This time we climb the Horst from Verlautenheide to the east of the Aachen basin. The climb is worth it, because even if the highway and country road make themselves heard for a short time, we are rewarded with wonderful views. At the sight of Merzbrück airport, we almost feel like we're flying high ourselves as we cycle along flat farm tracks across the expanses of the Börde.

Along the way, we come across idyllic villages such as Nirm, Linden-Neusen and Euchen. Time-honored square farms with more than 300 years under their belts create a rural atmosphere. Shortly before, we passed Aachen-Rothe Erde and Hüttenstraße, a relic of Aachen's industrial history. Until 1926, it was at times one of the largest steelworks in Germany with up to 6,600 employees. The former management building at the traffic circle is one of the witnesses to the past.

Then we dive into the green world of the Wurm far away from residential areas and traffic. Uphill and downhill, the route winds along the valley slopes with wonderful views of the open floodplain. As a protected area of European importance, the Wurm is allowed to run its course here. Since the 13th century, Wilhelmstein Castle has been strategically perched on a mountain spur on the valley slope. Enemy territory from Aachen's point of view, as the Counts of Jülich once ruled here.

Down in the valley, former mill buildings bear witness to an equally long history. Over 45 mills once provided a variety of services here. While oil was pressed and grain ground at the Adamsmühle, the Teuter Mühle pumped water from the mining tunnels and the Wolfsfurth was transformed into a cloth weaving mill.

We roll down towards the city into the Soersebene before reaching an attractive final stage on the Lousberg.

Places of interest:

• Elisenbrunnen fountain
• Frankenberg Castle
• Wilhelmstein Castle