Discover Harsewinkel

Harsewinkel combines historic church and monastery architecture with nature reserves and trails. In Marienfeld, the former Cistercian monastery and several hiking routes take centre stage; in Greffen, motorcycle history is complemented by an annual ride. This allows you to consider culture, landscapes and outdoor activities as distinct themes for your stay.

Churches and monastic history

Harsewinkel’s St. Lucia Church is a neo-Gothic building dating from the mid-19th century. Its tower, built in 1904, is now a landmark of the town. In Marienfeld, the history of the Cistercian monastery goes back further: founded in 1185, it was one of Westphalia’s most important monasteries until its dissolution in 1803. The late Romanesque abbey church is considered an outstanding example of Cistercian architecture. Its design had a lasting influence on other important church buildings in Westphalia and the Baltic region.

The Marienfeld local history museum also explores the past, bringing traditional farming and crafts to life. The Prälatenweg combines hiking with the opportunity to visit monasteries and gardens in Marienfeld, Herzebrock and Clarholz. This circular route links the three former monasteries in these towns. Marienfeld thus brings together sacred architectural history, rural and craft heritage, and a trail that connects places across the region.

Hiking trails and natural landscapes

Harsewinkel has a well-signposted network of cycling and hiking trails. Two routes through Marienfeld differ considerably in length: the historic Cistercian Trail is 1,200 metres long and loops around the monastery grounds. The regional Hühnermoor hiking trail is 7.15 kilometres long. Comparing their distances can help you plan, while keeping in mind that the routes follow different paths.

The Boomberge nature reserve consists of former Ems River sand dunes formed at the end of the last Ice Age. Paths run through the tree-covered area; the oldest are at least 150 years old. Hühnermoor offers a different kind of landscape: it is Harsewinkel’s oldest nature reserve and a remnant of a 4,000-year-old raised bog. A visit in June, when the cotton grass is in bloom, is particularly appealing.

Motorcycle museum and annual ride

In the Harsewinkel district of Greffen, the privately owned Beckmann Motorcycle Museum has 200 motorcycles from the first half of the 20th century. Another event to note is the International Spökenkieker Ride, organised by the Greffen Motorcycle Museum every year on the weekend before Pentecost. Motorcycles built before 1914 are eligible to take part. If you would like to include the ride in your travel plans, check the exact event date in advance.

Harsewinkel offers several distinct interests: monastic history and architecture, hikes of varying lengths, protected landscapes, and a collection and event dedicated to historic motorcycles. The themes that appeal to you most can guide your choice of destination.

Discover more destinations: Gütersloh, Schloß Holte-Stukenbrock, Borgholzhausen, Versmold, Werther, Rietberg, Verl, Langenberg.

Return to the main travel overview: Gütersloh.