Location: Bielefeld
Top Things to do in Bielefeld
Top Restaurants in Bielefeld
The 10 Best Things to Do in Bielefeld, Germany
Set on a pass between the northern and southern sections of the Teutoburg Forest, Bielefeld is home to about 325,000 people. Sparrenberg Castle, one of the main attractions, dates from the 13th century, as do the Altstädter Nicolaikirche (St. Nicholas' Church) and the Neustädter Marienkirche (St. Mary's Church). The city also figures prominently in the Bielefeld Conspiracy, a German internet joke that the town does not actually exist, but is rather an elaborate alien or government conspiracy.
Restaurants in Bielefeld
1. Heimat-Tierpark Olderdissen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 447 reviews
Reviewed By willyoutravel - Bonn, Germany
well when I first moved here people told me how good the place is, but really you have to see by yourself. Don't expect a traditional zoo though! It is like a small zoo with no entrance fee (completely funded by donations). You get to see small animals like goats, Guinea pigs, rabbits but also bears, buffalos, deer and wolfs. A good place for a walk or jogging. Kids can touch and play with goats and have a plying area, it also has a cafe and restaurant.
2. Sparrenburg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
Reviewed By Herr_KO - Steinhagen, Germany
We've had family over and one thing we obviously had to go to was the castle. We took the little train up there, as parking can be quite a hassle.
The view is awesome, especially if you take the climb up the tower. Not too hard, but quite a few steps.
It's a very nice spot to spend a sunny afternoon, have a drink or an ice cream with the kids. And the best thing, it's basically for free (except food and the additional fee for the tower).
3. Botanischer Garten
Overall Ratings
4 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By Philmex1 - Southampton, United Kingdom
I walked from the Sparrenburg to the Botanic Garden in about 20 mins at average pace. It's a lovely corner with a traditional German half-timbered house (Fachwerkhaus) benches and beautiful Gardens. I would guess Maytime would be the best time to visit as you would see more rhododendrons / azaleas.
4. Dr. Oetker Welt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
5. Lenkwerk
Overall Ratings
4 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By ColmV - Johannesburg, South Africa
A very nicely set out museum, the info was very interesting, but a bit sparse. the catering on site was good. Unfortunately the souvenir shop was open at very late and difficult hours.
6. Old Town Hall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Graziella G - Porto Alegre, RS
The Old Town hall, or Altes Rathaus in german, is a very distinct building in the Bielefeld streets. I think is one of the most beautifuls Rathaus in Germany. The day I went there, I couldn'd visit inside, but the facade is so amazing that was enough for me.
7. Kunsthalle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Florian254 - Norddeutschland
The Kunsthalle lies at the end of the pedestrian area in a nice little park with some statues in and is just a 10 minute walk from the Sparrenburg, It is a modern 3 storey building, not too large but with high ceilings and good lighting appropriate for displaying art.
The layout is a bit funny; there is no obvious walk through any exhibition so on one hand it is a bit about discovering, on the other, if the exhibition calls for a certain (i.e. chronological) order to walk through on can easily miss it.All rooms and facilities are clean and in good condition.
For what is on display, they do change the exhibits regularly so have a look on their internetpage to see if what they have is something you like. They do offer guides for groups, audioguides and the pictures normally come with good information.
8. Historisches Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Dubaiidk - Lewisville, North Carolina
This small museum is not comprehensive, but does cover quite a bit of local industry history. We enjoyed walking through the open space. Some intriguing bits of machinery. I never thought I would be so interested in an old lathe.
9. Museum Waeschefabrik
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By solomon5 - Florida
Checking out their web site before your visit will help you understand this museum. It is very unconventional. Things have been left as they were when the factory closed in the 1980s. There is a room full of sewing machines with work still in them. There are paper patterns and bolts of material. There was also a display on bleaching fabric, one of the original jobs done here. The nooks and crannies of the building are interesting too.
So if you should happen to be in Bielefeld after 11 on a Sunday, check it out.
10. LOOM Bielefeld
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
The latest trends, the most popular brands, the coolest styles - that's Loom Bielefeld! Clothing, accessories, shoes - the center in Bielefeld's pedestrian zone will be the premier address for fashion in the region.
Reviewed By Mohamed H
Very nice mall. Brand new just opened this winter. A lot of shops and restaurants. Good for families and couples to hang out
