The Nette flows into the Rhine in Weißenthurm; at the same time, the White Tower gave the town its name. These two local points of reference lead to different questions: What characterizes the landscape here, and what architectural and cultural history can you discover? There is also a longer route starting in Weißenthurm that leads all the way to Mayen.

River Landscape and Local History

The Nette flows into the Rhine in Weißenthurm. The White Tower is closely connected with the town’s name: it gave the town of Weißenthurm its name. For a look at local history, this is a concrete connection between a structure and a name, not merely a similarity between the names.

Another historical point of reference is the Church of the Holy Trinity. Johann Claudius Lassaulx designed it; it was built between 1837 and 1844. The stated construction period and architect give this chapter of local history its own timeframe. Hoche Park tells a different story: in 1978, it was opened to the public under an agreement between the town of Weißenthurm and the French state. This opening was explicitly intended for the local community.

Routes between Weißenthurm and the wider destination of Mayen-Koblenz

The Nette Nature Trail, approximately 35 kilometers long, runs from Weißenthurm railway station to the market square in Mayen. Its designated season runs from April to September. The endpoints provide a clear direction for planning; if you include the trail, consider the starting point, destination and timeframe together, and check the latest route details before setting off.

In the wider destination of Mayen-Koblenz, other architectural and cultural histories add to the picture of the region. Genovevaburg Castle in Mayen was built in 1280 by Heinrich von Finstingen, Archbishop of Trier, and is one of the city’s landmarks. Sayn Abbey was founded around 1200, and its abbey church was consecrated in 1202. The abbey’s exterior paintings, dating from around 1255, are considered the best-preserved of the High Middle Ages in Germany. Together, these dates offer different points of reference for exploring the region’s cultural heritage.

Industrial Heritage and Other Themes in Mayen-Koblenz

Sayn Foundry offers a different perspective. It is an anchor point on the European Route of Industrial Heritage and the only monument in Rhineland-Palatinate to receive this distinction. Following restoration, modern exhibitions and multimedia displays invite visitors to explore; guided tours and creative workshops are also available.

Hein’s Mill offers another perspective on the region’s working history. It is the only one of the former 20 mills in Bendorf and the surrounding area that is still fully operational. The mill museum shows and explains the various stages of the milling process and the importance of milling in the region. Mayen-Koblenz therefore offers different ways to explore: exhibitions and workshops on industrial heritage on the one hand, and milling and its processes on the other.

Technology and nature can also be explored as separate themes. The Geyser Museum in Andernach explains, across five exhibition areas, how the world’s highest cold-water geyser works. At the New Museum at Sayn Castle, Prince Alexander and Princess Gabriela give visitors a private glimpse into the life of their aristocratic family. There is also a children’s area where visitors can try on historical costumes.

When choosing a route, it is worth comparing destinations and distances: the Nette Nature Trail runs for about 35 kilometers from Weißenthurm to Mayen; its season is from April to September. The 33-kilometer Vulkanpark Cycle Route starts in Mayen and runs via Mendig, Kretz and Plaidt to Andernach. It connects numerous attractions in the Volcano Park along a relaxed, family-friendly route.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Andernach, Kottenheim, Winningen, Plaidt, Gappenach, Monreal, Kirchwald, Lonnig.

Back to the regional travel overview: Mayen-Koblenz.