Burg Wissem

Burg Wissem in Troisdorf is the landmark of the town and a popular destination for the whole family. The historic complex uniquely combines culture, history and nature and is idyllically situated on the edge of the Wahner Heide. Visitors will find Europe’s only specialised picture-book museum, the Museum of Town and Industrial History, the Wahner Heide Portal as well as an extensive castle park with a deer enclosure and a sensory experience trail. The combination of listed architecture, interactive exhibitions and immediate proximity to nature makes Burg Wissem a place that appeals to both adults and children and invites a rewarding day trip.

History of Burg Wissem

The origins of Burg Wissem reach far back in time. The former free noble estate, known under names such as Wisheim, Wiesheim, Wyssem or Weißheimb, dates back to the Merovingian period between 500 and 700 AD. It served as a moated castle and fortification and was the ancestral seat of the Lords of Troisdorf, then called Truhtesdorf. The first written record dates from 1474, while the first named owner, Rembold von Plettenberg, is documented in 1435.

In 1511 the estate passed by inheritance to the von Zweiffel family. From 1548 Caspar von Zweiffel renovated the house and built the outer bailey, which survives today as the Remise. Through marriage the castle came into the possession of the von Cortenbach family in 1646 and later, via further inheritances, to various noble families including von Landsberg and von Hövel. In 1833 Baron Clemens von Loë acquired the estate and had the present neoclassical manor house built around 1840. In 1939 a descendant sold the complex to the municipality of Troisdorf. From 1945 to 1981 the manor house served as the town hall. Since 1982 it has housed the Picture Book Museum. As part of the Regionale 2010 the west wing was remodelled and extended, creating a diverse cultural centre.

The building complex comprises elements from three historical periods and is still partially surrounded by a moat. The bright red manor house with its two corner towers dominates the appearance. The Remise from the mid-16th century and the preserved portal of 1741 recall the earlier fortification. Archaeological investigations point to building fabric from the 13th century. The castle is a listed monument and uniquely links medieval origins with neoclassical architecture and modern use.

Highlights of Burg Wissem

The centrepiece of Burg Wissem is the Picture Book Museum in the manor house. It is regarded as Europe’s only specialised museum for picture-book art and illustration. The collection provides an overview of the most important movements and styles in picture-book illustration of the past 100 years and includes originals by well-known artists as well as historical children’s books dating back to 1498. A reference library with around 3,000 selected books invites browsing, and the world’s largest Janosch centre enriches the offer. Changing exhibitions and educational programmes appeal to visitors of all ages.

Opposite the manor house is the Museum of Town and Industrial History of Troisdorf, known as MUSIT. It documents the development of the town since 1800 and shows how rapid industrialisation changed people’s lives. Interactive stations bring the exhibition to life. On the ground floor of the new building is the Wahner Heide Portal, which opened in 2012. The interactive exhibition informs about the roughly 50-square-kilometre nature reserve with more than 700 threatened animal and plant species. An aerial photograph of the area covers the floor, and visitors can listen to legends and stories. Admission to the portal is free.

The extensive castle park merges directly into the Wahner Heide and features a sensory experience trail as well as a deer park with red deer and sika deer. An adventure playground and numerous paths invite visitors to linger. The Remise hosts exhibitions, concerts and cultural events. The tourist information office, a registry office wedding room, a creative workshop and a restaurant complete the offer and turn the complex into a lively meeting place. Access to the museums is barrier-free.

Opening Hours, Tickets & How to Get to Burg Wissem

The Picture Book Museum at Burg Wissem is open Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. The Wahner Heide Portal and MUSIT are open Tuesday to Friday from 11.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., also closed on Mondays. On public holidays that fall on a Monday the facilities are generally closed.

Admission to the Picture Book Museum costs 5 euros for adults, 2 euros for children aged 3 to 14 and 12 euros for a family ticket. Reduced admission is 3.50 euros. Combined tickets for the Picture Book Museum and MUSIT are available at the same prices. Admission to the Wahner Heide Portal is free. On the first Sunday of each month admission to the Picture Book Museum is free when the museum is open. Guided tours and workshops can be booked in addition.

Burg Wissem is located at Burgallee 1 in 53840 Troisdorf and is easily accessible. By car take the A 59 to the Troisdorf exit and follow the signs towards the centre and museums. Parking at Burgallee is free with a parking disc for a maximum of three hours. By public transport travel to Troisdorf station and then take bus lines 501, 503 or 508 towards Siegburg to the Ursulaplatz stop. The walk from the station takes about 15 minutes through the pedestrian zone. The complex is barrier-free.

Attractions Near Burg Wissem

Directly adjoining Burg Wissem stretches the Wahner Heide, one of the most species-rich nature reserves in North Rhine-Westphalia. Numerous hiking trails lead through the heath landscape and invite longer walks. The deer park with its red and sika deer as well as the sensory experience trail are located right next to the castle grounds and are ideal for families.

In the immediate surroundings further historical and natural attractions can be found. The town of Troisdorf itself offers a varied setting with its centre and the transition to the River Sieg. The proximity to Cologne and Bonn makes Burg Wissem an ideal starting point for excursions in the region. Anyone wishing to explore further after visiting the castle complex will find diverse opportunities for nature experiences and walks in the Wahner Heide and the adjoining forests. The combination of culture and landscape makes the area around Burg Wissem particularly attractive.