Burgfest Herzogenrath

The little city of Herzogenrath in Germany (province/Bundesland Nordrhein-Westfalen) has done a lot of work, to become an touristical spot in the region nearby the Dutch border. The Saturday before the Burgfest (on the 31th of May), there was a cultural program (Wurmtal ohne Grenzen) to express the efforts of a fluctuating landscape (the Wurmtal). An area of 20 kilometers of nature and cultural things, nearby the little brook which floats through the hilly area.
The Wurm flows through 4 places:

Herzogenrath (Germany)
Übach-Palenberg (Germany)
Landgraaf (the Netherlands)
Kerkrade (the Netherlands)

It is pleasant to walk or cycle in this area. During centennials, nature did have had a large freedom, because there was never much interest in this area, because of the border.
Not only nature, but also the population in these 4 border-cities are quite similar to each other. Mostly existing of seniors, because for young people there is too less work.
Although the German and Dutch youth stay rather in their own country, the area is interesting.
In the summertime (during the several festivals and cultural events), theatre and music make it a pleasant stay in Herzogenrath. And you can also visit Burg Rode of course. This little castle got a totally new entrance from the side of the Kleikstrasse.

During the Burgfest (1th of June, 2008) the merchants dressed theirselves (and their stand) as if we were back in the Medieval times. Some men with large beards and tattoos and women in historical clothes played their parts near Burg Rode. There were Medieval professions like a blacksmith, an alchemist, a crystal gazer and more of these. And also people who suffered from the plague where begging on the castle-stairs.

A few weeks ago, I also visited a great project (Grenzenlos) for unemployed people and artists, who make beautiful art, fashion and gadgets in a relaxed atmosphere. They also have a small cafeteria, where they sell delicious cake and coffee. I really love the nice and easy atmosphere over there. The location: opposite of the main-entrance of Burg Rode.

For an impression: see the pictures that my girlfriend Sally made…