Odenthal brings together the Gothic monastic history of Altenberg Cathedral and trails through a green, gently rolling landscape. The historic town centre and cycling routes add their own distinctive touches. When planning your trip, you can choose between architectural and memorial history, walks, and outdoor activities in valleys and across higher ground.
Cathedral, Monastery and Local History
Altenberg Cathedral was built between 1259 and 1379 as a Gothic monastery church. For many centuries, it served as the burial church of the Counts of Berg. Those interested in the history of the Bergisches Land can gain a tangible insight here through the church building’s construction period and historical function.
Buildings from Altenberg’s former monastery have also been preserved and can be seen by visitors. These include St. Mark’s Chapel, the Old Brewery, Altenberger Hof, the Baroque gate and the Kitchen Courtyard. These buildings broaden the view beyond the cathedral to encompass the former monastery complex.
In the historic town centre, half-timbered houses stand around the Romanesque Church of St. Pankratius, one of the oldest churches in the Bergisches Land. The bronze Witch’s Fountain adds a different historical note: it commemorates the history of the witch trials in Odenthal.
Hiking Trails and Landscape
The Odenthal Culture and Forest Educational Trail is a signposted circular route of about 3.8 kilometres and takes approximately 1.5 hours. The Bergisches Comfort Walk runs for about 1.4 kilometres around Altenberg Cathedral and features exhibitions and rest areas. In terms of distance, the Comfort Walk is the shorter option; you can also allow for an approximate duration for the Culture and Forest Educational Trail. Check the trail conditions and accessibility of the Comfort Walk before your visit.
The Altenberg Monastic Landscape Trail is a circular route with ten information boards about monastic life in Altenberg and its immediate surroundings. The Water Route follows the DhĂĽnn to the Great DhĂĽnn Reservoir, offering a different focus. Conditions on both routes may change seasonally; check the current conditions before setting out.
Hikes in Odenthal and Altenberg pass through a green, gently rolling landscape of forests, meadows and stream valleys. Odenthal’s hiking trails use a well-marked network of paths. As trail conditions and markings can change, it is advisable to check both before your hike.
Cycling and Dining
Odenthal offers cycling routes through river valleys and across higher ground, with scenic views. The contrast between these two types of landscape gives cyclists a different perspective from walking. Choose a route based on whether you prefer to travel through valleys or over higher ground.
The Bergisches Comfort Walk ends near places to eat, where Bergische waffles, Potthucke and herb salads are served. This makes it easy to combine the walk with a meal or refreshment stop. Restaurant availability and menus may change; it is best to check what is on offer before your visit.
Getting Your Bearings and Getting There
The I-Punkt Altenberg is the central tourist information centre for visitors to the Bergisches Land. There you can find information about local culture and nature, book tours, and pick up brochures and maps. If you would like to book a tour, check the current services in advance.
You can reach Altenberg on bus routes 212, 267, 432 and BBO4. The Bergischer WanderBus also runs on summer weekends and public holidays. As timetables are date-dependent, check connections for your travel date.
Discover more destinations: Overath, Burscheid, Rösrath, Wermelskirchen, Kürten, Leichlingen, Bergisch Gladbach
Return to the main travel overview: Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis.
