Discover Spelle: Farmhouse History, Moorland and Cycling

Spelle is in the Emsland district of Lower Saxony. Its architectural heritage, nature and cycling offer different reasons to stay: the main house at Wöhlehof dates from 1791, Speller Dose is a restored raised bog, and museums explore the history of agriculture and business. You can shape your stay around culture, landscape or outdoor activities, and give these themes different levels of priority.

Farmhouse History and Museums

Wöhlehof is the last surviving half-timbered farmhouse in the municipality of Spelle. Its main house was built in 1791 in the style of a Lower Saxon farmhouse. Its construction date and style give the farmstead a distinct place in the history of rural architecture. If you are interested in traditional architecture, Wöhlehof is a notable place to start.

The Hölscherhof Museum Barn is housed in former farm buildings dating from 1943 that have been converted into a museum. It displays agricultural tools and machinery from the Spelle area. The collection complements the farmhouse architecture with a look at the technical side of agriculture: the focus is not only on building styles, but also on the equipment used.

The KRONE Museum tells the story of the KRONE family and company—from a small blacksmith’s workshop to a manufacturer of agricultural machinery and commercial vehicles operating worldwide. The museum therefore has a different focus from the farmhouse and agricultural collections. Group tours can also be arranged outside regular opening hours by prior agreement. Check the current conditions in advance.

Burgpark Venhaus also brings history together with another theme. It is on the site of a former moated castle, where the Catholic Church of St. Vitus now stands. Burgpark Venhaus is also an interactive environmental education garden. At this named location, the former castle site and its present-day function as an environmental education garden sit side by side.

Moorland and Cycling

Speller Dose is a raised bog covering around 57 hectares. It has been rewetted and successfully restored. Its approximate area and restoration make the bog a distinct nature attraction among Spelle’s travel experiences. Together with the historic farmhouses and museums, it offers a different perspective: here, the focus is on the landscape and its restoration, rather than architectural styles or business history.

The Spelle Joint Municipality’s cycle network connects to the Emsland Route and the Dortmund-Ems Canal Route. The municipality also promotes cycling with a node-based route system. The three-stage “Fascination Southern Emsland” circular route passes through Spelle. These different route connections offer several starting points for planning your own ride. Check the latest route information before setting off.

Seasonal Traditions and Food

During the colder months, Boßeln uses cycle paths and footpaths as playing lanes. This activity combines walking, fitness and leisure. At the end of a Boßeln tour, the inns associated with the tours serve a traditional kale meal. This adds seasonal food culture to the physical activity—a different travel experience from the museum and nature themes.

The Spelle Joint Municipality offers group activities such as “Buurnhochtied” and “Töddenspiele.” Brewery tours are also part of its tourist offering. Group programme dates may change; confirm the availability of a brewery tour before your visit. The municipality’s inns offer, among other things, homemade cakes, fine dining and traditional dishes. What any individual establishment offers depends on that venue, and menus may also change.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

When looking for accommodation, it helps to decide on your preferred focus first. Would you like to focus on historic farmhouses and museums, include cycling, or combine the landscape with seasonal food culture? Use this priority to guide your search, then compare accommodation options against the specific requirements of your stay.

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