Located in North Rhine-Westphalia along the Sieg river, this German city has a strong industrial past and is now home to a major university campus.
Siegen spreads across eight forested hills along the Sieg River in North Rhine-Westphalia. You'll spot the Nikolaikirche's golden crown from almost anywhere in the city, while the 13th-century Oberes Schloss castle watches over the old town from its hilltop position. The city's 20,000 university students fill cafes and courtyards, while art galleries celebrate both the city's famous son Peter Paul Rubens and contemporary artists.
Exploring the Upper Town
The Oberes Schloss crowns Siegberg hill since the 13th century. Ten original Rubens paintings hang in the Siegerlandmuseum's Rubens-Saal, and you can walk through a reconstructed mine tunnel to learn about the region's iron ore mining history. Take a walk in the 2.3-hectare castle park, where benches along the paths let you rest while looking across the Sieg valley. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00-17:00.
Architecture and Religious Buildings
The Nikolaikirche stands out with its unusual eight-sided design. Look for the silver baptismal bowl from the 16th century inside this 13th-century church. At the Martinikirche, you can see original mosaic floor sections dating back over 1,000 years - some of the oldest church foundations in the region.
Contemporary Art Scene
The Museum für Gegenwartskunst occupies a historical telegraph office and its modern glass extension. The museum concentrates on art created after 1945, with dedicated rooms for video installations and experimental works. Every five years, an artist receives the Rubens Prize, celebrated with a major exhibition. The museum opens Wednesday-Monday, 11:00-18:00.
Student Life in Oberstadt
The restored half-timbered houses in Oberstadt accommodate students who bring life to the neighborhood's small cafes and bookshops. In warm weather, students fill the district's courtyards with tables and chairs. Throughout the year, you can attend university events ranging from concerts in the Schlosspark to student productions at the Apollo theater.
Transportation and City Layout
Direct trains run to Frankfurt (2 hours), Cologne (1.5 hours), and Düsseldorf (2.5 hours). City buses connect the main station with the university campus and residential areas. Walk along Bahnhofstraße from the train station to find the main shopping area, where post-1945 buildings house both chain stores and local shops.
