The Heimbach National Park Gate is located in the historic railway station building. Heimbach railway station can be reached on the RB21 from Düren. This makes the station a clear point of reference on arrival and during your stay. Check the timetable before travelling, then plan your days of sightseeing.
Getting here and planning fixed visit days
The National Park Gate is the starting point for the “Monastery Route” ranger tour, which takes place on Fridays. If you would like to include this tour in your plans, Friday is a useful reference point when planning your stay. Groups and individuals can arrange guided tours of the Heimbach Art Nouveau hydroelectric power plant by registering with RWE’s visitor service two weeks in advance. The preparations differ: the ranger tour is tied to a particular day of the week, while the power plant tour requires advance registration.
Hydroelectric power plant and church art
The Heimbach Art Nouveau hydroelectric power plant began operating in 1905; the power station is still in operation. Here, industrial history meets ongoing electricity generation. Guided tours offer groups and individuals a way to learn more about the power plant—provided they register with RWE’s visitor service two weeks in advance.
The churches also offer contrasting highlights. St. Salvator dates from 1981 and houses the Pietà of the “Sorrowful Mother” in a large Antwerp carved altarpiece; it is considered a pilgrimage destination. St. Clemens, by contrast, was built in the Baroque style in the early 18th century. Notable details include the high altar with its two-tier tabernacle and the richly decorated pulpit. Their different periods and furnishings offer culture enthusiasts two distinct focuses for a visit.
Art in the town and its surroundings
The “Art in the Woods” trail starts in Heimbach, is two kilometres long and takes 45 minutes. Both the distance and duration of this walk are clearly specified, giving you a useful guide when planning your time in the area. In addition, seven sculptures, statues and installations from the permanent art project in nature can be seen around Heimbach. The trail and the artworks in the surrounding area offer two different ways to experience art outdoors.
Düren as a wider area to explore
The wider Düren destination offers additional cultural and cycling experiences. In Jülich, the almost entirely preserved and restored citadel has ramparts, bastions and casemates. The fortress, which includes a ducal palace, was built in the style of the Italian High Renaissance and is considered the oldest complex of its kind north of the Alps. You can explore it independently or as part of a guided tour; check the current opening arrangements before your visit.
For longer cycling tours, 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. Railway stations along the route make it possible to plan your own route and stages; some individual stages can also be done as day trips. Before setting off, check the latest train and bicycle transport conditions, as well as the trail conditions.
Discover more destinations: Hergarten, Hausen, Linnich, Vettweiß, Langerwehe, Titz, Nideggen, Merzenich.
Go to the wider travel overview: Düren.
