Erkelenz city walls

The defensive structure extends over 1.6 kilometers with four gate towers and fourteen watchtowers surrounding the city center in a pear-shaped layout.

Built in 1355, the fortification included the Brück and Bellinghoven gates, followed by additional gates constructed throughout the fifteenth century.

The central tower, named Hexenturm, rises 23 meters high with walls 3.5 meters thick and housed the city garrison and armory.

Bronze markers and information panels indicate the locations of former city gates along a designated historical walking route.

A double water ditch system separated by earthworks stretched 40 meters wide around the fortification perimeter for enhanced defense.

Location: Erkelenz

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Website: http://limburg-bernd.de

GPS coordinates: 51.08190,6.31583

Latest update: October 15, 2025 21:42