From the station to Kölner Tor

With the City-Galerie and Sieg-Carré malls as well as Bahnhofstrasse, the Unterstadt district of Siegen is a true shopping paradise featuring many leading chain stores. At the end of Bahnhofstrasse, the remodelled Siegufer is the ideal place for a short break. Cast in bronze and larger than life, Henner and Frieder – Siegen’s symbolic figures of a miner and an ironworker – stand on the bridge.

How about breakfast?

Before heading up to the Oberstadt, visitors can gather their energy by treating themselves to a delicious breakfast at Café Extrablatt, which has a spacious outdoor area and overlooks the Siegufer. Alternatively, Schneider’s Bäckerei is located on the opposite bank of the Sieg; here too, diners can satisfy their appetites outdoors in fine weather. Seated on the large balcony with views of the river, they can savour local specialities like Siegerland rye bread with fried eggs (Strammer Max or Stramme Lotte).

Embark on a journey through time

At Kölner Tor – where one of the three major gates in the Medieval fortifications once stood – the gaze is drawn by Martinikirche, the oldest ecclesiastical building in Siegen on the western promontory of the Siegberg hill, and just behind this the Unteres Schloss with its Dicker Turm tower. Until the 19th century, the imposing three-wing structure was the residence of the Protestant princes of Nassau-Siegen. Today it accommodates part of the University of Siegen. Art aficionados will be interested to know that the Altes Telegrafenamt building adjacent to the Unteres Schloss now houses the MGK museum of contemporary art. Its substantial collection of contemporary artworks is nationally renowned.

Onwards and upwards

Before continuing up the Siegberg, visitors can fill up at any of the restaurants, bars and cafés of Alte Poststrasse, which start next to MGK Siegen. Establishments include Opa Adam, Onkel Toms Hütte and Café Stadtkind; some have outdoor areas overlooking the bronze animal statues of the Hirtenbrunnen. Next port of call is the old marketplace, site of the historic town hall. If you wish to book a city tour or you have a question or need informative material, the tourist information office is also located here. Some great offers are available!

Historical sites

Standing at Marktplatz, it is easy to see why Siegen is known as the Krönchen city. The golden crown atop the red-and-white-striped tower of Nikolaikirche was a gift to the city from Fürst Johann Moritz of Nassau-Siegen. Next to the church, take a break at the Alfred-Fissmer-Anlage, a major meeting place for the Oberstadt with its tinkling fountains, shady benches, outsize open-air chess board and places to eat. From here it is a stone’s throw to the Oberes Schloss and its colourful gardens.

Tip:

Pay a visit to the Siegerland Museum in the historic castle building. When the weather is good, it is well worth exploring the castle grounds to see the bright flower beds and large, redesigned adventure playground. Visitors can then make their way through the narrow alleyways of the pretty old town, taking in the heritage-protected half-timbered houses, before heading back down to the Unterstadt.