Discover Erwitte: Brine, Nature and History

Erwitte combines brine experiences, routes through natural areas and historic buildings. In Bad Westernkotten, the brine water takes centre stage; routes also lead through the spa gardens and surrounding landscape. Erwitte Castle and the old town invite you to explore the history of the place as well. You can tailor your stay to your interests, focusing on relaxation, exercise or culture.

Brine and spa gardens in Bad Westernkotten

The Hellweg-Sole-Thermen in Bad Westernkotten offer year-round opportunities to swim and relax in invigorating brine water across more than 1,300 m². The water temperature is 32 to 34 °C; its brine content is between 3 and 4% and comes from the original natural brine of Bad Westernkotten. If you are planning a visit to the thermal baths, check the latest information about the facilities in advance.

The graduation towers also shape the spa gardens and their history. Both were added to the City of Erwitte’s heritage register with effect from 18 December 1984. They are considered monuments of cultural or technical significance and are among the largest technical monuments of their kind in North Rhine-Westphalia. Graduation Tower I is now the longest spa-park graduation tower in the state. The large, accessible herb spiral is beside Graduation Tower II. Its six themed sections range from salt-tolerant coastal plants and mints to native wild herbs and culinary herbs, as well as perennial wild vegetables and Mediterranean aromatic herbs.

Landscape and routes around Erwitte

At the western edge of Eikeloh, a district of Erwitte, lies the Pöppelschetal, designated as a nature reserve. The Pöppelsche recreational area is used by local residents as well as visitors from well beyond Erwitte’s city limits. In Bad Westernkotten, circular hiking trails lead as far as the Pöppelsche valley; three Nordic walking routes of varying difficulty also start in the spa gardens.

For those wishing to compare routes by length, there are various options: the “Salzspuren” walk in Bad Westernkotten is about 2.2 km long. The approximately 6 km “Muckenbruch-Marsch” route passes through the spa gardens, follows the Forellenweg and crosses the bridge over the Gieseler to the Muckenbruch nature and peat-extraction area. It then continues through the town centre and along the spa promenade back to the fountain in front of the Hellweg-Sole-Thermen. “Salzspuren” is therefore the shorter option, while the “Muckenbruch-Marsch” covers a considerably longer distance.

Old town, castle and summer swimming

By prior arrangement, the Erwitte 1973 e. V. local history association offers guided tours of Erwitte’s old town. You will therefore need to agree on a time with the association in advance. Erwitte Castle was first mentioned in a document in 1273 and adds a distinct historical touch to the town.

On summer days, Schlossbad Erwitte offers a large sunbathing lawn with mature trees, a shaded area, a 50-metre pool and a children’s pool. As the facilities are seasonal, check the information on opening and amenities before your trip.

Another cultural highlight in the Soest travel destination

The wider Soest travel destination also offers attractions for visitors interested in culture. With information panels, large-format texts, photographs, graphics and a town model, the Osthofentormuseum provides an overview of the city’s more than 1,000-year history and its topographical development.

When looking for accommodation in Erwitte, you can start by considering what you want your stay to centre on: brine and swimming, walks of varying lengths or historical sights. The local options offer different experiences and give you a concrete basis for planning your trip around your interests.

Discover more destinations: Geseke, Rüthen, Welver, Bad Sassendorf, Lippstadt, Lippetal, Werl.

Back to the main travel overview: Soest.