Between the Rhine, Ruhr and Sieg, in the low mountain region lies Bergisches Land.
Up to 500 metres high peaks and numerous rivers and lakes characterize the region that owes its name to the Counts of Berg. Its great variety of leisure and relaxing activities makes Bergisches Land an attractive destination for hikers, bikers and everybody who just wants to relax and enjoy nature.
The colours black, white and green are the ‘Bergisch state colours’ which can be seen in many of Bergisches Land’s historic town centres as well as small villages. In many half-timbered houses you will find these colours. Black beams, white loam partitions and green window shutters are typical for Bergisch construction style.
Thus, it is worth taking a walk through the narrow alleys of idyllic village centres such as Bergneustadt, Hückeswagen, Engelskirchen-Ründeroth, Lindlar, Nümbrecht, Wermelskirchen and Wipperfürth.
The largest city in Bergisches Land is Bergisch Gladbach. Situated on the eastern border of Cologne lowlands and in the foothills of the low mountain region it emerged 1975 from the union of the ‘paper town’ of Bergisch Gladbach and castle town of Bensberg. Bergisch Gladbach is famous for its gastronomy. It has two restaurants with two and three Michelin stars: Schloss Lerbach and Schloss Bensberg. In the “Rheinische Industriemuseum Alte Dombach” the history of paper production is brought to life.
Gummersbach is familiar to many sports fans as home of the most successful handball club. However, this town has much more to offer. The town centre invites to do window shopping, whilst small romantic towns like Hülsenbusch and Lieberhausen are equally enticing. Lieberhausen is home to one of the five colourful churches of Bergisches Land. The medieval ceiling frescos in these simple churches were supposed to bring the Christian message to people who could not read or write.
More information (in German): http://www.dasbergische.de/
Photo: travelpeter/Shutterstock
