Dudeldorf: Gates, Castle and Hiking Trails

Dudeldorf lies on the B 50 between Bitburg and Wittlich, about ten kilometres east of Bitburg. The town’s historic centre, with its gates and houses, and several hiking trails are among the main features that shape its character for visitors.

City Gates and Historic Houses

The fortifications date from the period after 1345. North of the Upper Gate, surviving sections form a cemetery wall and enclose the castle grounds. The Upper Gate is an imposing gate tower, faced with dressed stone, dating from 1453. At the Lower Gate, you will encounter a different style of construction: the plastered gatehouse, whose passageway was altered around 1840.

The protected area of the former walled old town encompasses long rows of houses belonging to craftsmen and farming citizens. Its features include houses with stepped gables, open staircases, courtyards and wells. A variety of forms is on display, from street-facing façades to the open spaces in front of them.

Individual houses also tell the story of different building periods. The house at Hauptstraße 23 has a stepped gable and partial half-timbering; it dates from around 1700. Hauptstraße 20 is a hallway-kitchen house, probably dating from around or shortly after 1600. Its associated barn is dated 1729. The “Zum alten Brauhaus” inn at Herrengasse 2 is a three-part ensemble with three storeys.

In front of Hauptstraße 17 stands a running fountain with a fountain column dating from 1859, a red sandstone trough and a putto in Neo-Renaissance forms. Details such as these reveal the variety of architectural styles and features, and show that the historic houses do not all date from the same period.

Castle, Church and Local History

Dudeldorf Castle combines a medieval residential tower, an 18th-century two-winged manor house, a courtyard with an arched gateway and a garden with a pavilion. The individual elements give the castle ensemble distinct architectural accents.

The municipal section of the castle is used for exhibitions, club activities, a wedding room and other events. The courtyard and outbuildings are used for cultural events. If you are planning a visit in connection with an event, check the latest local information about access beforehand.

The parish church of Maria Königin was built in 1909 in the Neo-Gothic style. Among its older works of art is a sculpture of Saint John the Baptist from the 14th century. Craftsmanship is also part of Dudeldorf’s history: the town was a regional centre for wool weaving in the former district of Bitburg; wool weavers were already working here in 1624.

Hiking Trails and Cycling Tours

A historic circular walk passes between the medieval city gates. The Pestflämmchen hiking trail starts at the old town wall in Dudeldorf Bürgerpark. The Gelöbnis-Tour follows a different route: it starts at Maria Königin, passes six chapels and numerous wayside crosses, and ends at St. Martin in Ordorf. Check the current trail markers on site before planning any of these routes.

The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for hiking and cycling. The 130-kilometre Kylltal cycle path is considered easy to reach. In Dudeldorf, you will find different options to consider when planning your trip: a historic walk between the city gates, a tour taking in chapels and wayside crosses, or a cycling trip along the Kylltal cycle path.

Discover more destinations: Gondorf, Biersdorf Am See, Niederweiler, Fließem, Oberweis, Stahl, Olsdorf, Ehlenz

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