Duren is an industrial town set on the banks of the River Rur. While much of Duren was destroyed during World War II air raids, a handful of historic buildings recall the town’s former grandeur. Visit the top-tier fine arts museum housed in a beautiful heritage building and explore an ancient castle surrounded by a water-filled moat.
Things to do in Düren
From Expressionist paintings to post-war works, the Leopold-Hoesch-Museum covers a wide range of movements. The fine arts museum is housed in a magnificent Baroque Revival building with a honey-coloured sandstone façade. Enjoy lunch in the stylish café and browse books, homewares, prints and jewellery in the museum shop.
An emerald-green moat surrounds Burgau Castle. Built by the Counts of Heinsberg in the 14th century, the stronghold offers a fascinating glimpse of the town’s ancient past. Admire the impressive bay window on the southern tower and stroll around the picturesque gardens. The outdoor café serves piping hot waffles and traditional German bratwurst.
You’ll find some of the town’s best-preserved heritage buildings on Holzstrasse. The thoroughfare emerged from World War II unscathed and is lined with handsome townhouses with decorative facades. Pause to admire the carved wooden doorways, elegant bay windows and ornate window moldings.
Spend the day at Bubenheimer Spieleland, a family-friendly theme park geared towards younger kids. Set on a former farm, the park features slides, go-karts, trampolines and a climbing wall. Test your aim on the mini golf course and enjoy lunch in the grassy picnic area. An indoor play area means the fun continues, rain or shine.
Getting around Düren
Duren is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is in North Rhine-Westphalia, a 30-minute drive from Aachen and 45 minutes from Cologne. Trains run between Duren and Cologne in under 30 minutes. Cologne Bonn Airport is a 45-minute drive away.