ティッツの湖・トップ20

CYCLE TOUR WICKRATHER SCHLOSSTEICH The journey is the destination, and so 17 cyclists enjoyed a lovely day in Mönchengladbach's surroundings in what was at times a strong wind. The start was at 10:00 a.m. from the car park at Rheydt Castle. The route leads through the Volksgarten, the Neersbroicher Busch and the Hoppbruch to Haus Horst, from there past Steinhausen, Liedberg and Dyck Castle to Aldenhoven. Past the Jüchener Bach, we then went via Gierath and Jüchen to the edge of the open-cast lignite mine with a view into the big hole. Here we were showered heavily by the sprinklers that are supposed to bind the dust to protect the motorway. Shortly afterwards we reached the Wildenrath manor in Wanlo for a rest and refreshment. The route then went back along the Niers via Wickrath Castle, Beller Park and Zoppenbroich to Rheydt Castle.

Wickrath Castle From the first mention in 1068 until the end of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, the Hochstaden, Broichhausen, Hompesch and Quadt families ruled over the castle or Wickrath Palace. The coats of arms of these families can be found on a fountain in the courtyard of the outer bailey. Not many descriptions or information about Wickrath Castle have been preserved. A painting by Wilhelm Thomas von Quadt from the mid-17th century shows a castle that is probably Wickrath Castle. It is located on an island with low bushes and consists of several buildings. The most striking part is a high, isolated tower with a very pointed spire. It was a moated castle, possibly built in the form of a motte in the 12th century and whose moats were fed by the Niers. There is no evidence above ground of the castle's former location.

Lake Barmen is idyllically located on the edge of a landscape protection area and has a small beach and a lawn for sunbathing. Here you can cool down and relax away from the hustle and bustle of an outdoor pool. To protect nature, swimming is only permitted in officially designated bathing areas. Entry is free, you enter and swim at your own risk, there is no lifeguard. In the immediate vicinity, between Floßdorf and Broich, the Rur meanders along its natural course. Walking paths around Lake Barmen invite you to discover the charming surroundings.

The castle pond and the castle park are worth seeing.

Wickrath Castle Close to the center of Wickrather and yet feeling far away, the 19-hectare park with the baroque Wickrath Castle and its beautiful, lovingly landscaped castle park is located directly on the Niers. This is one of the most beautiful places in Mönchengladbach to unwind. Between 1746 and 1772, Friedrich Wilhelm Otto Freiherr von Quadt had an axially symmetrical baroque palace built by the master builder Matthieu Soiron from Maastricht in place of the late medieval moated castle of Wickrath. In a crown-shaped park, which is unique in the entire Rhineland and characterized by ponds and linden tree avenues, a castle complex was built in the Niersaue, based on French models, which was divided into a fore and a main castle. Unfortunately, the castle cannot be visited. Kingfishers and herons have found their habitat in the castle park itself.

A view of the Kasterer See is worthwhile at any time of the year. Especially in autumn, when the colors of the leaves start to play

a beautiful castle with park, which is partly under nature protection. Since 2004, the moated castle has been part of the Garden Art Route between the Rhine and Meuse. In the east wing is a horse stable and breeding with a Rhenish horse studbook. Various equestrian tournaments are held here every year on the adjacent tournament arena.

Wickrath Castle is a moated castle complex on the Niers.