Discover Vellinghausen

Vellinghausen is associated with a battle from the Seven Years’ War in 1761. A memorial stands in Löwenwäldchen. Those interested in history will find a clear local focus here; Vellinghausen Castle adds a historic building to this perspective. The wider destination of Welver offers further themes relating to local and monastic history, as well as nature. This makes it possible to distinguish the history associated with Vellinghausen from the additional themes in Welver.

Vellinghausen Castle

Vellinghausen Castle was built in 1300 and is a landmark of the twin village of Eilmsen–Vellinghausen. It is privately owned and inhabited; for visitors, its historic exterior is the main attraction. The building and the memorial offer different historical points of interest: the castle focuses attention on its architectural history and role as a landmark, while the monument provides a distinct focus as a memorial. Together, these themes offer more than a single way to explore local history.

Local Heritage Museum and History in Welver

In the destination of Welver, the local heritage museum is housed in the former bakery and brewery of Welver Monastery. It contains a large collection on local history and a diorama of the Battle of Vellinghausen featuring around 3,000 tin soldiers. Two levels of history meet in the museum: the broader history of the area and a specific depiction of the battle. The collection places the subject within local history, while the diorama focuses specifically on the battle. The building’s former use as a bakery and brewery adds another perspective on its own history.

Church History in Welver

Another historical focus in the destination of Welver is Kirchwelver, a former monastic village. The Romanesque church was probably built in the 11th or 12th century. In 1240, Cistercian nuns enlarged the church and added a tower; it subsequently served as a monastery church. The Reformed congregation and the Catholic nunnery used it jointly for more than 100 years. In 1700, the nuns consecrated a new Baroque monastery church. The dates distinguish the probable early origins from the later, specifically dated alterations and uses.

Nature and Trails in Welver

The Ahsewiesen nature reserve, on the border between Welver and Lippetal, offers a different perspective. It includes damp and wet grassland, reed beds, hedgerows and small bodies of water. The area provides waders and waterbirds with breeding, resting and wintering habitats; amphibians, dragonflies and species-rich grassland communities also find a habitat there. The variety of habitats gives Ahsewiesen a distinct focus alongside the historical themes.

Welver has six circular hiking trails ranging from 2.5 to around 14 kilometres; the trails are signposted locally. Check the local markers and current trail conditions before setting out. There are also cycling routes with different profiles: the 30-kilometre northern route is designated as a Culture Route and passes cultural heritage sites of historical significance in the municipality. A short cycling route suitable for families is just under 10 kilometres long and passes through the Staatsforst, also known as Reiherwald, to Haus Nehlen in Berwicke. This offers a choice between a shorter route through the forest and a longer route focused on cultural heritage sites. Check local conditions before cycling, too.

Discover more destinations: Anröchte, Erwitte, Lippstadt, Bad Sassendorf, Lippetal, Ense, Möhnesee and Welver.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Soest.