roman Tower to the observation tower. The Erratic Boulder Trail extends it into a circular route featuring Ice Age erratic boulders found during gravel excavations on the Lower Rhine. Geological stops, erratic boulders and two distinctive endpoints offer several different points of interest along the route.

The educational programme on Sonsbeck’s Dürsberg also offers something distinct: the “Die KlimaWaldMeister” programme is part of the KlimaWaldErlebnis educational trail. If you plan to take part, check the latest programme details in advance.

Ceramics, buildings and local history

Sonsbeck’s historic pottery tradition includes 90 potteries that were active between 1649 and 1903. They produced earthenware, relief tiles, tiles, jugs and decorative bowls. An exhibition at the Gommansche Mühle is dedicated to this history; the mill has been used as a cultural meeting place since 1992. The Tietz Ceramics Museum focuses on ceramics from the Lower Rhine and also displays paintings and bronze sculptures by local artists.

The Roman Tower provides a distinctive architectural contrast. The round brick tower dates from the early 15th century and formerly served as the tower of a sovereign’s mill. St. Gerebernus Chapel is connected to the historic town centre; a fortified Roman-era guard post once stood nearby. At the Schweinemarkt Fountain, a sow and three piglets have movable heads, ears, legs and curly tails. The fountain is considered the largest of its kind in Germany north of the Main line.

Landscape and practical information

Sonsbeck Switzerland forms part of the Lower Rhine ridge and reaches an elevation of 87.20 metres above sea level. Meadows, fields and partly wooded hills have been designated as a local recreation area. This adds an outdoor focus to the area’s cultural attractions.

There is an e-bike charging station in the town centre; check its availability before your trip. NIAG bus route 36 connects Sonsbeck with the railway stations in Geldern and Xanten. It is advisable to check the current timetable before travelling.

More experiences in the wider Wesel destination

In the wider Wesel destination, LVR-Archaeological Park Xanten is located on the site of the Roman city of Colonia Ulpia Traiana. It is Germany’s largest open-air archaeological museum. The LVR Roman Museum displays numerous original finds from the Roman city and the two legionary camps; they tell the story of the city’s origins, heyday and downfall. Demonstrations, festivals and a wide range of activities to watch and take part in are held regularly in the park and museum. Dates and activities vary.

Another highlight in the wider Wesel destination is Bislicher Insel in Xanten. It is one of the last near-natural floodplain landscapes on the Lower Rhine, and large areas are protected. In winter, it is home to several thousand Arctic geese, particularly greater white-fronted geese and barnacle geese. Three observation huts along the trail offer views over the water; with a little luck, you can spot numerous bird species. For a Wesel-focused trip, you can choose between Roman archaeology, with changing event dates, and winter wildlife watching.

Discover more destinations: Schermbeck, Wesel, Moers, Voshövel, Dinslaken, Neukirchen-Vluyn, Alpen, Voerde.

Back to the main travel overview: Wesel.