This 13 km excursion takes in three impressive castle complexes in the villages of Hambach and Niederzier: Hambach Castle, Obbendorf Castle and Niederzier Castle.

The origins of Hambach Castle go back to a fortress built by Count Walram von Jülich at the end of the 13th century. After being destroyed by a powder explosion, it was converted into a four-wing Renaissance castle in the mid-16th century and subsequently served as a hunting lodge for the Dukes of Jülich. Today, the castle presents itself as a stately partial ruin. Three of the four large corner towers and two side wings are largely preserved on a fort-like ground plan.

A stone's throw away is Obbendorf Castle, whose origins date back to the end of the 9th century. Today's castle was built at the end of the 12th century, making it the oldest preserved castle complex in the Jülich region. The moated castle has been excellently restored. The main castle consists of a residential building from 1604 and an integrated gate tower as the oldest surviving structure (around 1400). The former manor now houses a hotel with a beautiful park.

Finally, we reach the third fortress, Niederzier Castle. Completely restored and extended, Niederzier moated castle now shines as the town hall of the municipality and has an eventful history behind it, characterized by destruction and reconstruction. The very well-preserved property has been the seat of the Niederzier municipal administration since 1923. The main castle dating back to 1698, as well as the bailey and the gatehouse of the outer bailey (both built around 1765) still exist and are well preserved.

Highlights along the route:

• Hambach Castle
• Obbendorf Castle
• Niederzier Castle