Goch

The city of Goch has had city rights since the 13th century and has been part of the Kleve district since 1975. In 2005 Goch was also made a place of pilgrimage. Today over 30,000 inhabitants live in Goch and its districts Asperden, Hassum, Hommersum, Hülm, Nierswalde & Pfalzdorf. The cosiness and the high recreational value of the city not only appreciate the residents, but also attract numerous visitors to the remarkable city on the Lower Rhine every year.

Goch

Goch was a fortified city in the Middle Ages, but suffered numerous destructions during some territorial disputes, especially during World War II. However, despite the devastating damage, some historic buildings have been preserved to this day. For example, the “Stone Gate”, a four-story double tower gate from the 14th century, or the Gothic parish church of St. Maria Magdalena. Because of these and other historical buildings, the center of Goch is very worth seeing.

Since Goch was also made a place of pilgrimage in 2005, more and more pilgrims come to the city to visit the baptized church of St. Maria Magdalena , where priest Arnold Janssen was canonized. The late Gothic patrician house “Zu den Fünf Ringen” is also often visited and is one of the most beautiful brick monuments on the Lower Rhine. Come to Goch and take a stroll through the city or experience Goch on a guided tour and see the most interesting sights and learn interesting facts and stories about the city, which is over 700 years old.

Goch

In addition to the sights already mentioned, you will find other medieval buildings in the city center, including the former water mill “Susmühle”, which was fed by the river Niers, or the former Tertiarinnenkloster on Mühlenstraße. You should also not miss the Museum of Art and Cultural History, in which the history of the city of Goch is vividly illustrated using a variety of exhibits and numerous display boards.

Goch

Also to be emphasized are the good shopping opportunities in the city center and the diverse leisure and cultural offerings of the city, which is very popular with both residents and guests. Goch also offers the opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings by bike.

Well-signposted bike paths lead to the sights and natural sites in the immediate vicinity of the city. A trip to Graefenthal to the monastery building of the former Cistercian abbey is worthwhile, for example. In the district of Hülm, visitors will find the parish church of St. Mary’s Sacrifice, and in Kessel they come across a parish church steeped in tradition and the former “Haus Driesberg” moated castle, which is located directly on the Niers river. The Niers is also great for exploring Goch and the surrounding area by paddle or canoe tour. A bike tour along the Niers and through Goch is no less attractive, because here you can also experience the Lower Rhine up close.

Since the Goch urban area in the north borders the Reichswald, the largest contiguous forest area in North Rhine-Westphalia, hikers can choose from various hiking trails there as well as in the Kalbeck forest. Not to be forgotten is the varied program of events in Goch, the highlights of which include the annual fun fair, the marksmen´s festival and the carnival events. Just come to Goch and experience the city on the Niers with its numerous sights, its wide range of leisure activities and colorful events.