Discover Coesfeld: History, the Berkel and Cycling Routes

History and Culture in Coesfeld

The Walkenbrückentor is a remnant of Coesfeld’s 14th-century town fortifications. The building houses the town museum “DAS TOR,” which presents Coesfeld’s past. It is open Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. Check the opening hours again before your visit.

The former synagogue is also open Saturdays from 2 to 5 p.m. It is preserved as one of the few surviving buildings of its kind in Westphalia. The Kunstverein Münsterland offers another perspective on the town’s culture. Based in the town centre, it provides visitors with more than 230 square metres of exhibition space.

Coesfeld’s religious history is also reflected in its connections to the Way of St. James. St. James’ Church is part of the historic route from Bielefeld via Coesfeld to Wesel. The Coesfeld Cross, a forked cross dating from the 14th century, houses a relic of the True Cross. It is venerated especially during the cross processions at Pentecost and on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in September.

Palace Park, the Berkel and the Natural Landscape

Coesfeld Palace Park, also known as Liebfrauenpark, opened to the public in 1980. The Berkel flows through the park, where redevelopment has made it a river visitors can experience up close. The park and waterway give a stay in Coesfeld a distinctive natural focus. Coesfeld is also part of the Hohe Mark Nature Park.

Planning Cycling and Hiking

A comprehensive cycling network in the district of Coesfeld connects towns, municipalities and localities. It includes several hundred kilometres of well-developed paths through the parkland of the Münsterland region. The Münsterland junction network also helps with route planning: numbered junctions and freely chosen sequences of numbers allow you to put together a flexible route. Check local route conditions before setting off.

Coesfeld is a recommended starting point for the main route of the Hohe Mark RadRoute. Another option is the Coesfelder Sternfahrt, which uses Coesfeld as the starting point for four cycling tours. The two offerings differ in format: the Sternfahrt centres on four tours, while Coesfeld is named as a recommended starting point for the Hohe Mark RadRoute. Check the latest route information before departure.

There are also walks of various lengths to choose from. The 30-kilometre Baumberger Ludgerusweg runs between Stift Tilbeck and Coesfeld. There are also local circular walking routes in Coesfeld and Lette, ranging from 4 to 20 kilometres. Hiking and cycling maps are sold at the Coesfeld Tourist Information office in the town hall’s citizens’ service centre. Check the latest information on its location and map selection before your trip.

Coesfeld and the Wider District

The district of Coesfeld is characterised by an exceptionally high density of palaces, castles and historic country estates. Some are open to visitors or serve as event venues, museums or places to visit; conditions vary by location. One example outside the town of Coesfeld is Vischering Castle in Lüdinghausen. It stands on two islands in the Stever’s reservoir ponds on the north-western edge of the town and has served since 1972 as a museum and as an exhibition and event venue for the district of Coesfeld. If you plan to visit this regional cultural attraction, check the current events programme.

Your planned activities may help you choose a hotel: the town museum and Kunstverein offer a cultural focus, the palace park and Berkel a natural one, and the cycling and walking routes an active one. Coesfeld can therefore be considered a base for a range of travel interests, while keeping destinations in town distinct from attractions elsewhere in the district.

Discover more destinations: Ascheberg, Rosendahl, Senden, Coesfeld, Havixbeck, Nottuln, Billerbeck, Dülmen, Lüdinghausen, Nordkirchen, Olfen.

Return to the main travel overview: North Rhine-Westphalia.