Aldenhoven: Mining History and Pilgrimage

Aldenhoven can be explored through two distinct historical themes: the influence of coal mining on the town and the religious significance of the devotional image “Mary, Refuge of Sinners.” Both point to tangible traces of local history, but each emphasizes a different aspect.

Mining History at the Mining Museum

The Mining Museum recalls a time when coal mining and the “Emil Mayrisch” mine in Siersdorf, from 1938 to 1992, were the municipality’s largest employers and shaped the town. This period anchors mining in local history and explains the museum’s connection to life in the municipality. The focus is therefore not solely on the mine as a name, but also on the importance of coal mining to Aldenhoven.

This history is brought to life through equipment, lamps, and minerals. The equipment draws attention to the world of work in mining; lamps and minerals add other material aspects to the presentation. In this way, the museum connects mining’s historical role with tangible objects rather than treating the subject only in the abstract.

Devotional Image and Pilgrimage

The Aldenhoven devotional image “Mary, Refuge of Sinners” dates from the 14th century. Aldenhoven is a pilgrimage site where Mary is venerated as the refuge of sinners. The image gives this religious significance its own historical point of reference and offers a different way to explore local history alongside the history of mining.

The parish program for 2026 invited all the faithful to make pilgrimages to Aldenhoven: for the Visitation of Mary on July 2, the Assumption of Mary on August 15, and the Nativity of Mary on September 8. The dates fall across three months and relate to that year’s program. If you are planning a trip for another year, check the pilgrimage dates published at that time, as program details vary from year to year.

More Cultural Topics in the Düren Destination

In the Düren destination, the Düren Paper Museum offers a distinct focus. Its permanent exhibition centers on different aspects of paper, the history of the town, industry, and culture, and traditional and modern paper production. It thus offers another perspective on the destination’s industrial and cultural history.

Burgau Castle in Düren has a history marked by several distinct periods: it was destroyed in 1944, remained a ruin until 1975, and was restored in 1998. Today, it is once again considered a jewel of the city of Düren. Its destruction, long period as a ruin, and restoration give this building a historical story different from the perspective on mining in Aldenhoven.

The 36-meter-high Indemann stands on the Goltsteinkuppe, which, at just under 150 meters, is the highest elevation in the municipality of Inden. From its viewing platforms, the sculpture offers views of the Inden open-pit mining landscape; its outstretched arm is also accessible to visitors. While Aldenhoven’s Mining Museum recalls coal mining, the Indemann turns attention to the open-pit landscape.

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Go to the main travel overview: Düren.