Bergheim combines city history and culture with walking trails, landscapes and leisure activities. In the pedestrian zone in the town centre, the BERGHEIMAT Museum tells the story of the city; elsewhere, the Erftaue in Zieverich and Peringsmaar, among other places, invite you to explore on foot. When looking for a hotel in Bergheim, you can first consider whether you would like to focus your stay more on city history and events or on trails and activities.

City History and Culture in Bergheim

The BERGHEIMAT Museum brings Bergheim’s history to life with listening and interactive stations as well as a small museum cinema. Permanent and temporary exhibitions complement one another; throughout the year, events explore local historical topics, regional customs and the culture of the district town. The museum thus focuses on both Bergheim’s historical development and its cultural life.

Another glimpse into the city’s history awaits at the Aachener Tor. It was built in the early 14th century in connection with Bergheim becoming a town and the construction of its fortifications, and protected the long-distance trade route between Cologne and Aachen. The gate and the museum exhibition offer different ways to explore history: one is a building from the early 14th century, while the other presents information through listening and interactive stations and a museum cinema.

MEDIO.RHEIN.ERFT also offers cultural events in Bergheim throughout the year, including classical music, jazz, comedy and theatre. Events in the town centre include live music, street food, and wine and beer; there is also a St Nicholas sing-along. Individual events and dates may vary. If you are planning for a particular day, check the latest event schedule. The tourist information office at the BERGHEIMAT Museum is right in the pedestrian zone and provides information and tips on sights, leisure activities and current events.

Walks and Landscapes

Fortunafeld covers around seven square kilometres of reclaimed land and has a network of trails almost 40 kilometres long. In the Erftaue in Zieverich, you can walk along the partially renaturalised Erft. Peringsmaar, in the north of Bergheim, is a former open-cast mining lake that can be circled on foot. These places offer different starting points for planning: an extensive network of trails in Fortunafeld, a riverside walk in Zieverich and a loop around the lake at Peringsmaar.

On Wiedenfelder Höhe, a signposted hiking route runs parallel to the “Speedway:terra nova” along woodland paths to a viewpoint overlooking the power station in Niederaußem. Work may cause temporary restrictions there; check the current situation before setting out.

Bergheim is also a possible stopover for cyclists on the “Erft Cycle Route”. Another way to learn more about the surrounding area while travelling is the Pulheimer Bach Water Experience Trail: it runs from Bergheim to Pulheim and shares information about local flora, fauna and people on 30 information boards. The options therefore differ not only in how you get around, but also in their focus: cycling on the Erft Cycle Route or learning along the Water Experience Trail.

More Leisure Ideas and Getting Here

Recommended leisure activities in Bergheim include a kayaking trip on the Erft, mini golf, gliding, golf and horse riding. Families with children can also consider an indoor play centre and farm activity parks. If you plan to book one of these activities, check the latest details in advance.

Bergheim is located right on the A61 and can be reached by bus and train. The town centre has a pedestrian zone more than 1,000 metres long, inviting visitors to shop, stroll and relax. Bergheim’s local guides show visitors the district town from different perspectives and share its history. Together with the museum, the Aachener Tor and the cultural events, these attractions create a city-focused experience; trails along the river, around the lake and through Fortunafeld offer other ways to discover Bergheim.

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