Bielefeld Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the North Rhine-Westphalia region, Bielefeld is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends history and modernity. Known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, this hidden gem offers a unique experience for travelers looking to explore Germany beyond the mainstream destinations.

Bielefeld's charming old town, Altstadt, is a true architectural delight. Stroll along the cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses, and you'll feel like you've stepped back in time. The Sparrenburg Castle, an imposing fortress that dates back to the 13th century, stands proudly atop a hill and offers panoramic views of the city. Take a guided tour inside the castle and uncover its fascinating history, or simply enjoy a leisurely picnic in its tranquil surroundings.

For art enthusiasts, Bielefeld doesn't disappoint. The Kunsthalle Bielefeld, a modern art museum housed in a striking glass building, showcases an impressive collection of contemporary artworks. From thought-provoking installations to avant-garde paintings, this museum offers a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of art.

Nature lovers will find solace in the Teutoburg Forest, which surrounds Bielefeld. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on one of the many picturesque trails that wind through this lush green paradise. The Hermannsdenkmal, a colossal monument commemorating the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, stands tall amidst the trees and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Foodies will be delighted by Bielefeld's vibrant culinary scene. From traditional German delicacies to international fusion cuisine, the city has something to satisfy every palate. Don't miss the chance to try the local specialty, the "Pumpernickel," a dense and dark rye bread that is synonymous with the region.

When it comes to shopping, Bielefeld offers a mix of trendy boutiques and well-known international brands. Explore the bustling shopping streets of Bahnhofstrasse and Niedernstraße, where you'll find everything from high-end fashion to quirky vintage stores.

Alternative names: Population: 339.8 thous. (2019)Area: 99.93 mi²Elevation: 394 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 52°1'16"N, 8°31'54"E

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North Rhine-WestphaliaGermany

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Bielefeld Top Attractions

Bielefeld Attractions - What to See and Explore

Bielefeld offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Bielefelder Alm, Sparrenburg, Kunsthalle Bielefeld, Bielefeld Opera. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Sport venue • Arenas and stadiums • Football
Bielefelder Alm
Nestled in the heart of the German city of Bielefeld, the Bielefelder Alm, also known as the SchücoArena for sponsorship reasons, stands as a landmark for sports enthusiasts and visitors alike. This stadium, with a rich history and vibrant atmosphere, is the home...
Forts and castles • Historical place
Sparrenburg
The Sparrenburg is a quintessential historical landmark nestled in the heart of Bielefeld, Germany. This imposing fortress, perched atop a hill, offers visitors a glimpse into the medieval past of the region. Dating back to the 13th century, the Sparrenburg served as a...
Iconic 60s building and modern art museum
Kunsthalle Bielefeld
The Kunsthalle Bielefeld is a modern and contemporary art museum in Bielefeld, Germany. It was designed by Philip Johnson in 1968, and paid for by the businessman and art patron Rudolf August Oetker.

Theater • Concerts and shows • Art Nouveau architecture
Bielefeld Opera
The Bielefeld Opera is the venue of Städtische Bühnen Bielefeld in Bielefeld, Germany. It is a Dreisparten Haus, offering plays, music, and ballet.
Botanical garden • Garden • Park
Botanischer Garten Bielefeld
The Botanischer Garten Bielefeld is a municipal botanical garden located beside the southeast edge of the Teutoburger Wald at Am Kahlenberg 16, Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is open daily without charge. The garden was established in 1912 on one hectare.
Museum • Alt- und Neustadt
Deutsches Fächermuseum
The German Fan Museum is an arts and crafts museum specializing in fans located in Bielefeld in North Rhine-Westphalia. The corresponding foundation was established in 1994 by Marie-Luise and Günter Barisch. The museum was opened in 1995.
Museum • Brands Busch
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in Bielefeld is a natural history museum in the city of Bielefeld in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Since 2003, it was given the additional name namu, which stands for the German words Natur, Mensch, and Umwelt. The exhibitions take place in the Spiegelshof, a historical building from the 14th century.
52°1'26"N • 8°30'29"E
Bauernhausmuseum
Museum • Johannistal
52°0'55"N • 8°31'16"E
Dr. Oetker Welt
Museum • Specialty museum • Entertainment
52°1'9"N • 8°31'43"E
Bielefelder Kunstverein
Museum • Alt- und Neustadt
Nature • Outdoor activities • Lake
Obersee
Obersee is an artificial reservoir in the Schildesche district of Bielefeld. With a size of about 20 ha, it is the largest body of water in Bielefeld.
Church • Alt- und Neustadt
Evangelical Church of Westphalia
The Protestant Church of Westphalia is a United Protestant church body in North Rhine-Westphalia. The seat of the praeses is Bielefeld.
Aquarium • Zoo • Outdoor activities
Heimat-Tierpark Olderdissen
Heimat-Tierpark Olderdissen is a municipal zoo in Bielefeld. On about 16 hectares, 90 different species with over 450 individuals can be observed. The park is operated by the city's Umweltbetrieb, which provides a special feature of year-round...
Church • Alt- und Neustadt
Altstädter Nicolaikirche
The Altstädter Nicolaikirche is the oldest church in the original urban area of Bielefeld. It is the church of the Evangelical Lutheran Altstädter Nicolaikirchengemeinde. The church is named after Nicholas of Myra.
Church • Bethel
Zionskirche
Zionskirche in the Bielefeld district of Gadderbaum is an Evangelical Lutheran parish church. It belongs to the Bielefeld church district of the Evangelical Church of Westphalia.
Church • Alt- und Neustadt
Süsterkirche
The Süster Church of the former Augustinian convent of Mariental is today the parish church of the Protestant Reformed congregation in the eastern Westphalian city of Bielefeld. It is located in the northern part of the old town on the Süsterplatz...
Church • Südstadt
Church of the Holy Cross
The Kreuzkirche in the Bielefeld borough of Sennestadt is an Evangelical Lutheran parish church. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the Sennestadthaus on the B68. The church is an architectural monument.
Church • Jöllenbeck-Ost
Marienkirche Jöllenbeck
St. Mary's Church Jöllenbeck is one of the three parish churches in the united Evangelical Lutheran Reconciliation Church Parish of Jöllenbeck in the Bielefeld district and borough of Jöllenbeck.
Church • Vilsendorf
Epiphaniaskirche Vilsendorf
Epiphany Church is one of the three parish churches in the united Evangelical Lutheran Reconciliation Church Parish of Jöllenbeck in the Bielefeld district and borough of Jöllenbeck. It is named after Epiphany.

Things to See and Do in Bielefeld by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Bielefeld.

Culture

Bielefeld Opera
Mitte, Bielefeld
TheaterConcerts and showsArt Nouveau architectureKesselbrink
Brunnen am Alten Markt
Mitte, Bielefeld
TheaterConcerts and showsFountainAlt- und Neustadt
Artists Unlimited
Mitte, Bielefeld
MuseumArt galleryDürkopp
Stadthalle Bielefeld
Mitte, Bielefeld
Event spaceConvention centerConcert hallPauluskirche
Alte Wassermühle zu Bentrup
Heepen, Bielefeld
WindmillCafeArt galleryBrönninghausen

Church

Evangelical Church of Westphalia
Mitte, Bielefeld
ChurchAlt- und Neustadt
Altstädter Nicolaikirche
Mitte, Bielefeld
ChurchAlt- und Neustadt
Zionskirche
Gadderbaum, Bielefeld
ChurchBethel
Süsterkirche
Mitte, Bielefeld
ChurchAlt- und Neustadt
Church of the Holy Cross
Sennestadt, Bielefeld
ChurchSüdstadt

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Museum

Kunsthalle Bielefeld
Mitte, BielefeldIconic 60s building and modern art museum
MuseumArt museumAlt- und Neustadt
Deutsches Fächermuseum
Mitte, Bielefeld
MuseumAlt- und Neustadt
Natural History Museum
Mitte, Bielefeld
MuseumBrands Busch
Bauernhausmuseum
Gadderbaum, Bielefeld
MuseumJohannistal
Dr. Oetker Welt
Mitte, Bielefeld
MuseumSpecialty museumEntertainmentAlt- und Neustadt

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Park

Botanischer Garten Bielefeld
Gadderbaum, Bielefeld
Botanical gardenGardenParkJohannistal
Heimat-Tierpark Olderdissen
Gadderbaum, Bielefeld
AquariumZooOutdoor activitiesJohannistal
Bezirkssportanlage Rußheide
Mitte, Bielefeld
ParkHammer-Mühle
Freibad Schröttinghausen
Dornberg, Bielefeld
Park
N.S.G. Kampeters Kolk
Senne, Bielefeld
ParkWindflöte

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Day trips

Bielefeld – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Bielefeld, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum (Paderborn), Ith, Hermannsdenkmal (Detmold).

22 milesSE
Science museum, Universities and schools
Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum, Paderborn
The Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum in Paderborn, Germany, stands as a monumental tribute to the world of information technology. Known as the world's largest computer museum, this impressive institution takes visitors on a journey through the history of computing, from the...
44 milesE
Climbing
Ith
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Lower Saxony, Germany, the Ith is a prominent ridge that has become a mecca for rock climbing enthusiasts. This natural wonder, stretching over 20 kilometers in length and reaching heights of up to 439 meters, offers a unique...
15 milesSE
Hilltop memorial to a Germanic chieftain
Hermannsdenkmal, Detmold
Rising above the lush Teutoburg Forest, the Hermannsdenkmal stands as a towering testament to Germanic pride and a pivotal moment in history. Located near the city of Detmold in Germany, this colossal statue was created by sculptor Ernst von Bandel and completed in...
19 milesSE
Monuments and statues
Externsteine relief, Externsteine
The Externsteine relief is a remarkable piece of cultural heritage nestled within the natural rock formation known as the Externsteine, situated in the Teutoburg Forest near the town of Horn-Bad Meinberg in Germany. This ancient relief is an enigmatic carving that has...
22 milesNE
Monuments and statues
Emperor William Monument, Porta Westfalica
Perched atop the rolling landscape of the Weserbergland hills, the Emperor William Monument (Kaiser-Wilhelm-Denkmal) commands a majestic view over the town of Porta Westfalica, Germany. This grand monument, dedicated to Kaiser Wilhelm I, is not only a symbol of German...

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Best Time To Visit Bielefeld

Learn when is the best time to travel to Bielefeld weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

April, May, June and July are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in August.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in February and April. Most of it rains in January, June and December.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Bielefeld?

The top attractions to visit in Bielefeld are:

What is the best time to visit Bielefeld?

April, May, June and July are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.