Discover Bedburg: Moated Castle, Alt-Kaster and Nature

Bedburg combines architectural and local history with hiking trails and opportunities to observe nature. The moated castle stands in the town center; Alt-Kaster preserves a medieval townscape, and at Kasterer See, recreation areas meet protected shorelines. Choosing a hotel is easier if you decide on a clear focus: Would you mainly like to explore historic places, go hiking, or observe nature? The destinations below offer different options to help you decide.

Moated Castle and Local History

Bedburg Moated Castle dates back to the 12th century and is one of the Rhineland’s oldest brick buildings. It stands in a park with mature trees in the town center and is surrounded by a pond on two sides. The castle is used for cultural events, conferences, weddings and other private celebrations.

Alt-Kaster conveys a medieval townscape, with town gates, a castle and outer bailey, the market square with old gabled houses, as well as the town wall and defensive towers. Kaster was first mentioned as a town in 1339. A guided tour explains the town’s historical background and anecdotes; arrange the specific details before your arrival. The arts and crafts market in the historic old town of Alt-Kaster takes place on the first weekend in July. Check the specific dates and program before your trip.

Hiking Trails and the Werwolf Trail

The Werwolf Trail leads from Alt-Kaster through the recreational area at Kasterer See and along the Erft straight into Bedburg town center. It is designed as a circular route and can also be walked in two stages. Seven stops take you to the sites associated with the historically documented werewolf of Epprath. The route therefore offers both a themed hike and a way between Alt-Kaster and the town center. Check the route details before setting out.

Bedburg also has a network of hiking and trekking trails along the Erft and around Kasterer See and Peringssee. For cyclists, the Water Castles Route runs through Bedburg. Check the signage and local conditions before your ride.

Kasterer See and Nature Reserves

The recreational area at Kasterer See includes the approximately 8-hectare Kasterer Höhe woodland and the lake nestled within it. The lake is up to 1,000 m long and 125 m wide. The southwest shore is used for recreation; the east shore is largely inaccessible and reserved for nature. It is home to wetland habitats and nesting sites for waterbirds. The lake is well suited to walks for observing nature. When planning your visit, bear in mind the difference between the shore used for recreation and the protected, largely inaccessible east shore.

The Klärteiche nature reserve also offers a distinct natural environment: it developed into a shallow body of water rich in frogs and aquatic plants. The ponds at Klärteiche are an important breeding and resting place for waterbirds and wading birds. This means the wildlife-watching opportunities there differ from those along the shores of Kasterer See.

Sports, Leisure and Other Attractions

The Bedburg district of Lipp has a free play and sports park that offers a range of sports and leisure activities for all generations. Its centerpiece is a large pump track for cyclists, inline skaters and skateboarders. As individual facilities may change over time, check the current status before visiting.

A mini-golf course with 18 holes is located right next to Bedburg outdoor swimming pool. Visitors to the swimming pool can use it free of charge. It operates seasonally, so check the dates in advance.

The Rosengart Automobile Museum in Bedburg-Rath is dedicated to Lucien Rosengart and his historic vehicles. If you plan to visit, check visiting arrangements in advance. The Grottenherten Windmill is also part of the region’s technical history: Anton Iven built it in 1831. It lies about 1 km east of the twin village of Kirch-Grottenherten, amid the fertile farmland of the Jülich Börde, and remains operational, wind-powered and equipped with two grinding mechanisms.

More Travel Destinations

Discover more travel destinations: Kirchherten, Frechen, Pulheim, Wesseling, Brühl, Buir, Erftstadt, Kerpen.

For the broader travel overview: Rhein-Erft-Kreis.