Bielefeld - the cultural center of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Bielefeld is a city in northwestern Germany in North Rhine-Westphalia located adjacent to Dortmund and Hanover. It is inhabited by nearly 340,000 people. Its unusual location surrounded by the Teutoburg Forest, at 118 meters above sea level, adds to its charm.

Bielefeld's history is more than 800 years old - it received city rights in 1214. Over the centuries, thanks to its location at the junction of important trade routes, it was able to rapidly grow rich and prosper. Today Bielefeld is a major industrial, university and cultural center.

What to see in Bielefeld?

Below is a list of the most interesting and worthwhile attractions in the city.

Sparrenburg Castle

This castle is one of the main sights and a symbol of the city. It was built between 1240 and 1250 on the Sparrenberg hill near the Teutoburg Forest. Its current appearance is the result of modernization in the 16th and 19th centuries. The fortress is distinguished by a 37-meter tower, from which one can enjoy beautiful views. Sparrenburg Castle is also worth a visit for its 285-meter-long tangle of underground corridors.

Alter Markt Bielefeld

The city's market square was laid out during the city's founding in the early 13th century. Until 1903, a market was held there. There is the old town hall, built in 1904 in a mixture of styles: neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance. Also worth noting are the gabled Renaissance townhouses and the opera house, the Stadttheater, where theater performances are held in addition to opera and ballet performances. The oldest surviving building in the square is the Crüwell-Haus, dating from 1530. The rest of the townhouses were rebuilt after extensive damage from World War II.

St. Mary's Church

This Gothic hall church, built on a cruciform plan, is the most important architectural monument in the city. Inside are numerous works of sacred art. Particularly valuable is the painted wing altar dating from 1400, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. You can also see a 16th-century crucifix, a richly decorated pulpit or tombstones of members of local noble families.

Bielefeld Rural Museum

This is the oldest open-air museum in this part of the country. Some buildings date back to the late 16th century. Visitors can see old workshops, a historic windmill, an apiary, as well as their equipment, tools and everyday objects. When visiting, be sure to stop by the restaurant located here, which serves traditional Westphalian dishes.

Bielefeld Botanical Garden

This garden was founded in 1912. It is famous for its numerous plantings of rhododendrons and azaleas, and its biggest attraction is the alpinarium, where alpine plants from the temperate and Mediterranean zones grow.

Heimat-Tierpark Olderdissen

Under this name is a zoo that has been in existence since 1930. The place focuses on native animal species, quite a few of which live outside of cages or enclosures. The animals here have plenty of space and extensive living areas as close to natural conditions as possible. There are also cafes and restaurants, and a playground awaits younger visitors. This park is very popular among families with children. It's worth a visit, especially since admission to the zoo is free.