Discoveries in the Rhine-Erft districtWater castles and werewolf stories

Camera. Powerbank. Toothbrush. Hiking boots. We take it in turns to list what comes to mind and go through everything again: Have we forgotten anything? Are we prepared for all weather conditions? Are we on the right train? It's this mix of anticipation and the feeling of having forgotten something that sets in before every journey. Whether it's a long-distance journey or a short trip - it always feels the same. And it's a damn good feeling.

Our anticipation of three days of cycling, hiking and wellness increases the further we get from Düsseldorf Central Station. Our destination: Bedburg. Romantic moated castles, overnight stays directly on the Erft, hiking in the footsteps of a werewolf and seemingly endless cycle routes await us.

"Watch out! Pinching geese. Please do not feed them." is written on a sign at the entrance to the park at Türnich Castle. And it's not long before we hear them. The white-feathered geese make a lot of noise as we drive over the bridge into the courtyard. A place that seems a little enchanted. An impressive manor house with a chapel and castle pond, a wildly romantic organic farm café, former stables and a medicinal herb garden in the centre of the farm. "The spirit of freedom blows here," explains Count Godehard von und zu Hoensbroech, owner of the estate. "Plants, animals and people are allowed to develop freely here." And you can feel it. A life in harmony with nature. His son Severin von Hoensbroech also lives here with his family. He preserves the past and wants to create a place at Türnich Castle whose magic captivates people. It has worked for us before. As the courtyard café is only open at weekends at the time of our trip, we decide to have a picnic in the castle park to linger a little longer in this unique place.

We arrive at the Hotel Bedburger Mühle in the early evening. With its sun terrace directly on the Erft, it's love at first sight. Just like with our waitress. We hit it off straight away. And we are easily persuaded by her recommendation to round off the sunny day with a Lillet. As the trees only have a few leaves on them, we have a good view of Bedburg Castle, which is just a stone's throw away, directly behind the Erft river. The castle view is also available from our room window. Totally romantic. As we all know, fresh air not only makes you tired, it also makes you hungry. Our menu that evening: carrot and blood orange soup with prawns in a crispy coating, cod fillet with finger carrots and tomato risotto and pina colada crumble with pineapple sorbet for dessert. A long-awaited refreshment and still so fresh and delicious. We go to sleep with many new impressions, accompanied by the sound of the Erft.

Terra Nova Speedway. That already sounds like top speed: the ideal cycle route for anyone who wants to cycle fast and cover kilometres. Where earth and stones were once transported through the landscape, there is now a 14-kilometre cycle and hiking trail with no crossings, connecting the former Bergheim open-cast mine and the Hambach open-cast mine.

Well fortified, it's now time to leave the bikes behind and continue on foot! This morning we were still travelling at full throttle along the Speedway, but now we almost feel like slowing down as we stroll through the old town streets of Alt-Kaster. The sun shines through narrow streets, a cat lolls on the steps of a house and a magnolia tree is in full bloom in a courtyard. Spring fever sets in. But Alt-Kaster is not just the ideal place to take a stroll, take photos and have a coffee - it is also the start of a special themed hiking trail, the Werewolf Trail.

The trail leads through a wooded area around Lake Kaster, along the River Erft, past Bedburg Town Hall and through the garden of Bedburg Castle. Then back to Alt-Kaster. Along the way, we are accompanied by the gruesome story of the Werewolf of Epprath, who is said to have wreaked havoc in the Bedburg region in the 16th century. Seven stations tell the story of Peter Stubbe, who was publicly executed on 31 October 1589, accused of werewolfing. From the Wolfanstieg, where he is said to have carried out his demonic atrocities, to the hunt for the werewolf at Lake Kaster, to Bedburg Castle, where he was sentenced to death. If you don't want to walk the entire ten kilometres, you can also split the route into two laps - around Lake Kaster it's all about "the werewolf's mischief" and the lap through Bedburg focuses on "the trial lap". On the anniversary of Peter Stubbe's death, i.e. Halloween, the atmosphere in Alt-Kaster is particularly atmospheric. Creepy fans then meet at Agatha Tor. A few of them are dressed up as werewolves. Equipped with torches, they then walk together to Lake Kaster, where readings take place around a campfire.

Bathing in the warm saltwater pool, relaxing in the whirlpool, the odd sauna session and the occasional break on the loungers by the pond - the day seems perfect. Speaking of the pond. In the middle of the pond is the water sauna, which is officially known as the chatterbox sauna. In contrast to the other saunas, chatting is allowed here. The ideal place to reflect on the last few days. Our little time-out in the Rhine-Erft district. With enchanting moated castles, a room with a view of the castle, personal speed records, a journey into the Middle Ages and an eerily beautiful hike - and on the last day, relaxation in the thermal spa as the crowning glory. Completely recovered, a little exhausted and with numerous new Experiences and memories, our eyes fell closed a few times on the train journey back.