Easy hikes and walks around Kreis Kleve

Sprung 💦

... Around 1870, the castle underwent a Neo-Gothic restoration, which included new towers, enormous stepped gables, and a garden terrace to the south. The current chapel was also built at this time and consecrated in 1876. Having suffered damage during the war and no longer meeting modern requirements, the castle was uninhabitable from 1957 onwards. From 1969, the owning family undertook extensive restoration work to save it from ruin. At this point, the monument preservation authorities of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia became involved, providing the family with advice and financial support. During the reconstruction, which lasted until 1973, the east wing (except for the remains of the defensive wall), the northern transverse wing, the Niers Cabinet (a bay window on the southeast side), and the garden terrace had to be demolished. The castle was also given a new roof. Hopefully, it can now be preserved for future generations. https://schloss-wissen.de/schloss/geschichte-2/

"The first documented date for Wissen Castle dates back to 1370. Even at that time, an outer bailey and a main castle existed; from this, we conclude that the original structure is probably older. The Gothic north and west facades of the outer bailey and the base of the "Thick Tower" can be seen as evidence of this era. In 1401, the altar in a small castle chapel was consecrated, indicating the importance of both the complex and its owners at that time. The property belonged to the van der Straeten family. The castle chapel, in its present form and decoration, was built approximately 100 years ago as a significant work of the Nazarene school (architect Vinzenz Statz, painting work under the direction of Eduard Steinle). In 1461, the property passed to the von Loe family, who still own it today. Although almost the entire area of the present castle complex was already built upon by then, more precise knowledge of its subsequent construction history only exists from this point onward." ...``` Soon after 1500, the main castle was adorned with numerous Renaissance turrets and oriels; the oriel on the southeast corner was converted into a Baroque oriel at the end of the 17th century. Around 1740, the wooden drawbridge was replaced by a stone bridge leading to the present-day gatehouse. This gatehouse and the entire east wing of the outer bailey now replace the structures that were demolished on the same site. Almost simultaneously, a new castle chapel, the present-day sacristy tower, was built. Around 1770, nearly all the towers of the main castle were removed. The castle was whitewashed, given a mansard roof, and thus resembled a French country house. Even the imposing tower of the outer bailey lost its spire. ...

Beautiful water areas here.

From here you can also walk to Bloemersheim Castle.

Beautiful hike on Christmas Day in sunshine and temperatures around 0 degrees Celsius.

A town/village with really beautiful buildings.

"...The route now leads us along idyllic paths directly along the Niers River, where some canoeists are paddling leisurely through the water. We gradually reach Weeze. The Castles & Palaces Route also takes us through Weeze Zoo. We take this opportunity to dismount our bikes and walk a few steps through the grounds. We pass goats, sheep, donkeys, and deer. If you like, you can take a longer walk through the zoo and visit other animals such as alpacas, Shetland ponies, or the insectarium..." Learn more about our exciting tour on the Castles & Palaces Route at: https://www.netreisetagebuch.de/burgen-und-schloesser-route/