Culture of Bielefeld. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The city is rich in various attractive architectural and historical landmarks. Sparrenburg Castle is considered the oldest building in Bielefeld. The building of the castle started in 1240 and lasted nearly 10 years. The magnificent castle is built on one of the highest hills in the region. For many years, Sparrenburg was the major protective facility of the city, so it had to endure many sieges. The fortress has a large system of underground passages – tourists will surely see them during an excursion in the castle. Several years ago, Sparrenburg was completely restored and so several nice observation decks appeared near it. Tourists, who only start exploring the city, are recommended to start exactly from this landmark.

Neustädter Marienkirche is a no less important architectural landmark of the region. Constructed at the beginning of the 15th century, the church is, indeed, a fabulous example of gothic architecture. There are several memorial sarcophagi in the church. Several noble residents of the city who lived in the 15th – 17th centuries are buried there. The beautiful church exhibits precious religious artifacts, such as old icons and crucifixions that have been at Neustädter Marienkirche since its opening.

Alter Markt is one more interesting landmark that definitely deserves a visit. There is a beautiful fountain on this square, Merkurbrunnen. Walk in this area to see several beautiful old mansions and the famous Crüwell-Haus. The Theater am Alten Markt located nearby is also a prominent landmark of Bielefeld. The gorgeous theater is open in the building of an old city hall. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Numerous museums of Bielefeld never cease to attract new visitors. Without a doubt, Bauernhausmuseum is the most famous museum in the city. Open in 1917, this is a large open-air museum, the exhibition of which includes many models of old weaving machines and other handicrafts. There is also an old windmill in the territory of the museum, and even an old bakery that dates back to the 18th century. The next museum worth the attention of tourists, Naturkundemuseum, is open in a magnificent 17th-century estate. This museum exhibits a rich collection of minerals and often hosts interesting exhibitions, presentations, and educational lectures. In total, there are 13 museums in Bielefeld, and each of them exhibits a unique collection of artifacts.

The Ravensberg Spinning Mill is always present in the list of the most famous landmarks of the city. Constructed between 1855 and 1857, this fabulous mill is tightly connected to the history of the region. With its 20,000 whirling spindles, the mill was one of the biggest flax spinning mills in whole Europe in the 19th and at the beginning of the 20th centuries. Nowadays, the mill doesn’t work and has become a popular tourist spot. The territory near Ravensberg was transformed into a park. There are also a cinema, two museums, a restaurant, and even an education center nearby.

Residents of Bielefeld do not forget about their past and one more proof of that is located in the park next to the Nicolai Church. It is the statue of Linen Weaver. The bronze figure of an old man was created in 1909 by Hans Perathoner. This way locals wanted to underline the importance of linen manufacturing in the history of the city. The statue was made after the real person - Heinrich Heienbrok from Jöllenbeck who was indeed a linen weaver. The sculptor depicted him with his tool bag, pipe, and gnarled stick. Perhaps, the statue is the second most famous landmark of Bielefeld after Sparrenburg Castle. Fans of historical landmarks will also find it interesting to attend the St.Jodokus Church. Initially, the building was a Franciscan monastery, but it was transformed into a church in 1511. Inside the church, visitors will see several precious artifacts, such as the Black Madonna that dates back to the 13th century, old icons, and the 15th-century wooden sculpture of St. Jodokus.

Kunsthalle stores a lot of interesting paintings that will appeal to connoisseurs of art. The main focus of this museum is on contemporary art. It often hosts temporary exhibitions. One place worth visiting is Lenkwerk, where you can look at the exquisite retro cars. Bielefeld is famous for the “Oetker brand”, and it is not surprising that there is a museum dedicated to this brand located on its territory. We are talking about Dr. Oetker Welt, as the museum is called. Besides the fact that you can learn a lot of interesting information about the production of sweets here, you also get to taste them. It is also worth mentioning that the city is known for its developed light industry, and as a result there is the Museum Wäeschefabrik on its territory.

Park Ravensberg is famous for its beautiful fountain that is located in the center, as well as the spinning mill of Ravensberger Spinnerei (one of the best monuments of the industrial era of Bielefeld), which is located on its territory. You can find here too the Historisches Museum Bielefeld, from where you cannot get away quite quickly – the museum is full of interesting exhibits telling the history of the city, and paying special attention to the industrial side, because the first thing that usually comes to mind at the mention of the city is “industry”.

The city’s highest point is Fernmeldeturm Hünenburg. Needless to say, it is precisely from here that unbelievably beautiful views of the city open up? A city entwined with greenery, beautiful roofs, and a turquoise sky – all this is before the eye of the beholder. Around you can find a few cozy cafes, where you can spend a very nice time. In addition, the area around the tower is ideal for walking. Rathaus is one building that deserves close attention. The structure is very beautiful, that you will definitely wish to work in such an institution. You will involuntarily feel envious of the German officials who were fortunate enough to work here.

A few words should be said about Botanischer Garten, another great place for a walk. In addition to “native” plants, you will see here exotic varieties of trees and plants. The “pearl” of the garden is Sakura; many people come here just to look at this tree. Also noteworthy is the Rudolf-Oekter-Halle building, which is interesting from an architectural point of view. In addition, interesting concerts are held here, all you need do is to follow the announcement of upcoming events.