Widdig combines the Rhine landscape with a rich local history. From the Rhine terraces, views to the south take in the Rhine, Herseler Werth Island, Bonn and the Siebengebirge hills. Other highlights include St. George’s Parish Church, its connection to the Left Bank Way of St. James and the annual St. George’s procession. The landscape, architectural history and long-standing tradition each offer a different focus.
Rhine Views and Route Connections
From the Rhine terraces, the view to the south takes in the river, island, city and hills. There is also a specific route connection: in Widdig, the Duisburg–Cologne–Bonn–Mainz long-distance cycling route forms part of the Left Bank Way of St. James. The area around the Aluta stud farm is used by walkers, cyclists and athletes. A named long-distance cycling route connected with the Way of St. James and local recreational use are two distinct ways to explore the area.
St. George’s Church and Its Architectural History
St. George’s Parish Church and the rectory are located at Römerstraße 63. The church was built between 1927 and 1929 as a hall church, based on plans by architects Renard and van Geisten, replacing an older chapel. The rectory dates from the second half of the 19th century, so two different building periods can be seen at the same address.
The former chapel stood closer to the Rhine than the present church. It was swept away in the 1784 flood when the undercut riverbank collapsed. St. George’s also features distinctive craftsmanship and artistic details: the “type organ,” built by the Johannes Klais organ-building workshop in Bonn, is considered significant because small organs from this period are now rare. The windows were made from mouth-blown glass by the Oidtmann workshop between 1986 and 1988. The “Fishermen’s Windows” were designed by glass painter and artist Herb Schiffer and installed as part of the renovation and refitting carried out between 1986 and 1989.
Tradition and Remembrance
Widdig is mentioned around the year 898 in a donation by Count Alfwin to St. Cassius. Another long timeline is marked by the St. George’s procession: it has been a tradition in the parish for more than 350 years and takes place throughout Widdig every year around the patronal feast, from late April to early May. The early mention and the recurring annual celebration represent different historical points of reference for the village.
At Germanenstraße 26, the Stolpersteine laid in 2010 commemorate Berta Rolef, née Kahn, and Abraham Rolef. Four more Stolpersteine at the same address bear the names Sally Salomon Rolef, Else Rolef, Hans Rolef and Ruth Rolef and are associated with the year 2021. The two dates distinguish when the stones were laid, while keeping the remembrance of all six people at the same location.
Bornheim as a Regional Setting
In the wider destination of Bornheim, the Rhine waterfront stretches for 4.5 kilometres within the municipal area and is used for local recreation; walkers, joggers, skaters and cyclists use the towpath. Herseler Werth is an approximately 15-hectare Rhine island and nature reserve. The island has been off-limits since 1993 and can be seen from the Rhine terraces in Widdig.
The Nature and Culture Trail is also part of this wider setting: it consists of three individual routes in the Bornheim villages of Hersel, Uedorf and Widdig. Those who consider Widdig in connection with the region’s cultural offerings will find, alongside the specific Rhine views and local historical sites, another point of interest spanning several villages.
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