Discover Hörstel: Monastic culture, lake and equestrian sports

Hörstel brings together three very different holiday themes: contemporary art at the former Gravenhorst monastery complex, water sports and relaxation at Torfmoor Lake, and equestrian sports in Riesenbeck. The landscape is shaped by the transition from the Münsterland parkland to the Teutoburg Forest and by the 95-metre-high Huckberg. If you are looking for accommodation, you can first decide what matters most to you: monastic culture and architectural history, activities on the water, or equestrian sports.

Gravenhorst Monastery: History and contemporary art

With its church, convent buildings, mill, mill pond, bakery and brewery, monastery wall and historic bridges, the former Gravenhorst Monastery gives the impression of an almost completely preserved monastic complex. Its many different elements bring the complex’s historic character to life. At the same time, Gravenhorst is a place for contemporary culture: for more than ten years, the DA Kunsthaus Kloster Gravenhorst has provided a space to experience contemporary, interdisciplinary art and culture, encouraging people to participate and reflect. The historic complex and an opportunity to engage with contemporary art and culture thus sit side by side.

On the first and third Sunday of every month, there are guided tours about the monastery’s history and art, as well as theatrical tours featuring historical characters. Group tours can be booked by arrangement. The different tour formats focus on the monastery’s history, art, or the dramatic presentation of both.

Water sports and relaxation at Torfmoor Lake

The 57-hectare Torfmoor recreation area in Hörstel includes the lake of the same name, Torfmoor Lake. Visitors can sail, fish and surf on the lake. There is a sandy beach and a sunbathing lawn for enjoying the sunshine and relaxing. This offers a choice of ways to enjoy the water: sporting activities on the lake or quieter moments on the beach or lawn. Torfmoor Lake therefore gives your stay in Hörstel a different focus from the art and history on offer in Gravenhorst.

Architectural history in Bevergern

St. Mary’s Parish Church in Bevergern is a late Gothic hall church with a polygonal choir dating from the 15th century and richly decorated interiors. In 1686, its tower was raised using dressed stone from Bevergern Castle, which was blown up in 1680. Further extensions followed in 1759, 1767 and 1937. These dates mark changes to the church over several centuries.

The Küsterei in Bevergern is an example of a different architectural style. This half-timbered house with a hipped roof dates from 1663, is one of Bevergern’s oldest houses, and was once the home of a farmer-citizen. It has a large threshing floor behind the entrance gate. The church and the Küsterei offer different ways to explore Bevergern’s architectural history.

Landscape and equestrian sports

The transition from the Münsterland parkland to the Teutoburg Forest shapes Hörstel’s landscape. The 95-metre-high Huckberg is another characteristic feature.

Another option is the Riesenbeck International equestrian centre in Hörstel, which offers training and equestrian competitions. This gives you a clear alternative focus for planning your trip: discover Hörstel through art and architectural history, activities on the water, or equestrian sports.

The wider region: Steinfurt

The wider travel destination of Steinfurt, at county level, extends beyond Hörstel. Steinfurt County in the Münsterland is a varied holiday region with parkland dotted with manor houses, moated castles, monasteries and palaces to discover. The 100 Castles Route links notable architectural monuments across the county. This offers a broader regional perspective on architectural and cultural history alongside the monastery complex in Gravenhorst.

The wider Steinfurt destination also offers a distinct setting for nature lovers: twelve NaTourism routes run through almost every town in the Steinfurt and Tecklenburg regions. They are between 25 and 54 kilometres long and provide a way to discover the area’s diverse flora and fauna.

Discover more places: Riesenbeck, Bevergern, Dreierwalde.

Discover more destinations: Lotte, Laer, Greven, Lienen, Ibbenbüren.

Go to the broader travel overview: Steinfurt.