Laer: Squares, Windmill and History

Laer lies in the heart of the Münsterland region. Squares, narrow streets and distinctive buildings shape the historic town center. There are also a range of topics to explore when planning your trip: the history of the church and a windmill, traditional crafts at the Holskenmuseum, art in the exhibition space and the archaeological past of Oldenborg. This lets you shape your stay around your own interests—from a stroll through the town center to a guided exploration.

A town center connected by squares

The Rathausplatz, the adjoining pond, the Kirchplatz surrounding the listed St. Bartholomew’s Church, and the square by the Rathausschänke are the defining landmarks of the historic town center. Narrow streets connect the squares, which are all within walking distance of one another. Visitors exploring Laer can follow this sequence of town hall, pond, church and Rathausschänke. These places offer different points of interest, without requiring any one theme to shape your visit.

Church, windmill and Oldenborg

Construction of St. Bartholomew’s Church began in 1485. The windmill stands by the Rathausteich; it is a Dutch-style smock mill. It was built in 1876 on the foundations of the post mill erected in 1812. The church and mill thus tell stories of different periods of construction, while both are also connected to the squares that define the town center.

Oldenborg offers a different historical perspective, about two kilometers west of the town center. Three concentric ramparts have been preserved in the present-day woodland of Borg; they belonged to a fortification dating from the 5th century. It was abandoned around 1050. The span of time from this early fortification through the church to the windmill makes Laer’s history tangible at specific locations.

Crafts, art and guided explorations

At the Holskenmuseum, you can learn about the history and craft of wooden-shoe making. Check the current visitor information before your visit. The Kunstgewächshaus Münsterland offers something different: it is an exhibition space showcasing creative works by artists of different ages. Crafts and art thus offer two distinct ways to experience culture in Laer.

Night watchman tours share anecdotes and interesting facts about the history of the village of Ewaldi and its historic buildings. They start at Rathausplatz and last about one and a half to two hours. Night Watchman Tour 2 follows the Ewaldibach stream and passes the former Möllers factory and the Heidenbaum, described as Laer’s best-known tree. For current dates, the municipality refers visitors to Laer bewegt e.V.; check there for announced tours. When planning your day, you can compare the tour’s approximate duration with a visit to the connected squares in the town center.

The wider area: the overarching travel destination of Steinfurt

The wider travel destination of Steinfurt extends beyond individual town centers to a parkland landscape of manor houses, moated castles, monasteries and palaces. The 100-Schlösser-Route connects significant architectural monuments in the district of Steinfurt. In Rheine, the former Bentlage Monastery of the Knights of the Cross lies in a protected landscape area on the River Ems. Founded in 1437, it was converted into a noble residence from 1803 onward; today, the carefully restored complex is a cultural center, museum and green retreat.

Steinfurt also offers its own regional perspective for cycling holidays: inaugurated in 2023, the approximately 62-kilometer Triangel is the district’s first cycle route and provides fast, safe and comfortable paths. The EmsRadweg runs for around 60 kilometers through the district of Steinfurt.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Metelen, Westerkappeln, Nordwalde, Greven, Altenberge, Neuenkirchen, Mettingen, Steinfurt.

Back to the overview of the wider travel destination: Steinfurt.