“Schau dir uns’re schöne Stadt mal an!” a mother once sang, words echoing the very spirit of Dort, wo die Erft den Rhein begrüßt. It is where the River Erft kisses the Rhine. This is more than just a geographical point. It is a place where history, culture and local pride converge.
Dort, wo die Erft den Rhein begrüßt, embodies a sense of belonging. The Erft is a river in North Rhine-Westphalia. It flows for 106.6 kilometers before joining the Rhine. The river’s course was altered due to lignite mining in Hambacher Loch.
The Erft originates near Nettersheim. It flows into the Rhine south of the Josef Cardinal Frings Bridge in Neuss-Grimlinghausen. The river also lends its name to Erftstadt and the Rhein-Erft district. It passes through towns like Bad Münstereifel, Euskirchen and Bergheim.
Now, picture this: the confluence of two great rivers. The Erft, winding its way through the land, finally meets the majestic Rhine. The Heimatfreunde Neuss composed a song. This song captures the essence of this location.
The song is called Dort wo die Erft den Rhein begrüßt. It speaks of home, of Neuss, and of the love for one’s city. “Dort, wo die Erft den Rhein begrüßt, einst meine Wiege stand” the song proclaims. It translates to “There, where the Erft greets the Rhine, once stood my cradle”.
Imagine being a young boy, as the song suggests. Your mother points out the beauty of your city. She tells you to remember it well. She tells you that no other place can be as beautiful. This love for home, this connection to the land, is palpable here.
The song also mentions the Romans. They once marched through this land and built a beautiful city. This city still holds its name. The past speaks from its walls. The song wishes for God to protect it for all time.
Dort, wo die Erft den Rhein begrüßt, is a symbol of Neuss. The Neusser Heimatlied, deeply rooted in the city’s identity, enhances the experience. It is a reminder of the enduring connection between the people and their home. It’s a place to reflect on the past and appreciate the present.
So, as you stand here at Dort, wo die Erft den Rhein begrüßt, let the words of the song resonate within you. Feel the spirit of Novesia. Embrace the sense of belonging. And remember, wherever life may take you, the call of home will always echo in your heart. “Ich grüsse dich Novesia mit Herz und frohem Sinn.” I greet you Novesia with heart and joyful mind.