Hotel am Kastell

Christmas (Weihnachten) the time to shop in Goch

by Pavlik_NL

December is the month in which masses of Dutch get over the border to shop in Germany. Goch is one of the targets, besides the much larger Essen, Köln, Münster and Düsseldorf. Not for nothing we go to germany as here the original "Weihnachtsmärkte" (Christmas markets) are very attractive and atmospheric. It starts all with the alumination of the streets and ends ... with "Glühwein" and "Eiergrog".

Monuments in a different light

by Pavlik_NL

Of course the town administration also does some extra decorations. Especially the main monuments are aluminated in a special way and above all the "Steintor" (Stone gate). Together with all other lights, Goch is transfered to a wonderful little town that is very cosy to walk through and do some (X-mas) shopping in.

Take a walk on the ... quite ... side

by Pavlik_NL

Behind the Kastell, the cultural and historical museum of Goch, a walkingbridge brings you over the river Niers into a quite and green area that is the small park of Goch. Here one can follow the stream to the next bridge to have a small tour in a very peaceful and quite environment.

From Roman times to present day: Goch(um)

by Pavlik_NL

"Borderhopping for some stylish shopping"

Goch,only a few kilometers from the Limburg border (Dutch Southern province) is a very attractive town with a rich history that dates back to Roman times. In medieval times the town rules it's surrounding lands and has an important role to play between the new Holland and German kingdoms. On the banks of the small river Niers and along the old Roman road from North-West to South-East, it had good transport connections.

"From centre to small neighborhood town"

In later medieval times the role of Goch started fading. The river Niers was just not capable of taking a lot of transport and the roadsystem started to be further away from town. Trains did even not come close. Recently next to Goch an airport arose, offering very cheap flights throughout Europe (V-Bird is operating from here). This might again be a stimulance for Goch's economy.

"Remnants of the past in a nice little town"

While walking through small, yet cosy Goch, you will see some wonderful architecture dating back to medieval times. This is all mixed with more modern styles and a very complete couple of shoppingstreets. My visit was in the best of times to visit any such town in Germany: "Weihnachten" (Christmas).