A 26-metre-high observation tower made of steel and wood offers views across large parts of the Lower Rhine. At Dürsberg, this panorama is complemented by geological traces; Sonsbeck’s history of ceramics offers a different way to discover the town. If you are looking for hotels in Sonsbeck, you can take these different points of interest into account when planning your trip.
Dürsberg, geology and landscape
The Geological Trail is 1.2 kilometres long and runs from the Roman Tower to the observation tower. Six information stations line the route. The Erratic Boulder Trail completes the Geological Trail as a circular route, showcasing erratic boulders found at gravel pits in the Lower Rhine region. This circular route therefore focuses both on geological information and on the large rock finds.
The Sonsbeck Switzerland area is part of the Lower Rhine Ridge and reaches 87.20 metres above sea level. Meadows, fields and partly wooded hills have been designated as a local recreation area. The educational programme Die KlimaWaldMeister is part of the KlimaWaldErlebnis nature trail on Sonsbeck’s Dürsberg. Programme details may change; check before your visit if you plan to take part.
Pottery history and historic buildings
Between 1649 and 1903, Sonsbeck had 90 potteries. They produced earthenware, relief tiles, tiles, jugs and decorative bowls. An exhibition at Gommansche Mill is dedicated to Sonsbeck’s pottery history; the mill has been used as a cultural meeting place since 1992. The Tietz Ceramics Museum focuses on ceramics from the Lower Rhine and also displays paintings and bronze sculptures by artists from the region.
The Roman Tower is a round brick tower dating from the early 15th century. It once served as the tower of a territorial ruler’s mill; today, it marks the starting point of the Geological Trail. St. Gerebernus Chapel is associated with Sonsbeck’s historic town centre and a nearby Roman military outpost.
Another striking feature is the Schweinemarkt Fountain: it depicts a sow and three piglets, whose heads, ears, legs and curly tails can move. The fountain is said to be the largest of its kind north of the Main. Together with the Roman Tower and the chapel, it shows the varied historical landmarks found in the townscape.
Plan your cycling and journey
The Roman Water Springs Loop is a themed loop on the Roman Lippe Route. Route details may change; check the current route before planning your trip. There is an e-bike charging station in the centre of Sonsbeck. Since charging infrastructure availability may change, it is advisable to check before setting off.
NIAG bus route 36 connects Sonsbeck with the railway stations in Geldern and Xanten. Bus connections and timetables may change, so check the latest timetable information before travelling.
Wesel as the wider travel destination
In the wider travel destination of Wesel, the LVR Archaeological Park Xanten is located on the site of the Roman city of Colonia Ulpia Traiana. It is Germany’s largest open-air archaeological museum. The LVR Roman Museum displays numerous original finds from the Roman city and its two legionary camps, telling the story of their foundation, heyday and decline. The park and museum regularly host demonstrations, festivals and a wide range of activities to watch and take part in. Individual dates and activities may vary.
Bislicher Insel in Xanten offers a different experience. It is one of the last near-natural floodplain landscapes on the Lower Rhine and is largely protected as a nature reserve. In winter, the nature reserve provides a habitat for several thousand Arctic geese, especially greylag and barnacle geese. Three observation huts along the trail offer views of the water and, with a little luck, the chance to spot many different bird species.
Discover more destinations: Voshövel, Moers, Schermbeck, Dinslaken, Hünxe, Voerde, Xanten, Rheinberg
See the wider travel overview: Wesel.
