Wonnegau

Wonnegau is a small municipality situated in the district of Düren in the western German state of North Rhine‑Westphalia. It lies to the north of the city of Düren and is surrounded by a largely agricultural landscape that extends into the foothills of the Eifel region. The total area of the municipality is approximately 34 square kilometres.

The population of Wonnegau has remained relatively stable over recent decades, with around 1,100 residents recorded in the latest census. The residents are spread across a few small villages, with the administrative centre located in the village of Wonnegau itself. The local council is headed by a mayor, elected for a fixed term, and the municipality falls under the jurisdiction of the Düren district authorities.

Historically, the area that now constitutes Wonnegau was first mentioned in medieval documents in the 12th century. The municipality was established in its current form in the early 1970s when several smaller farming communities were merged for administrative efficiency. Over the centuries the community has maintained a rural character, with most of the local economy based on agriculture, forestry and small-scale manufacturing.

Key sights in Wonnegau include the St. Michael Church, which dates back to the late 15th century and features a well-preserved Romanesque altar, and a series of well-kept walking paths that illustrate the region’s natural scenery. An annual village festival is held each summer, celebrating local traditions and the agricultural heritage of the area.

Transport connections to nearby towns are primarily by local road links, and a regional bus service provides linkages to the larger urban centres of Düren and Euskirchen. Despite its modest size, Wonnegau offers a quiet rural lifestyle with close proximity to larger economic and cultural hubs.