Erft

Strength in the Cologne Region

Rh

ein

Bedburg Bergheim Brühl Elsdorf Erftstadt Frechen Hürth Kerpen Pulheim Wesseling www.rhein-erft-kreis.de

Table of Contents Rhein-Erft County

2

Page 3-5

Bedburg

6

Bergheim

8

Brühl

10

Elsdorf

12

Erftstadt

14

Frechen

16

Hürth

18

Kerpen

20

Pulheim

22

Wesseling

24

Rhein-Erft County in Europe

26

Imprint Published by Rhein-Erft County, Chief Administrator Willy-Brandt-Platz 1, 50126 Bergheim Phone +49(0)2271/83-0, Fax +49(0)2271/83-23 00 www.rhein-erft-kreis.de Email: [email protected]

Photo credits: Respective Municipality / County Administration

Editor: Renate Fremerey Marketing & Public Relations

Reprints and Duplication, including excerpts, only upon written permission by Publisher

Rhein-Erft County Strength in the Cologne Region Rhein-Erft County is located right in the heart of the Rhineland, centered in the city triangle of Cologne-Bonn-Aachen, and it is the immediate western neighbor to the City of Cologne. As part of “Rhenish Bight”, it has more than 50 castles, palaces, and manors, making it one of Germany’s most castle-rich regions overall. The county is among the economically strongest counties in North Rhine Westphalia and, due to the fact that the “Rhine Revier” is home to the largest contiguous lignite deposits on the European continent, it is today still considered an energy county. Even though surface mining operations are slowly receding from the county area, investments into state-ofthe-art technology are still made. Using exemplary recultivation activities, the former industrial landscapes are being transformed into local recreational parks: Forests and lakes are perfect for hiking and water sports, and they are favorite leisure destinations not only for the neighboring city dwellers.

The future has started in Rhein-Erft County. A lively county – that means variety in those ten municipalities to be introduced on the following pages. Each of them has its own unmistakable characteristics, formed over generations on the one hand, and bearing the imprint of modern achievements and structural changes on the other. Overall, they represent a great synthesis of quality of life and economic strength. They stand for an exemplary abundance of chances and opportunities which the county offers its citizens and guests alike.

Sincerely,

Werner Stump Chief County Administrator

3

Rhein-Erft County Strength in the Cologne Region Today’s version of the county was created through communal reorganization in 1975 from the former counties of Cologne and Bergheim, plus portions of Euskirchen County. Initially named Erft County (Erftkreis), it was awarded its present name of Rhein-Erft Coun-

ty by the end of 2003. At a size of 705 km2, more than half of its area is used for agricultural purposes, yet the majority of all residents works in processing industries, trade, service industries and transportation. There is a population of more than 465,000 living inside the county’s boundaries. The majority of its residents is between the ages of 30 and 50 and lives in ten municipalities and communities this could certainly be one cut and dry way of presenting Rhein-Erft County. However, such facts might only raise the heartbeat of true statisticians. But they don’t do any justice at all to a region of such delightful and varied scenery which goes hand in hand with a strong and attractive economic site location. Instead, the county and its many pleasant opposites of historic villages and recultivated areas, an abundance of lakes and modern industrial facilities, provide a special experience for just about anyone.

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County Administration • Willy-Brandt-Platz 1 • 50126 Bergheim • Phone: +49(0)2271/83-0 • Fax: +49(0)2271/83-2300

Bedburg Pulheim Bergheim

Elsdorf Frechen

Rhein-Erft Country

Hürth

Kerpen

Brühl Erftstadt

Area: 705 km2 Wesseling

Population: 465.000

To Düsseldorf Airport

To Mönchengladbach

Page 6 Page 22 Page 8

Page 12 Page 16

To Aachen

Page 18

Seite 20

Airport Cologne/Bonn

Paris Brussels London

Page 10

Page 24

Page 14

To Koblenz

Internet: www.rhein-erft-kreis.de • Email: [email protected]

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Bedburg ... the city with a heart and a Palace Bedburg with its 11 communities and approximately 25,000 residents is a municipality of many faces, combining modern and traditional spirits. Witnesses of the past, such as the Bedburg water palace, the medieval atmosphere of the historic quarters in Alt-Kaster, the tower windmill in Grottenherten, the harmonically grown structures of some older quarters and newly developed, attractive residential quarters coexist in harmony, making Bedburg into a town worth living and loving. Despite being centrally located between the cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf, Neuss, Mönchengladbach, and Aachen, it has maintained its individual character.

Bedburg Palace

Thanks to its excellent traffic connections and high degree of quality of life and leisure, Bedburg has developed into an interesting residential and economic site location. Varied shopping opportunities and a strong and diversified gastronomy ensure that citizens, visitors and guests of this palace town aren’t lacking when it comes to culinary delights. The high leisure value of Bedburg is reflected in the local recreational parks of Lake Kasterer and Perings Maar, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing.

Etgendorf Estate

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County Administration • Am Rathaus 1 • 50181 Bedburg • Phone: +49(0)2272/402-0 • Fax: +49(0)2272/402-149

Bedburg

An 18-hole golf course north of Bedburg, located directly on the town’s boundary, as well as attractive hiking and biking trails complement the leisure offerings. The Town of Bedburg provides a rich supply of clubs and cultural associations, and an excellent infrastructure of a time-honored town for schools, sports, and traditions. Whether adventure aqua park, athletic fields and tennis courts, sports and multi-functional arenas, horse farms or subterranean target ranges, the town has a little something for everyone.

Pulheim Bergheim

Elsdorf Frechen

The Town of Bedburg

Hürth

Kerpen

Brühl Erftstadt

Area: 80 km2 Wesseling

Population: 24.800

Most definitely worthy of a trip and worthy of your time are the historic town center of AltKaster with its medieval flair, well-known far beyond the limits of this county alone, and also the Rosengart Automobile Museum. Bedburg is primarily also a family-oriented town. Not only does it have all types and levels of schools locally – with the municipal Silverberg High School just recently expanded and new construction of the Main School to start this year – it also houses many facilities and leisure activities for children and youth. An area-wide supply of kindergarten facilities can be found in all municipalities. A hospital and various senior citizen and care facilities are also available.

Alt-Kaster

Grottenherten Internet: www.bedburg.de • Email: [email protected]

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Bergheim ... varied, pulsating, exciting Bergheim, the county seat of Rhein-Erft County, is today an important focal point in the city triangle between Cologne, Aachen, and Düsseldorf. The county seat offers secure jobs, good shopping opportunities, and a high level in residential and leisure qualities. The most important institutions are domiciled in Bergheim, creating an administrative and service industry center of supra-regional significance. With BoA, the “Lignite Power Plant with Optimized System Technology”, Bergheim is home to the most modern power plant in the world and therefore represents an energy site renowned and in demand far beyond the boundaries of this county. In addition, many small to mid-sized companies have chosen Bergheim as their domicile, providing a broad spectrum of industry sectors for its many companies.

Rhein-Erft Bike Trail

Attractive and versatile – that’s how the county seat presents itself in terms of housing, education, and leisure and recreation. Numerous kindergarten and youth facilities are available to families, and citizens will find varied creative options and opportunities for continuing education, including adult education and night school. Affordable housing and a balanced educational scene will continue to assist young families in making a decision in favor of Bergheim.

The world’s most modern power plant

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City of Bergheim • Bethlehemer Straße 9-11 • 50126 Bergheim • Phone: +49(0)2271/89-0 • Fax: +49(0)2271/89-239

Bedburg Pulheim

Bergheim

Elsdorf Frechen

Brühl

Enjoying fitness and fun: Whether kayaking on the Erft River, biking, golfing, or flying a glider plane – there is the right offer for just about any type of hobby. Excursions to worthy destinations, such as the picturesque Paffendorf Palace, relaxing hikes and bike tours for miles and miles through natural river marshes near the Erft River, or a visit to the many cultural events in Bergheim round out and complement the recreational and adventure program.

The City of Bergheim

Hürth

Kerpen

Erftstadt

Area: 96,6 km2 Wesseling

Population: 63.500

Art and culture enjoy special emphasis in this city. Bergheim was one of the very first cities that not only discovered the theme of “Art in Public Places” but also implemented it with sculptures and plastic art by well-known artists, such as Gerhard Marcks, Wolfgang Binding, and Anatol. The delightful inner city and its historic center, plus its 14 communities, receive their unmistakable identity from this art.

Paffendorf Palace

MEDIO.RHEIN.ERFT

In the heart of the city, quite exposed and hard to overlook, MEDIO.RHEIN.ERFT is a modern event center and houses the new city library, plus innovative cultural and media offerings. A visit to the county seat will allow you to discover on your own all of the varied and delightful features Bergheim has to offer – a trip truly worth while!

Internet: www.bergheim.de • Email: [email protected]

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Brühl ... more than just an experience World-renowned is Brühl primarily because of Augustusburg and Falkenlust Palaces which are counted among the symbols of this city and which were included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1984, jointly with the baroque garden park facilities. Traces of Brühl’s history and its development toward modern times are reflected in its lively historic part of town. The historic inner city invites you to spend time walking and leisurely enjoying its generous pedestrian zone and shopping mile. The highlight of Brühl’s leisure attractions is most definitely “Phantasialand”, offering attractions, adventure, and excitement for children of all ages. Breath-taking rides and fantastic shows provide thrills for young and old alike.

Augustusburg Palace – a UNESCO World Heritage site

Gastronomic variety rounds out the offers. Rhenish coziness and hospitality are a natural given in Brühl. With more than 1,000 beds, the overnight options in various price and comfort categories are plentiful. Regardless of how many nights you wish to spend in Brühl – it is a stay that’s worth it!

Lots of fun and action in Fantasialand, one of the largest leisure parks in Europe.

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City Administration • Uhlstraße 3 • 50321 Brühl • Phone: +49(0)2232/79-345 • Fax: +49(0)2232/79-346

Bedburg Pulheim Bergheim

Elsdorf Frechen

Brühl is always in the mood for a party! Whether a City Quarter Festivity, Shooting Festival, Mardi Gras, Carnival or Christmas Market – 365 days a year, things are happening around this town!

The City of Brühl

Hürth

Kerpen

Brühl Erftstadt

Area: 36 km2 Wesseling

Population: 46.200

Brühl is also the birthplace of the important artist Max Ernst (1891-1976). In September 2005, the “Max Ernst Museum” will be the first art center worldwide to open its doors and present a comprehensive view of the lifetime work of Max Ernst. A treasure of exposition pieces has been gathered by the Max Ernst Foundation, including the almost complete inventory of bronze sculptures as well as the nearly complete collection of graphics. Also worthwhile your visit is the Museum for Everyday History, where you may “walk through” art of everyday life, and also the Brühl Ceramics Museum in the former wagon wheel shop. The financial/historical collection of the Federal Finance Academy displays artifacts of 5,000 years of financial history, from the ancient Egypt to modern times, all of it in an entertaining and fascinating way.

The new Max Ernst Museum

The lakes surrounding Brühl, located in the Kottenforst-Ville Natural Preserve, invite you to go sailing or surfing, and they are an absolute must for the water sports enthusiast, as is the expansive aqua and sauna park of Karls-Bad which offers just about anything for everyone. Feel like a trip to Brühl? This palace town is only a stone throw away from Cologne and Bonn, and Brühl is looking forward to your visit.

Cozy get-together at the market place

Internet: www.bruehl.de • Email: [email protected]

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Elsdorf... located between Erft and Rur Rivers Elsdorf represents as a rather young community, created on January 1, 1975 as part of communal reorganization within the State of North Rhine Westphalia. It became the legal successor to the up-to-then independent communities of Angelsdorf, Elsdorf, Esch, Heppendorf, Niederembt, and Oberembt. The roots of this community go far back into the time when this area was settled by the Franconians. Near the end of the 5th century, the Franconian settlement had achieved quite a population, as excavations of a Franconian burial ground revealed. Legend has it that the name of Elsdorf is derived from Egilhard, the Abbot of Corneli Abbey killed in 881 near Bergheim. The name evolved through Egilodorp, Egilisdorp, Egilsdorp all the way to the present Elsdorf. Around 1800, the village had a population of about 500, but it significantly increased after formation of the Pfeifer & Langen Sugar Factory in 1869. Today, Elsdorf has about 21,700 residents.

Stammeln Castle

Elsdorf is a rural community with a total of 14 smaller sub-communities and an area of about 66 km2. The municipal development, however, is concentrated on Elsdorf and Berrendorf for residential purposes, with a primary focus on the designated settlement center of Elsdorf. Both of these areas are offering bundles of public and private facilities for welfare, education and culture, social and medical care, and leisure activities. City Hall is also located in the development center of Elsdorf.

The “Grouv”, a pond in Grouven

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Communal Administration • Gladbacher Str. 111 • 50189 Elsdorf • Phone: +49(0)2274/709-0 • Fax: +49(0)2274/35 11

Bedburg Pulheim Bergheim

Elsdorf Frechen

Brühl

Two Autobahn connections (A4/A61) and Federal Highways (B55n and B477n), as well as several state routes, provide Elsdorf with an extraordinary degree of regional traffic connections. A designated larger industrial area in the eastern part of the community provides justified expectations for positive and future-oriented job developments. Children and youth have access to a total of twelve kindergartens, elementary schools in Esch, Elsdorf, and Berrendorf-Wüllenrath, as well as a school center with a combined main and middle school tract in Angelsdorf. Sports and leisure activities can make use of a heated outdoor pool, an indoor pool, an athletic center with stadium seats, a barn floor arena, a practice field, tennis courts, a gymnasium, additional sports and playing fields, plus playgrounds in all communities.

The Community

Hürth

Kerpen

Erftstadt

of Elsdorf Wesseling

Area: 66 km2 Population: 21.800

Swimming pool in Elsdorf

The “White House” in Niederembt

Internet: www.elsdorf.de • Email: [email protected]

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Erftstadt ... door to door with Mother Nature Erftstadt represents as a young town, created in 1969 as part of communal reorganization, and it consists of 14 communities. The name, of course, is derived from the Erft River, flowing from the South through Bliesheim, then through the two larger quarters of ErftstadtLechenich and Erftstadt-Liblar, before getting past Erftstadt-Gymnich to the North where it exits the municipal area. Located centrally and very close to the two major cities of Cologne and Bonn, Erftstadt also borders the Kottenforst-Ville Natural Preserve, a local recreational park with a landscape of recultivated forests and lakes, located within a former lignite mining area. Aside from expansive hiking and biking trails, sailing, surfing, swimming, and fishing are available on

Erft River, namesake to the town.

several Ville lakes, offering a high degree of recreation and relaxation. Only about 20% of the Erftstadt municipal area of 120 km2 are developed. Erftstadt is the largest municipality in Rhein-Erft County in terms of area.

Lake Liblar – located inside Kottenforst-Ville Natural Preserve

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Municipal Administration • Holzdamm 10 • 50374 Erftstadt • Phone: +49(0)2235/409-0 • Fax: +49(0)2235/409-505

Bedburg Pulheim Bergheim

Erftstadt is a bicycle-friendly city. A network of bike trails leads through river marshes, meadows, and fields, past historical town centers and numerous attractions, castles, and palaces. The best-known ones are the Lechenich State Castle and Gracht Palace (birthplace of Carl Schurz, the first German-born Secretary of State of the USA). Gracht Palace is the domicile of the European School of Management and Technology, and also a particular figurehead of Erftstadt. Erftstadt became internationally renowned through Gymnich Palace which, between 1971 and 1990, served the German Federal Government as its guest house, hosting many VIPs and international heads of state. The advantages of its surroundings and the excellent municipal structure characterize the residential quality in all 14 quarters distributed throughout the city area, enchanting through their small-town character or rural flair. Even today, many of the city dwellers throughout the Rhine tract are drawn to Erftstadt.

Elsdorf Frechen

The City of Erftstadt

Hürth

Kerpen

Brühl

Erftstadt

Area: 120 km2 Wesseling

Population: 52.000

Gymnich Palace

Business commuters prefer to use the railroad station in Liblar with it expansive Park & Ride facilities, providing them the opportunity to arrive in Cologne in just 15 minutes, relaxed and stress-free. Excellent traffic connections to the A1, A61 and A553 Autobahns, as well as Federal Highway 265 to Cologne, also contribute to Erftstadt’s success as an economic site location. At the southern fringes of Lechenich, a new industrial area of approx. 35 hectare in size – the “Erftstadt Economic Park” – is being developed. This park will differ from other industrial parks through municipal building and zoning features as well as an attractive architecture.

Gracht Palace

Internet: www.erftstadt.de • Email: [email protected]

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Frechen ... strength in the region Frechen is a city for living, residing, and working, providing a home to approx. 49,000 residents today. Our residents identify with their city in a major way, and this forms the core for its social adhesion. Frechen has an international residential structure, characterized by the global openness of its citizens for many decades. Hospitality in Frechen has almost proverbial proportions. The city and its people in today’s infrastructure benefit in many ways from their proximity to the metropolis of Cologne. There is only a mere 10 km distance between Frechen and the center of Cologne. Frechen presents as a young city with traditions, and it offers varied jobs in administration, trade and service industries. The city is counted among the highest-performing economic locations in the greater Cologne area

Keramion, the Ceramics Center

Traffic connections to Frechen are just the right fit: The city is quickly and easily accessible by car using the central traffic routes and well-developed Federal and state routes. The rail station in Frechen-Königsdorf along the Cologne-Aachen route provides access to the Bundesbahn rail network. Efficient public transportation by bus and train is available on local and regional levels. An additional plus for Frechen is the direct street car link between its center and the center of Cologne, plus a rapid transit link to the Cologne/Bonn airport.

Great connections through the Autobahn intersection Cologne-West

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City Administration • Johann-Schmitz-Platz 1-3 • 50226 Frechen • Phone +49(0)2234/501-1 • Fax: +49(0)2234/501-219

Bedburg Pulheim Bergheim

Elsdorf

Frechen

Brühl

Frechen has access to excellent options for leisure and local recreational activities. Wellmaintained green spaces and forest areas invite you to spend some relaxing time throughout the year. Spa activities as well offer remarkably varied opportunities through the “fresh open” adventure pool, plus the terrace outdoor pool in a park-like setting which includes an additional wellness area. But your activities are not limited by these attractions alone: There are golf practice courses, miniature golf courses, children’s playgrounds, climbing arenas, and other facilities to round out your options.

The city of Frechen

Hürth

Kerpen

Erftstadt

Area: 45,11 km2 Wesseling

Population: 48.600

The “Keramion Foundation” and the historical archives of the city house significant historic collections representing the city’s ceramic past. The annual pottery market pays tribute to this tradition, The “Keramion”, home to the “Keramion Foundation”, is located on Bonnstrasse and is internationally renowned for its contemporary ceramic art. The Graphics Triennials take place every three years, as the name suggests, and have achieved an international reputation among the participating artists from around the world. “Kulturmosaik”, a cultural mosaic offering varied profiles, plus theater and concert performances complete the artistic spectrum.

Historic City Hall in Frechen

Lively market in the Frechen pedestrian zone Photo credit: Udo Beissel

Internet: www.stadt-frechen.de • Email: [email protected]

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Hürth... worldly, open, and tolerant City flair and rural ambiance characterize variety and attraction of the City of Hürth, part of Rhein-Erft County and directly adjacent to the City of Cologne. More than 57,000 inhabitants enjoy the high level of quality of life in its various city quarters. Unlike most other city, Hürth has successfully implemented the structural change from a coal mining town to a pulsating and prosperous industrial and media site location. In the newly created industrial areas, a mixture of mid-sized companies was generated. Innovative companies are domiciled in the Knapsack Chemical Park and the Knapsack Technology and Industrial Park. Excellent shopping opportunities are available in the “Hürth Park Shopping Center” in the immediate vicinity of the town center, including approx. 150 specialty stores, 3,000 parking places at no cost, and numerous companies in the service industry.

Live from Hürth: Who wants to be a millionaire?

For anyone wishing to take a glance behind the scenes of current television productions, Hürth and its more than 30 TV studios are exactly the right spot for you. They will afford you the opportunity for a live peek at stars and starlets during the recording of shows like “Who wants to be a millionaire?”, “Cooking Shoot-Out” or “7 Days, 7 Heads”.

Skyline, Hürth-Knapsack industrial area

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City Administration • Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 40 • 50354 Hürth • Phone: +49(0)2233/53-0 • Fax: +49(0)2233/53-147

Bedburg Pulheim Bergheim

Elsdorf Frechen

Brühl

Theater performances, concerts, exhibits, and other cultural events are available for the visitor’s enjoyment in Citizen Hall, Löhrerhof Cultural Meet, the Leisure House in Knapsack, and the P2 Works in the Efferen Art and Media Quarters. Historic attractions are the castles in Kendenich, Efferen, and Gleuel. The ruins of Fischenich Castle from the 12th and 13th century represent one of the most important testimonies of the high medieval castle construction of the Rhineland area.

Kenderich Castle

The city of Hürth

Hürth

Kerpen

Erftstadt

Area: 51 km2 Wesseling

Population: 57.000

A favorite among leisure and water sports facilities is Lake Otto-Maigler inside the Kottenforst-Ville Natural Preserve, providing forest trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Aside from the forest lake, there in the Roman Canal Hiking Trail and the local recreational area of Hürtherberg. They offer many opportunities for relaxation and rest. Whatever facilities you might think of in relation to a young and dynamic city with an active association and community life, Hürth has them all. Life is good in the shadows of Cologne Cathedral!

Swimming enjoyment in Lake Otto-Maigler

Internet: www.huerth.de • Email: [email protected]

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Kerpen... to live and to experience Kerpen is a city with a charming quality of life, a city to live and feel right at home at, a city to love between cultural traditions and economic progress, and a city of about 63,000 inhabitants. The excellent location of the city at one of the most important traffic nodes, the Kerpen Autobahn intersection where A61 from Venlo to Koblenz meets up with A4 between Cologne and Aachen, makes this site into an excellent location for the settlement of various trade and industrial sectors within the Cologne economic area. While there are great shopping opportunities on site, there is also an excellent rapid transit infrastructure with rail stations in Buir, Sindorf, and Horrem, connecting Kerpen with the major cities of this region. This aspect is not only appreciated by business commuters alone. Kerpen also offers many sightseeing attractions: The past may be explored in majestic castles and palaces within the Kerpen municipalities, providing testimony on the fate of their former residents. The birth place of Adolf Kolping (1813-1865), for example, allows insight into the life and work of this great social reformer whose long-lasting effect still manifests itself in the globally committed Kolping Works, carrying on his legacy into the very present.

Modern Trade Building at EUROPARC Kerpen

The cultural and leisure scene of Kerpen is not much behind in the comparison with major cities. Grand name artists and bands are frequent visitors to play before capacity audiences. The International Jazz Night, just to name one of many, is well known beyond regional boundaries, and stars from cabaret and comedy, like Gabi Köster, Piet Klocke, or Konrad Beikircher, perform here as well.

Kolping House

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City Administration • Jahnplatz 1 • 50171 Kerpen • Phone: +49(0)2237/58-132 • Fax: +49(0)2237/58-350

For our youngsters, kindergarten schools are available in all municipalities, as well as a complete program from elementary to senior high schools.

Bedburg Pulheim Bergheim

Elsdorf Frechen

The city of Kerpen

Hürth

Kerpen

Brühl Erftstadt

Area: 114 km2 Wesseling

Population: 63.000

An important contribution to the quality of life is made by active and competitive sports associations and clubs in Kerpen, leaving nothing to be desired. Bow hunting, hockey, judo, jazz dance – your sporty contemporaries will find just the right activity. And since we mentioned sports, it brings us quite naturally to the names of Michael and Ralf Schuhmacher who carried the fame of Kerpen out into the world. The citizens of Kerpen simply love to live here. This is due, on the one hand, to the lively communities which characterize the overall picture of the city with their unmistakable identity. On the other hand, Kerpen offers many of the advantages of living surrounded by forests and meadows while also enjoying the benefits of urban living.

Kerpen-Türnich industrial area

Michael Schuhmacher Cart Center

Internet: www.stadt-kerpen.de • Email: [email protected]

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Pulheim ... living, residing, working The City of Pulheim represents an attractive mid-sized center with approx. 53,400 inhabitants in the immediate vicinity to the metropolis of Cologne. Created in 1975 as part of communal reorganization from four formerly independent communities and twelve individual villages, the municipality was awarded city rights in 1981. Since then, Pulheim has developed into an interesting and attractive site location. The city offers varied job and leisure opportunities where old and new industry and trade sectors, plus a healthy mixture of small to mid-sized companies, set positive trends for the future. Job offers are continuously on the rise. Since the city area is dissected by undeveloped and green spaces, and surrounded by forests, residential values are also on the rise continuously. Its citizens appreciate the high quality of life and the pleasant atmosphere.

St. Nikolaus Abbey Church in Brauweiler

Exemplary importance for the city are found in the Benedict Abbey and Romanic Church in Brauweiler. Here, once a year an art project is implemented in the Stommeln Synagogue with participation by internationally renowned artists. During fall, the Linde German Masters, the most significant golf tournament on German soil, takes place annually at the “Lärchenhof Estate” Golf Club in Stommelerbusch.

Linde German Masters golf tournament

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City Administration • Alte Kölner Straße 24 • 50259 Pulheim • Phone: +49(0)2238/8080 • Fax: +49(0)2238/808 345

Bedburg

Pulheim Bergheim

As the city grew, economy and trade also grew along, and as a result, familiarity with and attraction of Pulheim was on the increase as well. Infrastructure is constantly being expanded to keep up with demand. There is a kindergarten space for each child age 3 and up, and many play and toddler groups are available for the even younger ones. More than 6,000 students attend the two high schools, two middle schools, one main school, nine elementary schools, and two special education schools. There are also significant social facilities: Residential and daytime care facilities for the elderly, club homes, youth centers, work facilities for the handicapped, a women’s cafe, libraries, as well as recreational and sports facilities make Pulheim a “people city”. Attractive recreational areas can be found almost just outside your doorstep.

Elsdorf Frechen

The city of Pulheim

Hürth

Kerpen

Brühl Erftstadt

Area: 72 km2 Wesseling

Population: 53.400

Fun and games at the Stommeln outdoor pool

Due to its landscape variety and numerous sightseeing attractions, the city area offers great prerequisites for extensive hiking or biking tours. Lake Pulheim is available for the active sportsman for sailing or surfing activities. If you prefer to be in the water rather than on it, the Pulheim indoor pool or Stommeln outdoor pool are waiting for you. Golf courses are located in Stommelerbusch as well as at the city boundaries to Rommelskirchen and Bergheim-Fliesteden.

Project Stommeln Synagogue:

Pulheim equally benefits from extremely good traffic connections, individuality and liveliness of its quarters, a climate of openness, tolerance, and willingness to experiment, all of it resulting in cultural variety and diversity.

“The making of stones” by Richard Lang

Internet: www.pulheim.de • Email: [email protected]

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Wesseling ... city on the Rhine River The City of Wesseling is located between the two major centers of Cologne and Bonn, right on the Rhine River, with excellent connections to the national road and rail systems. It represents an important industrial site location in the Cologne/Bonn economic region. No other city on Rhein-Erft County has such a high percentage of jobs in the processing trade. Yet, agriculture and horticulture play important roles as well. This is reflected in the area of approx. 900 hectare used for agricultural purposes, corresponding to approx. 40 percent of Wesseling’s total area. Furthermore,Wesseling has an interesting cultural program to offer: Exhibits at City Hall and at “Schwingeler Hof”, the City Gallery, Eichholz Palace concerts, City Hall and Rhine Park concerts, plus theater performances at the newly opened “Rheinforum Wesseling”, just to name a few.

Historic City Hall, with City Hall Fountain

Eichholz Palace is first mentioned in writing in 1166 as Eichholz Farm (“new farm, located next to virgin field”). Today, it is the educational center of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, well known beyond the boundaries of Wesseling. Since 2000, weddings may be performed in Eichholz Palace.

St. Germanus Church, on the Rhine River

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City Administration • Alfons-Müller-Platz • 50389 Wesseling • Phone: +49(0)2236/701-0 • Fax: +49(0)2236/701-339

Bedburg Pulheim Bergheim

Elsdorf Frechen

Brühl

Early in the 10th century, today’s Catholic Parrish Church St. Germanus was documented in “Wasilicia”, and presumably, its roots go all the way back to Franconian days. Theodor Kremer, an architect, realized in 1891-94 the construction of a three-ship basilica with two west towers, all of it located in flood safe territory directly on the Rhine River. Also directly on the Rhine River, you’ll find the new event center “Rheinforum Wesseling”, formerly an industrial workshop hall of “Braunkohle Reederei”, a lignite shipping company.

The city of Wesseling

Hürth

Kerpen

Erftstadt

Area: 23 km2 Wesseling

Population: 35.700

Entenfang, a local recreational area, has achieved national status and was placed under environmental protection due to its significance as a resting biotope for migratory wading birds. The park facilities were built during the 1970s between Entenfang Pond and Entenfang House, a hunting lodge of Prince Elector Clemens August. With an area of 75,000 m2, Entenfang is the heart and soul of the leisure and recreational program offers by the city to its citizens and guests. Barbequing, game playing, hiking, celebrating, sunning – or doing nothing at all, other than relaxing.

Industrial facilities

Entenfang Recreational Area

Internet: www.wesseling.de • Email: [email protected]

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Youth Educational Facilities Rhein-Erft County in Europe

Rhein-Erft County has two youth educational facilities available, both of them in an attractive scenery setting. Finkenberg Youth Camp... ... is located on the hill of Finkenberg, 550 m in height, in Blankenheim/Ahr, 15 minutes on foot from the center of the romantic Eifel village, surrounded by the Nordeifel Natural Preserve. It is available as a meeting and recreational facility to schools, youth organizations, youth carrier organizations, cultural groups, and adult education carrier organizations. Groups under responsible supervision will find here an attractive destination for school excursions, vacation leisure time, family vacations, educational meetings, cultural education for children, youth, and adults. Guests from outside Rhein-Erft County are also welcome.

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Finkenberg Youth Camp • Finkenberg 20 • 53945 Blankenheim • Phone: +49(0)2449/228 • Fax: +49(0)2449/7790 Internet: www.jugendhof-finkenberg.de • Email: [email protected]

Youth Meeting Facility « Centro Franco-Allemand Guidel » (CFA)... ... is located is southern Brittany in the Marbihan Department, not too far from the port city of Lorient. 15 minutes on foot are the port of Guidel and its beaches. All types of water sports, like sailing, surfing, wave riding, and canoeing, are available under prefect Atlantic Ocean conditions. Sailing and canoeing expeditions start from the mouth of the Laita River. This center offers an attractive destination for school trips, German/French encounters, vacation leisure time, international youth exchange, and family vacations.

Centro Franco-allemand Guidel •Willy-Brandt-Platz 1 • 50126 Bergheim • Phone: +49(0)2271/83-4572 • Fax: +49(0)2271/83-2343 Internet: www.rhein-erft-kreis.de • Email: [email protected]

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Leisure and Recreation along Rhine and Erft Rivers Castles, Palaces, and Blade Excavators … delightful contrasts between historic villages and modern industrial machinery

Bike Tours, Golf Experience, and Leisure Parks … recultivated forests, idyllic lakes, and river marshes provide the scenic setting – up close and personal to Cologne

Art, Culture, and Museums … famous natives of the region dominate painting and motor sports

Service – All under one Roof … online reservation system, group bookings, sightseeing tours – we would love to inform and assist you

Rhein-Erft Tourism Association Europaallee 33 • 50226 Frechen Fon +49 (0) 22 34 95 568-30 Fax +49 (0) 22 34 95 568-68 [email protected]

www.rhein-erft-tourismus.de