Through the Wurm Valley and Gold Villages

Starting from Übach-Palenberg train station, this 40 km circular tour begins, which will lead you through lovingly restored villages. On your way, you will first encounter impressive witnesses of the industrial history of the region, such as the protected building of the Carolus Magnus Center on the former coal mine site. Passing the also worth seeing water tower, the route leads towards Baesweiler to the Carl Alexander Park, another former coal mine site that has been transformed into a recreational area. The impressive ascent of the spoil heap and a great viewing platform invite you to walk the heap and admire the further course of the bike tour from above in advance. Panoramic views of all surrounding spoil heaps guaranteed!

Following that, the tour then passes through the small villages typical of this region, such as Beggendorf, Waurichen, Immendorf, and Beeck, which, due to their village character and well-maintained historical town centers, have all been awarded as so-called Gold Villages in the context of the state competition "Our village should become more beautiful" or "Our village has a future" over the past years, giving the route a very special flair. In the historical classroom of Immendorf, guests even have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the school life of the past and admire exciting exhibits such as slate boards with chalk, wall maps, certificates, reports, wall paintings, or photos.
The country cafe in Immendorf as well as the farmer's and storytelling cafe in Beeck are ideal for a break to recharge before starting the return journey. This route then leads through the beautiful Wurmtal valley, with numerous old castles and manor houses, such as the 16th-century Honsdorf house, the former water castle Gut Leerodt, or the late medieval Trips castle, all of which are worth a visit (from the outside). In Geilenkirchen at KP 01, it is worth taking a look at Basten House. In Übach-Palenberg, the Willy Dohmen Park, Zweibrüggen Castle, and the Wurmtal recreational area follow before returning to the starting point.

Highlights along the route:
Carolus Magnus Center
Old Water Tower
Carl Alexander Park Baesweiler
Gold Villages Waurichen, Beggendorf, Immendorf, and Beeck
Historical Classroom Immendorf
Wurmtal Valley
Honsdorf House
Gut Lerodt
Süggerather Church (with Flemish carved altarpiece)
Trips Castle
Basten House
Willy Domen Park
Zweibrüggen Castle