Sightseeing in Bielefeld
Sparrenburg Castle is the most popular place in Bielefeld for sightseers and the castle is a symbol of the town. The castle was built between 1240 and 1250 by the Counts of Ravensberg. It functioned as administrative centre and as military protection for the town. It also inspired enough awe of the Count among the townspeople. In the 16th century the castle was extensively extended in order to meet the new military requirements of the times. Among the extensions were mighty bastions and underground passages that can still be explored by visitors today. During the 30 Years' War the castle was besieged several times but never captured. Ever- evolving military development rendered the castle worthless in the middle of the 18th century and it fell into disrepair.
Today you can enjoy a unique panoramic view of the city and the countryside around it when you visit the castle. There are a restaurant and a café within the castle grounds and for Bielefelders and visitors alike the castle is a very popular place to go to for an outing. Once a year the castle is the authentic setting for the medieval Sparrenburg Festival.
| Location: | Am Sparrenberg |
| Opening times: | April to October 10.00 am - 6.00 pm |
| Guided tours: | You can climb the tower and explore the casemates (underground rooms for soldiers and weapons) Tours begin at 14.30 h. Special arrangements can be made for groups. |
| Entrance fees: | Tour of the casemates: Adults 1.50 Euro Concession 1.20 Euro Admission to tower: Adults 1 Euro Concession 0.70 Euro Reductions for groups of more than 25 people |
St. Mary's Church is one of the most important historical buildings in Bielefeld. The building of the church began in 1293, so roughly speaking it dates from the same era as the castle. It is a gothic hall church and the nave has the shape of a cross. The church houses a valuable two-winged altar-piece with 13 paintings, the altar dates from1400. The reformation in Bielefeld, which was lead by the parish priest HermannHammelmann, began in this church.
The spinning mill Ravensberg was built between 1855 and 1857. It was one of the largest flax spinning mills in the world in the 19th and early 20th century. The building still remains because a new function for it was found and since 1986 it has housed the Bielefeld adult education centre (VHS or Volkshochschule). The old spinning mill is surrounded by the Ravensberg park. The Ravensberg Park complex with its museums and events is a meeting place for people who are interested in cultural events.
The Botanical Garden is not far from the city centre (at Kahlenberg hill). Whether you just want to go for a walk or you are interested in botany, you will enjoy this garden and you can explore many varieties of plants. Gardeners and nature-lovers appreciate especially the collection of rare rhododendron and azalea. You can also see various interesting biotopes. Since 1991 carnivorous plants can be seen in a permanent exhibition.
