Bielefeld

2021

We had heard about Bielefeld long before we visited it. The fact is that the city is a famous Internet meme in Germany. In 1994, some jokers started a rumor that Bielefeld, in fact, does not exist. The joke became so popular that even Angela Merkel used it. And the mayor's office offers a million euros to anyone who can prove that the city does not exist.

Nevertheless, the joke came about for a reason. Despite the fact that Bielefeld, quite a large city (population 0.6 million, with suburbs), not much is really known about it. Do you know anything about Bielefeld? There is no major company associated with the city, although there are major companies, primarily Dr. Oetker, whose products are available in every German supermarket. It is also unknown in terms of tourism. In fact, similar jokes exist in other countries about some less-known areas.

Nevertheless, it makes sense to visit the city, we had a nice walk here, especially since there is a relief, with nice viewpoints.












Most of the beautiful buildings were built in the early 20th century, in the Weser Renaissance style.






Although there are older buildings, such as the church of St. Jodokus (Kath. Pfarrei St.Jodokus), consecrated in 1511.




In Skulpturenpark, we found an ancient weather station (Historische Wetterstation).










After a walk in the old town, we went further and climbed the Johannisberg Hill. The path goes through the beautiful Winzerscher Garten.












From the observation deck you have a good view of the city and the fortress Sparrenburg, residence of Count Hermann von Ravensberg, who founded the city in 1214.


This time one hill was enough for us, so we did not go up to the fortress.


2024

This time we came with our daughter to Bielefeld swimming pool Badewelt Ishara. The pool is good, kids will love it, we recommend.

And after the pool we went up to the Sparrenburg castle-fortress, there is a parking lot right next to the fortress 52.014556, 8.528583.




The castle was built as the residence of Count Hermann von Ravensberg, who founded the town in 1214. Because one of the counts died childless, the castle changed ownership and continued to change hands. The castle got its present appearance mainly in the 16th and 19th centuries. On November 18, 1377 Emperor Charles IV spent the night in the castle.

After the invention of gunpowder, the castle was significantly improved and became the largest fortress in Westphalia and one of the best preserved fortifications of the Renaissance in northern Germany.

Took part in many battles and by the end of the XVII century no longer met the military requirements. The outer walls were dismantled, the area became desolate and turned into a prison.

During the castle romanticism of the 19th century, a “Restoration Committee” was founded in Bielefeld and in 1842/43 the tower was reconstructed. During World War II, the Sparrenburg was used as an anti-aircraft position and was severely damaged in an air raid on September 30, 1944. The tower is the only left intact. You can climb it and get really picturesque views of the city from the top. Entrance to the castle is free, but to climb the tower you need to buy a token.










Getting there: Bielefeld is a major railway hub.