The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Waldgebiet Hammerberg

Here is the water tower of Mausbach, which was in operation from 1930 to 2016. An information board provides additional information.

Schleichers Hof is the name of a historic building in Stolberg's old town, dating back to the 16th century. It played a central role in the early history of Stolberg's copper and brass industry. The complex was originally known as a Kupferhof (literally, a copper or brass yard) and was built in 1575 by Leonhard (Leonard) Schleicher, a copper master from Aachen. In the early 1570s, Leonard Schleicher recognized the economic advantages of the Stolberg Vicht Valley for the brass industry, including its abundant water supply and proximity to ores and coal, and therefore moved his company from Aachen to Stolberg. There, on Burgstraße, he had the foundation stone Kupferhof of Stolberg built, which later became known as Schleichers Hof. At that time, it was one of the few buildings in the city constructed of stone, besides the imposing Stolberger Burg. A copper farm was not a regular residence, but a fortified courtyard-like commercial and residential structure surrounded by residential and factory buildings with a secure entrance gate and windows facing the courtyard, intended to combine both production and protection. As Stolberg's first copper farm, Schleichers Hof marks the beginning of the Stolberg brass industry. From this location, the urban and economic network expanded, and several similar farm complexes were later built. The presence of these companies is why Stolberg is also known as "Kupferstadt," the copper city. Using the water from nearby streams, metal could be processed in hammer mills and furnaces, which was essential for the production of brass (an alloy of copper and zinc). Over the centuries, the function of Schleichers Hof changed. Around 1790, the complex underwent a significant transformation, and a country pharmacy (Adler-Apotheke) was established on part of the site, one of the earliest in the Aachen district. This pharmacy remained in continuous operation for almost 200 years, contributing to the city's infrastructure far beyond the court's former industrial use. The building still has a recognizable façade today, while the interior and its use have changed. Remaining architectural elements, such as 16th-century wall anchors, serve as reminders of the original construction.

The old town of Stolberg in North Rhine-Westphalia is one of the most characteristic historic town centers in the region around Aachen and the Eifel region. The town center, which developed around medieval fortifications and trade routes, has retained its own charming identity over the centuries, with narrow streets, old squares, and well-preserved monuments from various periods. Stolberg was already mentioned in the early Middle Ages and grew into an important center for trade, crafts, and industry. Its location between Aachen, Liège, and Maastricht made it attractive to merchants and craftspeople from early on. The town boasts a rich industrial history, including iron and copper processing, which has left its mark on the architecture and structures of the old town. Stolberg's old town is not a single street but a cohesive historical urban fabric where you can discover countless sights.

In the heart of the tranquil Brander Wald, nestled among tall trees and soft forest floor, an abandoned T-55 tank rests like a remarkable relic from another era. Where normally only the rustling of leaves and birdsong can be heard, this massive machine stands in stark contrast to the surrounding nature. Slowly overtaken by moss, ivy, and weathering, the tank tells a wordless story of military history and forgotten exercises. Its steel-gray hull, dulled by weather and time, forms an intriguing backdrop that evokes both respect and wonder. It is a place where nature and history converge in an almost surreal way.

Very beautiful old town below the castle. Well worth a visit.

The old town, Oberstolberg, and the castle are truly beautiful, and the area is also great for hiking. But Stolberg itself is really not very beautiful. There are no nice shops and it's dingy; that really needs improvement.

The small squares and alleys of the old town are picturesque.

The castle and the surrounding small streets are really worth seeing and a must when visiting Stolberg.