Mining and Pilgrimage in Aldenhoven

Aldenhoven can be explored through two distinctive themes: the history of coal mining and pilgrimage. The Mining Museum connects memories of an economically formative period with an engaging presentation; the devotional image “Mary, Refuge of Sinners” represents a religious heritage dating back to the 14th century. Together, these themes offer a distinctive way to explore the town’s history.

The Mining Museum in Aldenhoven recalls the period when coal mining and the “Emil Mayrisch” mine in Siersdorf, from 1938 to 1992, were the municipality’s largest employers and shaped the town. The museum vividly presents the history of mining through equipment, lamps and minerals. This period puts its economic significance for the municipality into context; the objects illustrate how mining history is presented in the museum.

The Aldenhoven devotional image “Mary, Refuge of Sinners” dates from the 14th century. In 2026, all the faithful were invited to make pilgrimages to Aldenhoven on the Feast of the Visitation of Mary (2 July), the Assumption of Mary (15 August) and the Nativity of Mary (8 September). If you are considering a pilgrimage as a reason for your trip, check the announced dates for your chosen period in advance.

More perspectives in the wider Düren travel destination

The wider Düren travel destination offers other cultural themes in a variety of locations. In Jülich, the citadel exemplifies Italian High Renaissance fortress architecture: the almost completely preserved and restored complex includes a ducal palace and is considered the oldest of its kind north of the Alps. Explore its ramparts, bastions and casemates independently or as part of a guided tour. Check the current opening arrangements before your trip.

The permanent exhibition at the Düren Paper Museum focuses on the many facets of paper, the history of the town, industry and culture, and traditional and modern paper-making. Visitors who are blind or visually impaired can take a self-guided introductory tour of the exhibition; information resources and numerous tactile exhibits are also available. The Leopold Hoesch Museum in Düren offers a different artistic focus: it has an outstanding collection of paintings from the classical modern period and also focuses its collection on post-war modernism and contemporary art. The themes therefore differ considerably, from the Paper Museum to the art collection.

Cycling routes in the Düren travel destination

The cycling routes also offer a variety of perspectives. The RurUfer cycle route runs via Monschau to Einruhr, along the Rursee through the Rureifel, past Düren and Jülich, and through the Heinsberg region to Roermond. The Düren Lakes Loop cycling tour, about 20 kilometres long, follows the Rur to Düren’s bathing lakes, where you can enjoy a refreshing break. Railway stations along the RurUfer cycle route make it possible to plan routes and stages individually; some individual stages can therefore also be enjoyed as day trips. Before setting off, check the route conditions and, for stages involving train travel, the current train and bicycle carriage conditions.

Discover more destinations: Inden, Nörvenich, Kreuzau, Linnich, Düren, Langerwehe, Heimbach, Hürtgenwald

Go to the wider travel overview: Düren.