Discover Linnich: History, Stained Glass and the Rur

Linnich offers a variety of ways to explore these interests. Its documented history dates back to 888; the museum, churches, memorial sites and trails reveal different sides of the town.

Town history along walking trails

The Promenade Circular Trail leads through Linnich’s history. It is divided into four promenades with 32 stops and focuses on the 19th century, when the town’s fortifications were still standing. Historic sites include the Jewish cemetery and a memorial stone for the former synagogue. Twenty-nine gravestones remain in the cemetery, which is open to the public. Check local access arrangements before your visit.

The churches also offer a range of architectural points of interest. St. Martin’s is a late Gothic brick church whose foundation stone was laid in 1453. As a 15th-century hall church, it continues to define the town centre. The visitor trail also passes the Protestant Church, which has choir stalls and a Baroque organ. On the route from Linnich to Lindern, the Hubertus Cross commemorates the Battle of St. Hubertus in 1444.

Stained glass and cultural programme

The German Museum of Stained Glass offers around 1,400 square metres of exhibition space across seven levels. The museum adds a dedicated focus to the historic sites throughout the town. Linnich’s Summer of Culture is an annual cultural programme running from May to October; individual events vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the dates for the relevant year.

Guided town tours can be booked. The historic Promenade Circular Trail tour lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. Linnich’s tourism working group plans and runs bike tours in and around the town and organises town tours in cooperation with the Linnich Historical Society. Check current dates and booking options in advance.

Choose Rur trails by distance

The Rur shapes Linnich and offers opportunities for leisure in a natural setting. Walking routes mainly differ in length: the circular trails to Rurdorf and Floßdorf are about 4 and 6 kilometres long, respectively. A circular route of around 10 kilometres passes through the Rur floodplains to Tetz. The roughly 11-kilometre circular route to Barmen follows the Rur and passes a moated castle dating from the 14th century. This lets you factor your preferred distance into your plans without losing sight of the destinations and landscapes. Distances are approximate guides; check the route before setting out. Canoeing and pedal-boat trips are also among the activities available on the Rur. Availability depends on local providers and river conditions.

Getting there by bike and train

The Rurtalbahn connects Düren with Linnich on its northern section and also serves Jülich. Bikes can be carried throughout the day, subject to available space on the train; each train has five bike spaces. Check the current timetable and bike carriage conditions before travelling. This allows you to factor train travel into your plans if you would like to explore Linnich by bike.

Discover more destinations: Kofferen, Inden, Niederzier, Jülich, Nörvenich, Vettweiß, Kreuzau, Langerwehe

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