NR547: Maas, Niers und Nette / mediterranes Flair am Niederrhein mit Fachwerk und Patrizierhäusern

Our tour begins in Wachtendonk, a small community on the southern edge of the Kleve district, located directly on the banks of the Niers river. Wachtendonk was fortunate not to be destroyed during World War II and today presents us with a historically intact townscape from the 17th/18th centuries. The historic core of the town, with around 120 buildings, has been completely placed under heritage protection. We enjoy the unique atmosphere of the town with its centuries-old buildings, streets, and alleys and take a closer look at some of the most beautiful buildings during a walk.

Afterwards, we leave Wachtendonk and cross the Wankumer Heide. After crossing the Nette river, we reach Haus Langenfeld, a former, well-preserved knight's estate from the 14th century in the Wankum district. We cross the A40 motorway and then head towards Grefrath.

Shortly after passing the Grefrath EisSport & EventPark, we arrive at the Lower Rhine Open-Air Museum in Grefrath, which offers insight into the rural and craft history of the Lower Rhine region. Many restored buildings, from farms to old craftsmanship buildings, can be visited.

A little later, we reach the Niers again, following its course for about one kilometer. The Niers here is canalized, but nearby in the Burgbenden renaturation area, there is a restored old arm of the Niers, where many birds have settled that had not been seen there for a long time.

Immediately after crossing the B509 road, we enter the urban area of Kempen. We veer slightly right onto a bicycle and pedestrian path lined with tall trees, which runs about 1 km through a large residential area. After leaving this 'bicycle avenue', we head straight towards the Kempen old town. This is considered one of the most beautiful in the entire Lower Rhine region with its beautiful patrician and half-timbered houses. On sunny days, a Mediterranean flair quickly spreads here. Many gastronomic establishments of various kinds invite you to linger. After a stroll through the old town, we follow the Ringstraße, from which we can discover more historic buildings, and then leave Kempen heading north.

Our tour now takes us back through the typical Lower Rhine landscape, past farms, gravel pits, and the Schlootkuhlen nature reserve, back to Wachtendonk.