Warendorf

In Warendorf, equestrian tradition and historic architecture meet a variety of ways to explore the surrounding area. A special event is the annual stallion parades: over three days at the end of September, more than 100 stallions are presented in 20 professionally narrated displays. Anyone interested in horses will find a distinctive theme to consider when planning a trip. The historic old town offers a different focus, with more than 300 listed buildings.

Discover Warendorf’s history

The Bentheim Tower also tells the story of the city’s former fortifications. It is the only surviving one of the five structures originally built as part of the fortified ring around 1300. Important to know when planning a visit: the tower can only be viewed from the outside. You can take in its exterior on a walk without planning an indoor visit.

In Freckenhorst stands the collegiate church of St. Boniface, a five-towered church dating from the late 11th century. It is considered one of Westphalia’s most significant Romanesque sacred buildings. The area’s historic highlights therefore extend beyond Warendorf’s old town, offering another specific reason to explore the region’s architectural history.

Museums in Telgte and Liesborn

In Telgte’s old town, the RELíGIO Museum explores religious life across 1,500 square metres of exhibition space, from Bronze Age grave goods to the religious diversity of today. One particularly large exhibit is the Telgte Lenten Veil: measuring 4.40 by 7.40 metres, it is one of the largest Lenten veils in Westphalia. The exhibition’s time span and the veil’s dimensions offer two different points of interest during a museum visit.

The permanent exhibition at the Liesborn Abbey Museum also combines historical content with digital access. Visitors can virtually turn the pages of the Liesborn Gospels in a digital monastic library. The display also includes a transcription in Carolingian minuscule and a German translation. Anyone interested in medieval handwriting and book history can view the image, transcription and translation side by side.

Feldmarksee and routes in Sassenberg

The Feldmark recreation area lies northeast of Sassenberg and covers a total of 114 hectares. Feldmarksee has a water surface of around 13 hectares and features a bird sanctuary island. The area offers a distinct natural setting alongside the historic sites and museums. An extensive network of hiking trails, with a fitness course, passes an adventure playground and a foot-watering pool.

At the boathouse and landing stage on Feldmarksee, sailors, surfers and pedal-boat users can enjoy their hobbies on weekends and by arrangement. If you plan to take advantage of these activities, it is best to check the days and any arrangements needed before you travel. This helps distinguish a visit to the lake from a planned activity on the water.

Cycling routes with different highlights

The 123-kilometre Werse Cycle Route runs through the southern district of Warendorf, with only gentle climbs. The route includes observation towers, 34 information panels, and regularly spaced rest areas with tables and benches. There are train stations and parking lots at many points along the cycle route, making it possible to arrive and transport your bicycle by train or car. The 230-kilometre East Course of the 100 Castles Route also passes through the district of Warendorf. It has 14 shelters with tables and benches. The route lengths and the rest facilities listed can help you plan a cycling trip to suit your preferred distance and the available places to take a break.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Warendorf, Sendenhorst, Ostbevern, Oelde, Drensteinfurt, Beckum, Ahlen, Beelen, Telgte, Wadersloh, Sassenberg, Everswinkel, Ennigerloh.

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