The best running trails around Waldgebiet Hammerberg

Beautiful castle complex with a museum and an affordable café.

I was totally impressed by how beautiful Stolberg is 👍 it's wonderful to walk through the streets.

The old town of Stolberg in North Rhine-Westphalia is one of the most characteristic historic town centers in the region around Aachen and the Eifel region. The town center, which developed around medieval fortifications and trade routes, has retained its own charming identity over the centuries, with narrow streets, old squares, and well-preserved monuments from various periods. Stolberg was already mentioned in the early Middle Ages and grew into an important center for trade, crafts, and industry. Its location between Aachen, Liège, and Maastricht made it attractive to merchants and craftspeople from early on. The town boasts a rich industrial history, including iron and copper processing, which has left its mark on the architecture and structures of the old town. Stolberg's old town is not a single street but a cohesive historical urban fabric where you can discover countless sights.

The historic alleyways of Stolberg's old town transport you back in time. Narrow, winding streets lined with half-timbered houses and brick facades exude a centuries-old atmosphere. Wandering through these alleys, you'll discover hidden corners, small squares, and details that keep the past alive, preserving the town's authentic charm.

The Finkenbergkirche in Stolberg (Rhineland, Germany) is a magnificent testament to Protestant religious life and the economic history of this old town. The church stands on the slope of the Finkenberg, an offshoot of the Hammerberg, and has been a recognizable landmark in the cityscape since the early 18th century. The origins of the Finkenbergkirche date back to the 17th century when the Reformed community in Stolberg did not yet have its own place of worship and gathered in houses and copperworks, such as that of Leonhard Schleicher. In 1617, a small wooden church was built on the Finkenberg, which over time proved too small for the growing congregation. Around 1688, a stone tower was erected, on which the bell still rings today, and later the current stone nave was built, completed in 1725. The construction reflects the success of the local copper and brass industry, as many wealthy copper master families from the town supported the church financially, which is also evident in the impressive facades and the size of the church. Characteristic of the Finkenbergkirche is the interior, which remains true to the Reformation tradition of simplicity and functionality. The walls, pews, and the preacher's pulpit are light in color with contrasting dark wood accents. The pulpit, which is even older than the church building itself, stands on a sculpture of a pair of pelicans, a symbol of Christ's sacrifice. Historical elements such as the baptismal font and ewers from 1621 and the communion ewer from 1739 bear witness to the artistic and liturgical life of the early community. Next to the church building lies the Kupfermeisterfriedhof, also known as the copper masters' burial ground. Here, from 1686 onwards, the leading families of Stolberg were buried with gravestones richly adorned with family coats of arms, reflecting the industrial past. In later years, parts of these gravestones have been placed inside the church to better protect them from decay. The Finkenbergkirche is not only a place for regular church services but also a beloved location for baptisms, weddings, and concerts. As part of the Evangelical Church Community of Stolberg, it forms, together with other historical buildings, a crucial part of the cultural and religious heritage of this copper mining town.

Very beautiful old town below the castle. Well worth a visit.

Beautiful running route, lots of wildlife sightings, pure relaxation in nature. The church in Dorff is worth seeing.

The Inde Valley is one of Aachen's largest nature reserves. The wide stream valley is home to numerous protected plants and animals.