There are several ways to plan a trip to Würselen: explore the history of Burg Wilhelmstein, experience the long-standing Jungenspiele traditions, or take trips into the countryside. These themes offer different highlights—from an annual festival date and a summer cultural programme to routes through the town forest. You can tailor your stay to what interests you most locally.
Burg Wilhelmstein: History and summer programme
In the 14th century, Count William V had Burg Wilhelmstein built in Bardenberg, high above the Wurm Valley, on the ruins of an earlier structure that the Archbishop of Cologne had built as early as 1216. The site lay on the former border between the Duchy of Jülich and the Aachen Empire. Each summer, the castle’s open-air stage hosts a cultural programme featuring concerts, musicals, comedy, cabaret and open-air cinema. Individual performances vary, so if you are interested in a particular genre, it is best to check the event dates for your visit. The castle also has a mini-golf course.
Jungenspiele and Würselen landmarks
The Jungenspiele tradition has been maintained in Würselen since at least 1620. Every year, three weeks after Pentecost, the Jungenspiele reach their climax with the big fair. The groups parade through the streets; beforehand, an acrobatic flag-waving performance takes place in front of St. Sebastian’s parish church. Founded before 870 AD, the church is considered Würselen’s best-known landmark and is affectionately known by locals as the “Dom” (Cathedral). If you want to plan your stay around the Jungenspiele, you can use this timing as a guide and check the specific event dates.
A lasting emblem of this tradition is the Jungenspiel fountain near Würselen Town Hall. Erected in 1991, the fountain depicts scenes from the Jungenspiele and was created by Aachen artist Bonifatius Stirnberg. It is a popular attraction and meeting place for young and old alike. The Altes Rathaus cultural centre also brings local culture together with a historic building: it is a listed monument and houses the public town library on the ground floor. The upper floor contains five multifunctional rooms, an exhibition area and an event hall with 200 seats.
The Wurm Valley and green trails
The town garden, town forest and Wurm Valley are green recreational areas in Würselen, suitable for hiking, cycling and horse riding. The town forest has four signposted routes ranging from 1.5 to 5 kilometres. They start at car parks and are suitable for hiking, jogging or simply enjoying nature. The different lengths give you a practical guide when choosing a route; check the route details again before setting out.
The Wurm Valley nature reserve is also suitable for leisure activities on foot, by bike or on horseback. The Wurm Valley and Broichbach Valley extend across the municipal areas of Würselen, Herzogenrath and Alsdorf. A well-signposted, accessible network of numbered junctions is available for walks and excursions; each junction has a number. Würselen is also connected to the wider cycling network: the town is part of the regional cycle route network, and connections throughout the Aachen urban region make it possible to ride beyond the town limits.
Sauna, leisure and seasonal cuisine
AQUANA offers indoor and outdoor sauna areas. Outside, facilities include a sauna garden with a pond and sunbathing terraces. There is also a pirate ship as an attraction for younger visitors. The facilities thus include both sauna areas and a dedicated attraction for a younger audience.
Burg Wilhelmstein restaurant is one of the dining options in Würselen. It serves seasonal cuisine with regional specialities, including salads, meat and fish dishes, and vegetarian creations. If you would like to combine your visit with a performance or a seasonal dish, check the relevant dates and offerings in advance.
Discover more destinations: Rurberg, Erkensruhr, Roetgen, Monschau, Simmerath, Herzogenrath, Hahn, Alsdorf
For the regional travel overview: Aachen.
