In Bornheim, there is plenty to discover, from the literary circular trail through Merten and Rösberg to the banks of the Rhine and longer cycling routes. If you want to plan your stay around your own interests, you can choose from different themes: local history and literature, routes through several villages, or nature with a clear access restriction. This makes it easy to decide in advance which themes will shape your stay.
Literature and History on Bornheim’s Trails
The nearly 3-kilometre Heinrich Böll Trail is a themed circular route through Merten and Rösberg. It introduces visitors both to Heinrich Böll’s life and to the history of the two villages. Along the trail, QR codes add contemporary witness interviews and excerpts from Böll’s short story “Oblomow auf der Bettkante” (Oblomov on the Edge of the Bed), which visitors can access and listen to. The circular route combines a literary focus with insights into local history.
In Walberberg stands the 21-metre-high Witch Tower, which dates from the second half of the 12th century. The Rösberg Wayside Shrines Hiking Trail offers a different perspective on local history: At around 6.5 kilometres, it connects nine wayside shrines and roadside crosses. The route passes through Rösberg and across the high plateau. The Böll Trail, which focuses on Böll’s life and local history, and this trail with its religious landmarks offer two different themes to choose from.
The Rhine, Circular Routes and Nature Conservation
Bornheim’s riverbank along the Rhine stretches for 4.5 kilometres and is used for local recreation. Walkers, joggers, skaters and cyclists use the towpath. In addition to its themed trails, Bornheim therefore also offers a riverside area used by different groups for leisure activities.
For cyclists and walkers, Bornheim’s loop of the “Rhenish Apple Route” is a circular route of around 40 kilometres that passes through all 14 of Bornheim’s villages. It opened in June 2019. If you would rather explore individual tours than take this route through all the villages, you can compare it with the Nature and Culture Trail: This comprises four colour-coded, combinable individual tours in Bornheim, Brenig and Roisdorf, as well as three individual tours in Hersel, Uedorf and Widdig.
The individual tours on the Nature and Culture Trail start at stops on tram lines 16 and 18, making it possible to travel by public transport. Check the current timetable before setting off. The Apple Route and the individual tours differ mainly in their scope: one links all of Bornheim’s villages, while the others are spread across the neighbourhoods listed above.
The Herseler Werth is also part of the natural landscape. The Rhine island covers about 15 hectares and is a protected nature reserve. It has been off limits to visitors since 1993. If you are planning to combine a stay by the Rhine with a visit to the island, take this access restriction into account.
Farm Visits and Insights into Growing
The Bursch organic farm in Bornheim-Waldorf offers tours of the farm and fields for groups. Visitors can learn about biodynamic fruit and vegetable growing and sample fresh produce. Afterwards, they can enjoy coffee and homemade cake in the farm café or garden café. Arrange the details of your visit with the farm before travelling there.
During guided tours of the Rösberg Bioland goat farm, visitors learn about the care of White German Noble Goats and how cheese is made. They can also meet the goats in the pasture or barn. A booking request is required for farm tours. Both farms offer an agricultural perspective, but with different focuses: the Bursch organic farm centres on fruit and vegetable growing and tastings, while the goat farm focuses on goat husbandry and cheese-making.
A Visible Piece of Pipeline History
A section of the Eifel pipeline is on display in front of Bornheim Town Hall and can still be viewed. The Römerkanal hiking trail runs along the Eifel pipeline. The visible section and the trail offer two different ways to explore this subject: a section on display in front of the town hall, and a route that follows the pipeline.
Discover more destinations: Widdig, Hersel, Meckenheim, Lohmar, Niederkassel, Swisttal, Sankt Augustin, Wachtberg.
For the regional travel overview: Rhine-Sieg District.
