Whether you want to climb the historic Sparrenburg, stroll through the charming Old Town, or explore the vibrant University District – Bielefeld surprises with a mix of history, innovation, and nature. So, it's high time to clear up the clichés and take a closer look at the city!

• Middle Ages Meets Modernity – The Sparrenburg as a landmark and modern architecture shape the cityscape.
• Culture and Creativity – Museums, theaters, and a young art scene make the city culturally exciting.
• Green Oases in the Metropolis – The Teutoburg Forest is right at the doorstep and invites outdoor adventures.
• Shopping & Culinary Delights – Everything from cozy cafés to international restaurants is available.
• Diverse Nightlife – Students and creatives bring life to bars, clubs, and alternative meeting spots.

• Population: approx. 340,000
• Area: 258 km²
• Founded: 1214 by Count Hermann von Ravensberg
• State: North Rhine-Westphalia
• Landmark: Sparrenburg
• Highest Point: Totenkopf (320 m) in the Teutoburg Forest
• Known for: The "Bielefeld Conspiracy," Bielefeld University, Dr. Oetker
• Rivers: Lutter, Aa, Johannisbach
• Economic Sectors: Food industry, machinery manufacturing, healthcare
• Partner Cities: including Rochdale (England), Nahariya (Israel), Estelí (Nicaragua)
• Transport: Very good train connections (ICE), A2 motorway access, city rail network

Bielefeld was founded in 1214 by Count Hermann of Ravensberg. Its location between the ridges of the Teutoburg Forest made the city an ideal trading place. Early on, Bielefeld became known for its linen weaving – an industry that shaped the city for centuries.

Rise to an Industrial City

In the 19th century, Bielefeld experienced an economic boom. The city became a center of the textile industry and developed rapidly. Machinery and food production also grew – companies like Dr. Oetker were founded here and are still world-renowned today.

Post-War Period and Present Day

After World War II, Bielefeld was quickly rebuilt. The founding of Bielefeld University in 1969 turned the city into an important educational location. Today, Bielefeld combines tradition with modernity – from historical buildings to a vibrant science and business sector.

Bielefeld consists of ten districts, each with its own unique characteristics. Here is an overview:

District	Neighborhoods	Known for
Center	Old Town New Town Sieker	Historic Center Shopping Nightlife
Brackwede	Brackwede Quelle Ummeln	Largest District Industry, Residential Areas
Dornberg	Großdornberg, Hoberge-Uerentrup	Villa District Proximity to the Teutoburg Forest
Gadderbaum	Bethel Sieker-Mitte	Bethel Foundations Green Surroundings
Heepen	Heepen Altenhagen, Milse	Traditional Neighborhoods Quiet Living
Jöhlenbeck	Jöhlenbeck Theesen	Rural Atmosphere Sports Clubs

Bielefeld has an exciting mix of historical and modern landmarks. Whether you're passionate about castles, architecture, or nature – there’s plenty to discover here. Be sure to add these places to your list:

• Sparrenburg – The city’s landmark offering an impressive view.
• Old Town Nicolaikirche – The oldest church in Bielefeld featuring intricate windows.
• Obersee in Schildesche – A popular lake for walking, cycling, or relaxing.
• Ravensberger Spinnerei – An industrial monument that now serves as a cultural center.
• Dr. Oetker World – A museum and experience center dedicated to the famous brand.

The Sparrenburg – The Heart of Bielefeld

The Sparrenburg is undoubtedly the most famous landmark of the city. The fortress was built in the 13th century to secure the trade route through the Teutoburg Forest. Today, you can visit the restored castle, stroll through the underground passages, or climb the 37-meter-high tower – from here, you’ll have a breathtaking view over Bielefeld.

🗺️ Tip: Every year in July, the Sparrenburgfest takes place, bringing the castle to life with medieval markets and knight battles.

The Perfect Route for Your Bielefeld Tour

Want to explore Bielefeld in a day? Here’s an optimal route:

1. Start at Sparrenburg – Climb the tower and enjoy the view.
2. Explore the Old Town – Visit the Nicolaikirche and wander through the alleys.
3. Lunch at a traditional local restaurant – Try Westphalian specialties like Pickert (a type of potato pancake).
4. Visit Ravensberger Spinnerei – Discover the industrial history of the city.
5. Relax at Obersee – Perfect for a walk or a cool drink.
6. End with a visit to Dr. Oetker World – A sweet conclusion with insights into the famous brand.

🗺️ Tip: If you still have energy in the evening, a visit to Lokschuppen is worth it; it’s a popular spot for concerts and events.

Although Bielefeld is not located directly on a large river, there are some beautiful bodies of water that shape the city.

Name of the body of water	Length (approx.)	Special feature
Lutter	12 km	Flows through the city and shapes its appearance
Aa	20 km	Flows through the Obersee and empties into the Weser
Johannisbach	24 km	Picturesque stream in the Teutoburg Forest
Obersee	-	Artificially created lake with cycling and walking paths

🧐 Did you know? The Lutter partially runs underground through the city center and has been uncovered in some places in recent years.

Bielefeld is not only a livable city but also a significant economic and scientific hub.

Population Statistics

• Population: approx. 340,000
• Average age: approx. 42 years
• Student population: approx. 25,000
• Highest population density: In the city center and in Schildesche
• Multicultural city: Over 20% of the residents have a migration background

Key Industries in Bielefeld

Bielefeld has made a name for itself in various economic sectors:

• Food industry – Companies like Dr. Oetker and Seidensticker are based here.
• Mechanical engineering – Important employers include DMG Mori and Schüco.
• Healthcare – The v. Bodelschwingh Foundations Bethel are one of the largest social employers in Europe.
• Higher education and science – Bielefeld University is one of the most prestigious research institutions in Germany.

🗒️ Tip: Bielefeld University is known for its open architecture – all departments are connected in one large building.

Whether it's music festivals, wine festivals, or sports events – there’s something happening in Bielefeld all year round. The city surprises with a diverse event calendar that delights both culture and leisure enthusiasts.

The Main Events in Bielefeld

Here are some of the largest and most popular events in the city:

Event	Timeframe	Info	Admission
Hermannslauf	April	One of the most famous fun runs in Germany (31 km from Detmold to Bielefeld)	Participation fee
Nachtansichten	April	Museums and cultural institutions open their doors late into the night	Admission for all participating locations with one ticket
Leineweber-Markt	May	Large city festival with live music, rides, and regional specialties	Free
Campus Festival Bielefeld	June	Music festival featuring national and international artists on the university campus	Ticket price varies by category
Sparrenburgfest	July	Medieval market with knight games at the castle	Mostly free, some programs are subject to fees
Bielefeld Christmas Market	November – December	Festive stalls in the old town with mulled wine, crafts, and lights	Free

📝 Tip: The Leineweber-Markt is the largest city festival in Bielefeld – perfect for experiencing the regional culture and culinary delights.

Bielefeld is versatile – whether you're planning a day trip, a romantic weekend, or a family exploration tour. Here are our top recommendations.

Five excursion destinations in Bielefeld

1. Climbing the Sparrenburg – The view from the castle tower over the city is an absolute highlight.
2. Exploring Obersee and Johannisbach – Perfect for a bike tour or a picnic by the water.
3. Visiting the Kunsthalle Bielefeld – One of the most important galleries for modern art in North Rhine-Westphalia.
4. Bielefeld Farmhouse Museum – An open-air museum showcasing rural life from past centuries.
5. Shopping in the Old Town – Charming little shops and cafés invite you to stroll around.

3 recommendations in Bielefeld for couples

1. Romantic evening in the Teutoburg Forest – A hike in nature followed by a cozy dinner at the restaurant "Glück und Seligkeit" (former church, now a restaurant with a unique atmosphere).
2. Wine night at the wine bar "Weinstein" – Perfect for cozy hours together with excellent wines.
3. Culture and relaxation at Dr. Oetker World – Stroll through the sweet world of baking art, then relax at the wellness pool Ishara.

3 recommendations in Bielefeld for singles

1. Bar hopping in the Neustadt – The trendy bars in the Old Town are ideal for meeting new people.
2. Attending events at the Lokschuppen – From concerts to comedy shows, there’s always something happening here.
3. Outdoor sports in the Bürgerpark – Whether jogging, beach volleyball, or yoga – here you’ll find like-minded individuals.

3 recommendations in Bielefeld for families

1. Discovering the Farmhouse Museum – Children can see how people lived and worked in the past.
2. Visiting the Olderdissen Zoo – A free zoo featuring native animal species, perfect for family outings.
3. Fun at the Teuto Climbing Park – An adventure for both young and old at great heights.

Three hotel recommendations in Bielefeld

1. Hotel Bielefelder Hof (★★★★) – Elegant hotel directly at the main train station with an excellent breakfast.
2. LÉGÈRE Hotel (★★★★) – Modern design hotel with a great bar and central location.
3. Hotel Wali (★★★) – Affordable, family-friendly hotel with good access to the city center.

Before you plan your trip, here are a few practical tips for your arrival and stay.

How to get to Bielefeld

• By car: Bielefeld is directly located on the A2 (Dortmund–Hannover) and is easily accessible by car. There are numerous parking garages within the city.
• By train: The Bielefeld Central Station is an important ICE hub with fast connections to Berlin, Cologne, and Munich.
• By plane: The nearest airports are Hannover (about 100 km) and Paderborn-Lippstadt (about 50 km).

🛣️ Tip: Within the city, the light rail lines (a mix of tram and subway) are the quickest and most convenient way to get around.

Although Bielefeld is often underestimated, the city has a lot to offer. From the **Sparrenburg** to the **cultural diversity** and the **green oases** like the **Teutoburg Forest** – there's something for everyone here.